Pomapoo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pomapoo?

The Pomapoo is a crossbreed or designer dog that may have existed for a long time. They officially started being purposefully bred in the 1990s in North America (presumably), although there is no official record of this. Realistically, Pomapoos may have been around for much longer than this!

One thing that we can be sure about is that they emerged during the height of the crossbreeding craze, where new and unique dogs were being crossbred as designer dogs and sold to those who were looking for the best traits of two different dogs in one canine.

This craze wasn't all about appearance, however, as it was believed for a time that crossbreeding produced a healthier dog. This theory was later debunked as not entirely true, as a number of crossbreed dogs turned out to have more health conditions than that of their parents.

The crossbreeding craze may have died down, but Pomapoos have remained popular dogs, both in Australia and throughout the rest of the world!

Who are Pomapoo dogs best for?

Pomapoos are best for active seniors, as they only require one walk per day and only a moderate-sized walk at that. Although they have a good level of energy in them, they can burn this off easily themselves and don't need to go on regular hikes. For this reason, a Pomapoo will fit right into the lifestyle of a retiree.

Pomapoos are also a great choice for families with older children. They don't like being roughly handled, so may not be appropriate for families with young children who may take to handling them aggressively. They do like dog sports and games though, so are a good choice for older kids who can handle them responsibly.

How much grooming does a Pomapoo need?

The grooming requirements of a Pomapoo puppy depend on which dog breed it takes its fur from. A Pomapoo can either have the curly coat of a Toy Poodle or the straighter fur of a Pomeranian. Generally, a Pomapoo needs to be groomed once every 6 weeks, but, if they inherit more straight hairs than curly, the dog may have to be groomed more frequently.

Shedding again comes down to whichever breed the Pomapoo inherits its fur from. Pomeranians, for example, can be heavy shedding dogs. Thanks to their thick double coat, they can shed twice per year! Poodles, on the other hand, shed minimally, and don't make a hairy mess when they do.

Do Pomapoo bark much?

Often described as 'yappy', Pomapoos aren't necessarily guaranteed barkers, but they can develop a habit of it if not properly trained or looked after. This habit is normally formed through separation anxiety, nervousness around other dogs, or lack of socialisation.

If a Pomapoo isn't getting what they want or something is distressing them, they will likely bark to inform you of it!

Although described as good apartment dogs, they don't like to be left alone for extended periods. Once attached to their owner, they grow easily distressed and anxious when owners are not around. These anxieties often manifest in barking habits, and can also majorly impact their long-term mental health if it is a frequent occurrence.

Do Pomapoo bite?

Again, biting habits in this Pomeranian Poodle mix dog are difficult to predict. Unfortunately, Pomeranians are known to develop a slight biting habit during play, which a Pomapoo offspring may inherit. If you notice your Pomapoo puppy developing this habit, you need to train them not to as soon as possible.

The best way to do this would be to give them a treat - either a snack or verbal praise - whenever they play without biting, so they start associating gentleness with treats.

To prevent nibbling, make sure you've got plenty of chew toys handy to give them whenever they start.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pomapoo?

The temperament and personality of the Pomapoo dog breed can be difficult to predict. Being a crossbreed, there's a 50/50 chance of what parent they'll take their character from.

For example, you may find your Pomapoo grows a shy disposition like a Pomeranian if you don't integrate socialisation into their life early enough. On the other hand, they could grow into social butterflies naturally, like their Poodle parent.

They can sometimes be quite snappy and may take to growling. They may even start snapping if they don't get what they want or their needs aren't met, for example, if they aren't fed or taken out for a walk.

Like most dogs, they enjoy being patted, but they can only tolerate so much snuggling. Pomapoos are noted for growing particularly bored when snuggling, and should not be forced to if they aren't enjoying it.

What is the weight & size of a Pomapoo?

Like every category in this article, weight and size depend entirely on which parent dog breed the Pomapoo chiefly inherits from! That being said, you can guarantee a Pomapoo will weigh between 2.3 and 8.8 kilograms (a big window!). In terms of size, a fully grown Pomapoo will be between 20 and 25cm.

How much training does a Pomapoo need?

As we've already mentioned, you need to train Pomapoo puppies not to bite. If they show any other signs of bad habits, such as growling and barking, you should also use positive reinforcement to train them not to as soon as signs show.

A Pomapoo should be exposed to as much as possible within the first 16 weeks of its life, which includes interacting with other pets, being introduced to new people, and going on a range of different walks, to ensure they grow into a sociable and outgoing adult dog.

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

Despite being a crossbreed, a Pomapoo is a generally healthy pup and isn't susceptible to any unique health issues. However, this does not make them immune to general health concerns for dogs, including weight problems, patellar luxation, tracheal collapse (common in a lot of small dogs), dental issues, epilepsy, and cataracts.

As long as you buy from a reputable breeder you should be made aware of any signs of health issues in the dog. Additionally, they will inform you of any known health issues found in any other puppy in the litter, or of any health problems with the parents. Certification for the parents and the grandparents should be available on request.

However, be aware that health issues sometimes don't become apparent until the puppy has grown into an adult.

What is the lifespan of a Pomapoo?

Pomapoos live on average for 12 to 14 years, but, if looked after accordingly, these small dogs have been known to exceed 14 years. Luckily for Pomapoos and other small mixed breed dogs, they tend to have a longer life expectancy than bigger cross-dog breeds.

How much should you feed a Pomapoo?

Like all small dogs, there is the risk of overfeeding a Pomapoo. Therefore, it's important to stick to the same feeding habits daily; this should consist of 2-3 small meals per day. Make sure these meals are free from additives, fillers, and preservatives.

What is the price of a Pomapoo in Australia?

Depending on the pedigree of the parent breeds, the price of a Pomapoo from a reputable breeder can be anywhere between $700 and $3,000. Pomapoos sold for less than this may come from puppy mills and should be avoided.