Aussiepom Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Aussiepom?

As the name might suggest, Aussie Pom dogs were first bred in Australia as a cross-breed of both the Pomeranian and Australian Shepherd. Although there was a wave of popularity for designer dogs in the country from the 1990s, the Australian Shepherd-Pomeranian mix only began to gain prominence in the 2000s.

The hybrid dog was officially recognised in 1993 by the American Kennel Club.

Who are Aussiepom dogs best for?

The Australian Pom is perfect for a wide variety of people, from older couples to those with young families. Be warned; however, these are high-energy dogs, so their family members will need to be able to keep up with the abundance of exercise these active dogs require!

The Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian mix needs a lot of space to explore, so if you have a larger home and garden, it would make the ideal living environment for these friendly dogs. Unfortunately, although they are small dogs, they aren't generally suitable for apartment living.

How much grooming does a Aussiepom need?

Like their parent breeds, Australian poms are relatively easy to care for when it comes to their hair care needs! The good news is that they don't need to be groomed or styled in any way, but their coats do require regular brushing. On top of this, a weekly bath is recommended to keep them looking and feeling their best.

Some owners like to give their Aussie poms a quick trim around the eyes and ears, but this is by no means necessary.

Do Aussiepom bark much?

Having the blood of the Australian Shepherd parent means the Australian Pom makes a brilliant watchdog. So, they aren't scared to use their vocal abilities when necessary. Saying this, they aren't prone to giving off like their Pomeranian parent, so they won't normally vocalise without undue cause.

Do Aussiepom bite?

The dog breed does tend to try to herd and lightly nip both people and animals. This is not out of malice but rather an instinct, and, thankfully, rarely does it hurt. However, this slightly unpleasant behaviour can be mitigated with proper training and socialisation from an early age.

What is the temperament & personality of a Aussiepom?

As the offspring of the Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian, this dog breed displays a similar disposition to both of its parent breeds.

These dogs are extremely sociable and big-hearted, so they love nothing more than spending time with their family. If the Aussie Pom is left on its own for too long, it can find lots of ways to cause trouble in a bid to release any pent-up stress and boredom.

What is the weight & size of a Aussiepom?

The size of these dogs can vary on quite a scale, and it is largely dependent on the size of the Australian Shepherds they are related to. Unofficially speaking, there are three sizes of Australian Pom; the standards, miniature and toy breed.

A standard and mini can weigh anywhere between 5 - 13 kg and reach heights between 25 - 33 cm, while toy Australian Poms are under 25 cm and weigh as little as 4 kg!

How much training does a Aussiepom need?

As a highly intelligent and cooperative dog breed, training proves no problem. These dogs are extremely keen to please and respond well to a wide range of commands. It's for this reason that they perform so well at training, and a lot of it has to do with one of the parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd, which they have inherited their quick thinking and love of engagement.

It's important to ensure that a new puppy is introduced to training from a young age, which doesn't need to start with puppy classes; simply a few lessons on manners and good behaviour will be enough to keep them stimulated and out of trouble until they are old enough to mix in classes with other dogs.

As a loyal dog, the Aussie Pom can sometimes be inclined to try to defend its territory or family. Early training will help prevent this from becoming a problem and will also curb any enthusiasm for barking at strangers too!

It's really important with any dog that positive reinforcement is used only. Not only will any harsh reactions to improper behaviour deter your dog, but it can also cause a lot of emotional distress. When given lots of positive reinforcement and encouragement, an Aussie Pom will be much more receptive and keen to learn.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Aussiepom?

While Australian poms can live long and healthy life, they can suffer from some health concerns. In fact, any mix of dogs that comes from a regular or toy Australian Shepherd can present with a range of health complications.

These can include:

• Heart conditions

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Eye conditions, such as cataracts

• Deafness

The best way to keep an Aussie Pom healthy is to be aware of the symptoms of these health conditions as well as to ensure they have regular veterinary check-ups. Also, making sure they are up to date with all their injections and immunisations will help them stay in optimum health.

What is the lifespan of a Aussiepom?

The Australian Shepherd - Pomeranian mix has a long life span compared to many other dogs. A healthy and happy Australian Pom can live anywhere between 12 - 15 years on average, while some can potentially live even longer.

How much should you feed a Aussiepom?

How much food an Australian Pom requires is wholly dependent on the size and the activity level of the dog in question - and this breed of dog can really vary in terms of size!

Many dog food brands will have advice about how much to feed the particular breed of dog, or your vet will be more than happy to advise you if you are in any way unsure about the amount of food a dog of this breed will require.

However, generally speaking, they should be given approximately one full cup of high-quality dog food each day, although each particular dog is different.

What is the price of a Aussiepom in Australia?

The price of an Aussie Pom dog can range between $1000 to $1200 and can depend on the colour of the dog. Always ensure that you purchase any dog breed from a reputable breeder and stay clear of puppy farms.

However, you might want to consider adopting an Aussie Pom rescue from a local animal shelter, although it may be more difficult to find one. Rescuing from these shelters saves lives and gives a dog a second chance at having a long and fulfilling life with its brand new forever family, so please consider it!