Pom Terrier Basics
These designer dogs might look like plush toys, but don’t be fooled! Meet the Pom Terrier, the tiny hybrid with a huge personality. A mix between the feisty Pomeranian and the spirited Toy Fox Terrier, this adorable dog will charm your pants off. Also known as Pomterrier and Toy Pom Terrier, this designer dog breed combines two toy breeds for a beautiful mixed breed pooch of small stature. The term ‘small dog syndrome’ seems to ideally describe the Pom Terrier, though, so these canines will act much bigger than they actually are. Often times, it’s what gets them in trouble with their furry fellows!
Lively, exceptionally intelligent, and with a happy-go-lucky attitude, this tiny doggo will fit in with families of all shapes and sizes. If you have older children, or you’re an active single, the Pom Terrier will be a perfect companion for you. Additionally, to their compact build and adaptable personality, these designer dogs are an excellent choice for pet owners who live in apartment buildings.
Also known as Pomterrier and Toy Pom Terrier, this designer dog breed combines two toy breeds for a beautiful mixed breed pooch of small stature.
Origin
Designer dog breeds are still a concept in the making, so to speak. Until about two decades ago, crossbreeding was a matter of “accidents” and all mixed breed dogs were labeled as mutts. Nowadays, though, the situation is quite different. Breeders are working on the intentional mixing of purebred dogs in order to create new breeds in their own standing, the so-called designer dogs or hybrid dogs. One of them is the Pom Terrier, who is cherished for its vivacious spirit, good health, and apartment-friendly traits. Still, there is a lot of things we don’t know about these new breeds, including their origin. The situation is no different with the Pom Terrier- no one knows when or where this breed was first created. However, if you were to guess, it was most likely in the last decade, and in the United States, the same as most other designer dogs.
Thankfully, the lack of information about the origin of the breed doesn’t mean that the breed itself is in any way shrouded in secrecy. The Pom Terrier is a blend of two dog breeds with a long history, the Pomeranian and Toy Fox Terrier. This tells us a lot- both about the designer dog’s expected appearance and their temperament.
Pedigree
While there are some clubs that do recognize designer dog breeds, the official organizations, such as the American Kennel Club, don’t. The fact that the Pom Terrier is not recognized by the AKC means that these designer breed puppies won’t have pedigree papers.
However, if you are buying or adopting a Pom Terrier puppy from a reputable source, you will have no problem finding out more about their family tree from their parent’s pedigree. Both the Pomeranian and the Toy Fox Terrier are breeds recognized by the AKC, so you can expect either mom or dad to have one.
Food/Diet
To make sure that your pooch is happy and healthy in every stage of their life, you need to ensure that their diet is appropriate for them. Meeting your pet’s nutritive needs is crucial, especially early in their life while they’re still forming their petite bodies! Fortunately, the Pom Terrier is not especially demanding when it comes to their dietary preferences. Any high-quality dry food for dogs should do well, as commercial kibble is formulated to offer all the nutrients and vitamins your pet needs. However, you will need to make sure that the kibble you’re getting is suitable for your pet’s age (puppy, adult, senior), activity level and size (toy).
Additionally, you could offer your Pom Terrier a homecooked or raw diet, but only if your veterinarian approves it. It’s extremely important to consult with a nutrition specialist before you make any changes to your dog’s diet, as failing to meet their specific needs could lead to health issues in the long run.
Your Pom Terrier will do well on a high-quality dry dog food that suits their activity level and age.
Training
Both of the Pom Terrier’s parents are well known as bright-minded pooches with an inquisitive nature, but their smarts are not enough to guarantee you an easy training process. In fact, it’s highly likely that your new puppy will be quite strong-willed, as both the Terrier and the Pom are famed for their stubbornness. This doesn’t mean that they can’t be trained, it’s just that you’ll need to have more patience with them that you would with an eager-to-please breed.
The main objective is to position yourself as a leader of the pack- or these tiny dogs will definitely try to dominate you. Be assertive rather than a strict disciplinarian, though; a firm hand and positive reinforcement training method work best with the Pom Terrier.
Weight
With all designer dog breeds, there’s a certain degree of unpredictability when it comes to appearance. Simply put, you can never know which parent your new puppy will look like more when they grow up. Luckily, as both the Pomeranian and the Toy Fox Terrier can be considered toy breeds, their offspring will be in the same size category. Adult Pom Terrier will weight anywhere between 3 and 7 pounds.
Temperament/Behavior
While it’s undeniable that the small size and pretty looks are what attracts most prospective pet parents to Pom Terrier, it’s not what makes them pick out this wonderful designer dog. It’s the personality of this Pom-Terrier mix that truly impresses anyone who has a chance to meet them. Intelligent, lively, and full of joy- it’s hard not to fall in love with these unique canines. Although they might inherit wariness towards strangers from their Pom mom or dad, these hybrids tend to be friendly towards people, even those they haven’t met before.
Of course, while the positive certainly outweighs any bad, it’s not to say that the Pom Terrier is a perfect dog without a fault. These tiny doggos might have an attitude that’s more appropriate for, say, a Pitbull, so they can be a bit irritating to actual large dogs they’ll try and challenge in the dog park. Additionally, they can be a bit stubborn and bull-headed- that’s the famed terrier temperament. However, overall, the Pom Terrier is a sweet pooch with a positive attitude that makes a great family pet.
Common Health Problems
Most people believe that mutts and designer dogs tend to be healthier than purebred dogs. While there is some truth to this, it’s not a guarantee that your new pet comes without any health issues. Firstly, unless you’ve got your puppy from a reputable source, there is a chance that poor breeding could give your Pom Terrier some serious problems. Make sure to avoid backyard breeders and double-check that your puppy is not from a puppy mill. Not only that these breeding situations are inhumane and cruel, but they also produce sick dogs.
Some of the most common inherited health problems for the Pom Terrier include patellar luxation ( kneecap dislocation), hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Legg-Calve Perthes Disease, and hyperthyroidism.
As for non-hereditary health concerns, the biggest problem your pooch could face is early tooth loss. Since Pom Terrier is a small dog, they will be prone to plaque buildup- be vigorous about their dental hygiene to prevent issues down the road.
Life Expectancy
The Pom Terrier is a fairly new designer dog breed- there simply isn’t enough data for experts to claim their expected lifespan with certainty. Of course, there is a lot that can be concluded from the parental breeds. As a small breed dog, of generally good health, a Pom Terrier should live 12 to 16 years on average. Provide proper care and optimal living conditions to make sure they get to their golden years in good health.
Exercise Requirements
If you thought that the Pom Terrier will spend most of his time happily curled in your lap, guess again. Owing to its Terrier parent, this designer dog is a little ball of energy! While they might not be considered highly active in a way a medium or large-sized dog would be, the Pom Terrier is still more energetic than your average toy breed. They’ll love going on walks and outdoor adventures, playing fetch in the dog park or chasing birds and squirrels in a securely fenced backyard. Also, the Pom Terrier can be a good swimmer and might appreciate a chance to cool off on a summer day with a visit to a lake or a kiddie pool.
On average, 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise will tire out your lively Pom Terrier. Additionally, you could consider getting them some puzzle toys– exercising their brain will keep them entertained for hours on end!
Owing to its Terrier parent, this designer dog is a little ball of energy.
Recognized Clubs
The designer dog breeds might not be recognized by the American Kennel Club, but there are many other clubs and organizations that do recognize them as breeds in their own right. These “unofficial” organizations work towards bettering the standards of the designer dog breeds and regulate these unique hybrids. The clubs that recognize the Pom Terrier include American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry
Coat
They might be similar size-wise, but the Pomeranian and Toy Fox Terrier couldn’t be further apart when it comes to their coat. The Pom is known for its dense, fluffy fur, but the Terrier sports a fine and satiny short hair. So, where does this leave the Pom Terrier at? The truth is, your new designer dog puppy might turn out to be somewhere in the middle, or favor one of the parental breeds more. Across one litter, some puppies might have a short terrier coat and other dense, soft fur. It’s all about the genetic lottery here! However, in either case, they’ll definitely be cute. The colors can vary as well, going from single-colored tan coat to a combination of white, tan and chocolate.
As for their grooming requirements, the Pom Terrier is not a high-maintenance dog.
Puppies
With a litter of Pom Terrier puppies, all combinations are possible. Some might look like baby Pomeranians and others will favor the Toy Fox Terrier more. In both cases, these designer puppies will be cute, tiny and very active. In these early stages of their lives, you’ll need to start with training and socialization. Potty training and leash training should be among the first thing you teach them- make sure to be consistent and persistent, otherwise, your efforts might be in vain.
Once your Pom Terrier puppy grows up, you can expect them to be energetic, affectionate, and quite amusing. Their charming antics will put a smile on your face and their joyful attitude will definitely brighten your day. These designer dogs are a perfect fit for active families or singles, as they do need walking and daily playtime to stay happy and healthy. Pom Terrier can also be a good fit for an apartment, as they’re small and not too loud, but you’ll have to be prepared to exercise them outside, as well. All in all, with this petite pooch, you’ll get more than you’ve bargained for- but in the best possible way.
Photo credit: panlertb/Shutterstock; Ferniezyd/Shutterstock; Maslin_CEO/Shutterstock
