The Pomapoo is one of the fluffiest and most adorable dogs in the world. Often called teddy bear dogs because they resemble stuffed animals, they are a mix of a Toy Poodle and a Pomeranian. Many people love them because of their small sizes. As long as you have the proper carrier, you can take this dog on vacation and when you run errands around town. Despite their tiny sizes, they are loyal dogs that will do anything to keep their owners safe.
This mixed breed is one of the top choices for fans of small dogs. You can sleep with this little dog in your bed and spend hours sitting on the couch with it curled up in your lap. They love attention and can easily learn tricks if they know they will get a reward at the end of the session. You’ll also find that these small dogs are feisty and a little sassy. Before deciding to buy a Pomapoo puppy from a breeder, make sure that this is the type of dog for you.
What You Need to Know About Pomapoos
- They typically only stand eight to 10 inches off the ground
- Pomapoos weigh between five and 15 pounds
- Adult dogs can live for up to 14 years
- They are both lapdogs and companion dogs
- Pomapoos do best in homes with adults and other kids
- Their coats can include colors such as black, brown, white and tan
- They go by other names, including Pom-a-Poo, Poopom and Pooranian
History of the Pomapoo
This teddy bear dog gets its unique look from the genes it inherited from both sides of its family line. They are so small that you can hold a Pomapoo puppy in the palm of your hand. These lapdogs love nothing more than sitting on a warm lap, which is one of the only traits they share with cats. You might hear some refer to this dog as a designer breed or a hybrid breed because they come from the breeding of two different dogs. Neither the American Kennel Club nor the Continental Kennel Club officially recognizes this breed.
We can trace the Pomapoo breed back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, which is when breeders began mixing dogs and creating designer breeds. One of its parents must be a Toy Poodle. This is the official name given to the Miniature Poodle breed. Breeders specifically bred smaller Poodles with each other to create dogs that were a fraction of the size of a Standard Poodle.
The Poodle is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. We have records that show members of royalty owned Poodles in the 15th century. The American Kennel Club now lists the Poodle as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the United States. Toy Poodles are essentially a variation of this breed and do have a separate classification.
Though the Pomeranian breed is not as old, it is much older than some of the hybrid breeds. This dog grew in popularity during the 19th century. Queen Victoria loved her Pomeranian dogs so much that she often took them on official trips and posed for portraits with them. Others fell in love with this breed because of how cute and small they were. Among all the breeds registered with the AKC, the Pomeranian ranks among the top 25. Breeders used the Toy Poodle and Pomeranian as a way to create a new and adorable breed that had a small size and super fluffy look.
Pomapoo Puppies
Pomapoo puppies are so small when firstborn that they almost look like tiny mice. They typically need to stay with their mothers for eight weeks. The mother will slowly wean the puppies off her milk and help them learn how to clean their bodies, use the bathroom and eat solid food. Breeders should also work with the puppies to make sure that they are healthy and ready to go to a good home. Your new puppy may weigh as little as 16 ounces when you bring it home.
This is not the type of dog that you see at shelters or rescue groups. People spend quite a bit of money on them and rarely give them up. Breeders usually charge $1,000 for a single Pomapoo puppy, but you may pay as much as $1,500 for one of these designer dogs. Reputable breeders are worth the extra cost as they often have the puppies checked by a vet and get them some of their early vaccinations. Those breeders also allow you to get your money back or put your money towards a puppy from a new litter if the veterinarian finds any significant issues with your new puppy.
Both Pomeranian and Toy Poodle mothers give birth to litters of two to six puppies. The odds of the mother having a larger birth is rare, as are the chances that the mother will only give birth to one puppy. At the age of eight weeks, most puppies weigh between eight and 16 ounces. Their weight can climb to 1.5 to two pounds by the age of three months and hit three pounds when they turn six months old. Most of these puppies stop growing when they reach six to 12 months old. Your dog can weigh as little as six pounds or up to around nine pounds.
Playful Dogs
While starring on a hit television show, Paris Hilton often brought along her Pomeranian when appearing on the red carpet. Other celebrities who love small dogs include Kelly Osbourne, Sylvester Stallone and Nicole Richie. They like how playful these dogs are and how much energy they have. You can throw a toy multiple times and find that your little guy or gal still wants to play. They do just as well when playing with other dogs too, though you may find that your puppy does not do well around larger dogs.
Small Dog Syndrome
One issue that you need to keep in mind is something called small dog syndrome. This occurs in small dogs and makes them forget that they are smaller than other breeds. It causes them to bark when they see other dogs and act aggressively. They may get territorial when other dogs and animals enter their spaces too. Small dog syndrome is common in many breeds but not as common among Pomapoos. Your dog may act in this way because you did not socialize it as a puppy.
Pomapoo Temperament
In addition to being playful, the Pomapoo is an affectionate dog. While they like small toys and will chase a ball, they also like being with their families. The way your Pom-a-Poo acts will depend heavily on whether it acts more like a Pomeranian or a Toy Poodle. You can talk with the breeder to see how the parents behave. Some breeders keep in contact with the owners who buy from them and can tell you what they learned about the temperaments of past owners. As long as you can give the dog all the attention that it demands, you can do well with a Pomapoo.
Can You Have a Pomapoo and Other Dogs?
Pomapoos do well in homes with more than one dog and respond well in situations around other animals such as trips to the dog park. You should keep in mind that they feel more comfortable when they know and recognize those animals. If you already have one or more dogs in your home, you’ll want to slowly introduce them to the new puppy. It’s helpful to keep the Pomapoo puppy in one room and give the dogs time to smell each other through the doors. You can then introduce them to each other in a common area with direct supervision. At the first sign of any issues, remove the smallest dog. These same tips will work if you need to introduce a new puppy to the family cat.
How Do Pomapoos Respond to Families?
While the Pomapoo is not a pack dog, it does well in most homes. This small dog will quickly learn that both you and any other humans or animals in the house are part of its family. The one exception is a home with one or more small children. These tiny dogs can attack young children who pull on its tail or grab its ears. Small kids can also injure the dogs without your noticing it. A Pomapoo, like other pomeranian mix breeds, is so small that a child grabbing it off the floor or trying to carry it can cause internal injuries.
You also need to use caution when handling one of these dogs yourself. Many owners find it helpful to invest in a crate that they keep in their bedrooms. The dog can sleep in there at night and come out during the day. Using a crate reduces the risk that you might step on or harm the dog in the middle of the night. A good crate can become a comfortable and familiar place for the dog to stay when you’re away from home too.
How to Care for a Pomapoo
One look at a Pomapoo will help you understand why this breed doesn’t require a lot of food or exercise. Not only are they tiny, but they also have very short legs. Adult Pomapoos need just one to two short walks a day. If the dog can handle more activity, you can increase the number of walks that you take together. Don’t be surprised if your dog jumps on your or tries to climb into your arms. They can grow so tired on long walks that you need to carry them home. Separation anxiety is also common, which is why you should avoid leaving the dog alone.
A common issue you might have is with potty training your Pomapoo. As they have small bladders, the typical potty training methods do not work well. You can’t give the dog water and wait 30 minutes or longer to take it outside. The dog may need to use the bathroom mere minutes after drinking. Using training pads around the house is helpful because they show the dog where it can use the restroom.
Pom-a-Poo Diet
The small size of this dog means that it doesn’t require much food. A single cup of kibble per day is all they need. You should multiply your dog’s weight by 40 to determine the number of calories that it needs. We recommend avoiding wet food as it has more calories and can cause your dog to gain weight. Dry dog food is better for a Pomapoo because it has crunchy edges that break up the plaque that can form on the dog’s teeth. If you do use wet dry food, you should only use it as a treat and alternate it with dry food. Too much wet food can cause dental problems.
Most of these dogs benefit from twice-daily feedings. Having some food early in the day and another serving later ensures that they get the calories they need but also gives them time to work off those calories and digest their food. Pomapoos also like fresh vegetables, which you can give them as treats. Carrots are a good option because they crunch like dog treats and help remove plaque.
How Much Exercise Do They Need?
A Pomapoo needs as little as 20 minutes of exercise a day. You should keep the dog on a harness attached to a leash. The harness wraps around its body and takes some of the pressure off its neck. You can attach the leash to a hook on the back of the harness. This is one of the few dog breeds that can survive in an apartment environment because they do not need long walks or a lot of space. Some of these dogs may need up to 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Pomapoos enjoy swimming and take to water like fish. You should always supervise your pup around water to make sure that it’s safe. A plastic kiddie pool in your yard may be deep enough for your dog, but you can also take the Pomapoo to water parks for animals. If your Pomapoo prefers a lapdog lifestyle, it might ignore the water in favor of the humans and other animals nearby.
Can You Train a Pomapoo?
You can train a Pomapoo and begin working with the dog when it’s only eight weeks old. Pomapoos have a stubborn streak that can worsen without proper training. If you wait until your new puppy is a few months old, you’ll have a harder time training it. They like training that involves positive reinforcement and rewards. This can include giving the dog a small treat when it responds to a command and showering it with affection. Always be mindful of how many treats you give the dog as this breed can easily gain weight.
When it comes to potty training, you need to follow a set routine. Pom-a-Poos have a strong memory and can quickly learn to use the bathroom in the same spot. You shouldn’t expect the dog to go at different times of the day or in different places. Always give the dog food and water and then take it outside as soon as you see it looking for a place to use the bathroom. With constant training, you can cut down on or eliminate accidents in the house.
Experts recommend assigning each of your dog’s toys a different name and using that name to teach it a command. You can eventually tell the dog to bring you its bunny and watch as it races off to find a stuffed bunny toy in the house. As Pomapoos are social animals, they’ll also like taking trips to the dog park.
Pomapoo Health Problems
Pomapoos do not have as many health issues as other toy breeds do, but they do have a risk of developing some of the same conditions that affect the parent breeds. This includes one condition that can cause the trachea to collapse and another that leads to cataracts forming in their eyes. Pomapoos are so prone to epilepsy and patellar luxation. A less serious condition that can impact this breed is tear staining. As their eyes produce moisture, that moisture can drain from the eyes and lead to brown spots forming in the fur around the face. Pet stores offer washing products and wipes to remove those stains.
With a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups, your Pomapoo can live for as long as 14 years. The average life span for this breed is around 12 years of age. Small dogs live much longer than large dogs do and can live even longer when you properly care for them.
Appearance and Grooming
Your Pomapoo puppy can grow up to weigh five to 15 pounds and be up to 10 inches tall. They typically have a fluffy coat that mixes the curly hair of a Poodle with the dense hair of a Pomeranian. A Pom-a-Poo can have a double or single coat in shades of brown, cream, black, white or a mixture of two or more shades. As they do not shed much, they only need brushing a few times a week to remove tangles and mats and often work for those who want a hypoallergenic Poodle mix.
Pomapoos are excitable little dogs that are friendly and love both people and animals. As they require less space, exercise and food than other breeds do, they are suitable for many owners. This little teddy bear dog will love going anywhere you want to go as long as it can be with you.