The Pomeranian Poodle mix is a crossbreed between the tiny Toy Poodle and a Pomeranian, also called the Pom. Crossing these two tiny yet mighty breeds makes for one of the most adorable little pups anyone has ever seen. These teeny tykes are small in stature and enormous in heart and personality.
The Pomapoo is a designer dog breed that does well in small homes and is reasonably easy to care for, so they make a good pet for new or inexperienced pet parents. Both parent breeds have unique quirks and habits, and a mixed breed can inherit a blend of the two. There is a lot to learn about this special pup.
Many people will adopt this breed on purpose, while others may adopt one by chance. Either way, they are a wonderful addition to the family. Understanding the two parent breeds and what characteristics a mixed breed may inherit is an important step in deciding if a certain pup is right for you. Let’s get to know the Pomeranian Poodle mix and what kind of care or special needs they may have.
Parent Breeds
The best way to see what a dog might be like is to look at the parents. If you cannot access the parents, then look to find out more about each breed. Each mixed dog is a unique animal and may not be exactly like either parent, siblings, or litter mates. However, learning about each breed can help give an idea of what to expect.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also called Poms. They originate from an area of the world once known as Pomerania, currently known as northeastern Germany and western Poland. The Pom is a member of the Spitz dog line, meaning they are a breed that has a fox-like face, pointy triangular ears, thick bodies, and heavy coats with plumed tails. Pomeranians were bred to be miniature dogs. The Pom is related to the Norwegian Elkhound, the American Eskimo Dog, German Spitz, Samoyed, and more.
These little poof balls were historically popular among the nobility and the wealthy. Some of the most famous minds of all time, including Isaac Newton, Michelangelo, and Mozart, all had them. The breed was favored by Queen Victoria of England, who owned several dogs and won many awards with them. They became popular in America and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. Poms currently are still a breed that is favored by many. Famous Pomeranian owners include Liza Minnelli, Kate Hudson, David Hasselhoff, Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne, Sylvester Stallone, LeAnn Rimes, Keanu Reeves, and even the one and only Elvis Presley.
Poms are easy to cart around, keep in purses, dress up, and accompany their owners almost anywhere. Poms are tiny but like to set the rules if they are allowed. Size does not mean a thing. These little guys will let you know who is in charge. They are highly energetic and love to play. This is also a breed that is known for going a little bit bonkers when the doorbell rings. They have a loud bark and a protective nature and are more than happy to put their very small selves right in the way of danger if it means protecting their beloved humans.
Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are the smallest of the Poodle variety. The Poodle breed is native to Germany. These dogs were initially bred as retrievers to help their owners when they were out hunting for ducks and fowl. The breed has always been highly trainable, hardworking, and very intelligent. The Standard Poodle size was not suitable for many households, and smaller varieties began to be bred.
Because Poodles are so trainable, they were often used in entertainment, particularly as circus dogs. Toy Poodles were perfect for this job because of their small size, agility, enormous personalities, and quick wit. The Toy Poodle was recognized by the AKC as a breed in 1887.
Today these are an incredibly popular companion breed, and Toy Poodles are always highly sought after. These are incredibly smart dogs with fun, powerful personalities. Toy Poodles are extremely outgoing and love being the center of attention. They are extremely eager to please and make for very engaging, lovable companions. All Poodles are considered hypoallergenic, so the toy size is very popular among people with canine allergies and those who live in apartments and tiny homes.
Pomeranian Poodle Mix (Pomapoo)
A mix between a Pomeranian and a toy Poodle is called a Pomapoo. These fuzzy tykes are also referred to as the Pompoo, Pomerdoodle, and Pooranian. These pups can live just about anywhere. They do perfectly well in smaller homes and apartments but also love to run and play in houses with big yards outside.
The Pomeranian Poodle mix began in the late 1990s when many other designer canine mixes started to become popular in North America. Breeders began to try different pairings in order to create a dog that was healthy, intelligent, and agreeable as a companion. The Pomeranian Toy Poodle mix proved popular and continues to be sought after by people looking for fun pint-sized pups.
Temperament
Both Pomeranians and Toy Poodles are small dogs with prominent personalities. Size does not get in the way of these pups leading the pack. Like many other small canines, they are out to prove that they can do everything any other breed can do. Both Pomeranians and Poodles have agreeable personalities and love to be around people. Poodles can be a little clingy and like to claim the center of attention. Pomeranians are known for their louder bark.
The Pomapoo is a friendly pooch, who is intelligent, amiable, and gets along well with people. These pups are generally very friendly and not aggressive. They may be excitable and can retain some of the Pomeranian’s protective instincts. They may be very friendly or reserved depending on the specific blend of genetics they inherit. Both parent breeds are known to be smart, so these dogs will be clever, curious, and possibly stubborn and sometimes mischievous.
These pups get along very well with both people and other animals. They can be described as Velcro dogs because they do not like to be left alone for very long. This mixed canine is sometimes described as needy, as they always want to be the center of attention and can never have enough pets, cuddles, or reassurance that they have been good boys or girls.
Expect a pup that is very agreeable, loves to cuddle, and will get along well with others. Poodles are known to be incredibly smart, some of the most intelligent dogs around. This little bundle of fur inherits both the Pomeranian instinct to protect and the Toy Poodle’s instinct to retrieve. For this reason, they should be supervised around other pets, especially those smaller than them.
Size & Appearance
It is hard to believe that these tiny bundles of attitude are related to the rugged sled and snow dog breeds. These mixed pups are small. The Pomapoo will reach between 5 to 15 pounds. This will all depend on the size of their specific parents and what genetics are the strongest. They can stand between 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
The appearance of these dogs will vary, but they are often described as having an almost cartoon-like smile. They will have perky triangular-shaped ears, fluffy double coats, plumed tails, and very agreeable-looking faces. The Pomapoo often has poofs of hair on their necks and chests, giving them a puffed-up appearance. Eyes are usually dark.
Coat & Colors
These pups will have short to medium-length coats. They will not be heavy shedders and are low allergenic due to their Poodle genetics. Though their coats are thick, these dogs are not suited for being outdoors without extra layers. Always put a sweater or coat on your Pomapoo before letting them outside in chilly weather.
Coat color and texture will be unpredictable and may be more like the smooth, fluffy hair of the Pomeranian or the curly, wavy coat of the Poodle. Expect something in between. Keep in mind that these dogs will have fine, wavy coats that may be prone to get tangled. Grooming will be very important with this mixed pup.
Pomapoos can come in a wide range of colors, including brown, black, red, cream, brindle, fawn, sable, and more. They can be solid colored or have mixed colors in their fuzzy coats.
Exercise
The Pomeranian Poodle mix is a highly active dog that needs plenty of physical exercise. Because they are so small, this exercise can happen just about anywhere. These little pups will give it their all and are athletic but are not going to be winning any sled races anytime soon. Poodles are known to be relatively slow, though these pups will be more than happy to zip around the house chasing balls, toys, and their owners.
These furry babies do well with getting regular walks at least once a day and multiple interactive play sessions with their owners. They do not need much exercise but should have ample daily opportunities to engage in physical activity. About 30 to 45 minutes of highly active outdoor exercise daily is more than enough.
These pups also need mental stimulation and should have a wide variety of toys, puzzle feeders, and playthings in the house to keep their attention.
Living Conditions
Pomapoos love attention and may end up being clingy canines. They will guard their homes and windows quite well but may not like being left alone. They do well in homes with children and other pets but should be socialized young if possible. With their smaller size, this breed may need to be supervised with very young children. While they are not likely to bite, it is possible that they can get hurt due to their petite size.
Poodles are water dogs and love to swim, so this mixed breed may enjoy splashing around in the bathtub or swimming in a kiddie pool. Because they are so tiny, taking them out on large bodies of water is not recommended. This mixed breed will also not do very well with colder temperatures. They should not be left alone outside, unsupervised in any climate. This is not a dog that can be left outside alone when his owners are not home. They must be secured safely inside. In fact, this is an excellent breed to crate train because they can easily get hurt, lost, or in trouble due to their small size. Even a garden gate, laundry room basket, or flight of stairs can be a potential hazard to a dog this small.
Training
Training for the Pomapoo must start early, even as young as about eight weeks. As with many intelligent animals, they can get bored or disinterested quickly and may sometimes have an independent streak. Training them young teaches positive habits and expected behavior and helps this become instinct rather than something owners are constantly trying to teach.
These dogs do not react well to negative reinforcement. It scares them and makes it harder to get them to learn what you are trying to teach. Instead, This breed learns very fast in the right setting. The earlier they learn behavior expectations, the better.
Socializing these pups with other dogs, animals, and new people when they are young is advisable so they retain a friendly attitude and know proper behavior towards others. Basic obedience training is advised for dogs of every size and breed, even little guys like the Pomapoo.
Potty training, in particular, may be tricky with this breed. They are fast learners and will understand the concept of going away from living space to relieve themselves. They can be litter trained, as well as trained to go outside. Positive reinforcement is the best approach here. Potty training will require time and persistence. Start at about eight to ten weeks, and do not give up. Be understanding of accidents and stay supportive of your pup.
Health
Pomapoos have an expected lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. Like many mixed breeds, they tend to be healthier than their purebred parents. However, a mixed breed can also inherit or be predisposed to certain conditions that affect their parent breeds. These include dislocated kneecaps, a common condition called patellar luxation, affecting Pomeranians and Toy Poodles.
Epilepsy is another condition that can be prevalent among this breed. Unfortunately, there is no known reason why specific breeds are more prone to this than others. Dogs that have epilepsy will suffer from seizures which can range in severity. They can live full, happy lives with proper medication and care but are considered special needs dogs.
This mixed breed can also suffer from vision issues, including cataracts and vision loss. Watery eyes, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, allergies, dry eyes, and eye infections are all issues that may occur.
Tracheal collapse is a condition in which the cartilage and membranes that support the trachea weaken, making it challenging for dogs to breathe. This condition affects both Pomeranians and toy Poodles. Though it can occur in canines of all sizes and breeds, it is believed that a genetic factor makes these breeds susceptible to this condition. Tracheal collapse does not usually occur until dogs are middle-aged.
Nutrition
These dogs will do well on a small breed-specific dog food formula. Even a formula specific to either Pomeranians or Toy Poodles is acceptable. It is important to get small-breed formulated food for a variety of reasons, starting with the kibble size. These little dogs do not have enough space in their mouths or the jaw strength to chew large kibble meant for bigger breeds. They need more calories per pound than bigger breeds.
They should be fed high-quality dog food that uses fresh, real, named ingredients. A named animal protein should always be the first ingredient listed in dog food. Look for foods that meet the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines for dog food. Avoid foods with fillers, additives, or chemical preservatives.
Small breeds like this should eat high protein, moderate fat, higher calorie meals three or four times a day. They expend a lot of energy and need to keep their blood sugar at a healthy level and replenish that energy. Puppies have different needs than active adults or senior dogs, so make sure to pick a formula that is age appropriate.
Grooming
The Pomapoo will need a lot of grooming and may mat quickly. They should be brushed at least every other day to prevent tangles and mats. Because of the different coats each parent breed has, these little guys can have a variety of coat textures. They can be tightly curled, wavy, frizzy, or a combination. As with other mixed breeds, coat texture and color are unpredictable. These pups do shed, but not a lot. They will shed more during seasonal temperature changes. Expect these pups to be high maintenance when it comes to grooming.
These pups will benefit from an occasional wash. Owners also need to clean their pup’s teeth and trim their nails regularly. These pups may need regular ear cleaning as well. They will benefit from professional grooming every couple of months. Training them to tolerate and enjoy grooming when they are young is advisable.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Pomapoos are designer pups and can have a high price tag. They can range anywhere from around $500 to over $2,500. The younger the puppy, the higher the cost in most cases. Higher quality bloodlines and pedigree will cost more.
Always look for a reputable breeder. Ask about experience, previous litters, health testing, and any other question that may come up. Discuss references, look for word-of-mouth recommendations, as well as care recommendations for your new puppy. Reputable breeders will not sell to pet stores and will require a contract to adopt a dog. Ask to meet them in person, if possible, tour their facilities and ask a lot of questions. You can look at the AKC registered breeders list, ask your veterinarian, or connect with dog clubs in your area to get word-of-mouth recommendations.
Rescues & Shelters
Though the Pomeranian Poodle mix is a designer breed, they are not uncommon to find and do occasionally find their way to shelters and rescue groups. There are some breed-specific rescues for Pomeranians and Poodles, municipal shelters, local rescue groups, and national groups that rescue this breed and others. You can ask your veterinarian and look to resources like social media to find rescue groups. Keep in mind that many of these groups have a lengthy application process and limited resources, so there may be a wait on finding one of these pups.
Make sure to check into rescue groups just like you would a breeder. Look for groups that are open about who they are, what they do, and their overall mission. Ask questions and look for reviews, as well as any press a shelter may have. Most will have social media pages you can look through and will be happy to answer questions and explain their adoption process. Some shelters will even ask for a dog to be returned to them if the new owner cannot keep them, even years in the future.
Prices will vary by availability, location, and puppy age. Older dogs and adults will cost less, and there are more of them in shelters than puppies. An older dog can be a great choice for people who do not want a puppy but have room in their hearts and home for a canine companion. Older dogs need loving homes too, and far too many end up in shelters due to illness or special needs. Taking them home is a beautiful thing and can help give an aging dog a new lease on life.
As Family Pets
Pomapoos make amazing family pets. They are adorable as can be and melt the hearts of anyone they make eye contact with. Along with the adorable exterior, they have hearts that are made of love. These smart, tiny dogs need a lot of attention and regular exercise. Both are in high need of grooming and like to lead the way.
They are great for small homes and get along wonderfully with other dogs and people when properly socialized. This dog is not super high energy and can be trained to play many games, as well as do tricks and follow regular commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does the Pomeranian Poodle mix get when fully grown?
These pups will reach about 5 to 15 pounds. Expect them to fit in your hands and need extra small and small-sized products their entire lives. They are pocket-sized pups, make great lap dogs, and sometimes will not even be as big as the cat.
Is this dog more like a Poodle or a Pomeranian?
There is no way to tell what parent breed this dog will be like. Mixed breeds are unpredictable in size, appearance, and personality and can inherit bits of both breeds. They tend to get a little larger than their parents, and mixed breeds can be healthier overall.
Does a Poodle Pomeranian mix shed?
The Pomapoo does shed, but very little. Poodles are low-shed and hypoallergenic, so this mixed breed will likely not shed much.
Are Pomapoos hypoallergenic?
Due to their Poodle genetics, this breed is considered hypoallergenic. The Pomapoo less and is a good choice for many people who suffer from dog allergies. Keep in mind that everyone’s sensitivities are different, so even though these dogs are considered hypoallergenic, they may still trigger some allergy symptoms.
Final Thoughts
The Pomapoo is a designer dog breed that has only risen in popularity since it first appeared on the scene. These pups are nothing short of adorable and maybe one of the cutest dog breeds we’ve ever seen. They have very affectionate personalities, love to play, and are happy to spend hours cuddling every day. These little pups are intelligent, playful, and clever. They make wonderful family pets. If you are looking for a little bundle of adorable love and energy, the Pomapoo may just be the perfect new dog for your family.