Pomimo Basics
If you’re looking for a happy-go-lucky family pet with a few quirks, the Pomimo is definitely a pooch you should consider. Also known as the Eskimo or Eskirarian (American Eskimo and Pomeranian mix) these small, watchful dogs will promptly issue a few sharp barks at an unfamiliar sound, forever guarding their favorite human family. But after a few minutes with these new-found strangers, they will stop their fussing and easily make a new best friend.
These gentle lap dogs are energetic and will need plenty of exercise, but will also gladly be cuddly little lap dogs when all you want to do is kick your feet up and relax for a bit. Because of their affectionate nature, they will happily play with kids, no matter their age, and are also very trainable. If they have been socialized as a young pup, they will also live peacefully with other dogs and animals in the same household.
The Pomimo is a happy-go-lucky family pet.
Origin
The Pomimo is a result of cross-breeding a Pomeranian and an American Eskimo to create a “designer breed” or “hybrid” dog. While we don’t yet know how exactly the Pomimo came to exist, we do know about its parent breeds.
Pomeranians hailed from a region called Pomerania (present day Germany and Poland) and originally weigh nearly 30 pounds when they used to serve as sheep herders! When they weighed in between 4-5 pounds, they were a hit with the nobility as they were tiny, lovely dogs you could bring with you you wherever you go. They were also very popular circus dogs due to their outgoing personalities, impressive agility skills and ability to learn quickly.
The first American Eskimo was found in America in German communities in the 19th century. These small pooches are descendants of the white German Spitz that came over when immigrants landed in America.These dogs used to be called the American Spitz and were popular dogs in the 19th century, used as multi-purpose working dogs to guard people and property. It’s name changed to the American Eskimo in 1917, despite having no origin or connection to Eskimo culture.
Pedigree
The Pomimo is a cross between a purebred Pomeranian and American Eskimo.
Food / Diet
The Pomimo is a fairly active little pooch and will require high-quality kibble to keep them healthy. Approximately 1/2-1 cup of dry dog food will sustain these energetic fellows, divided up between 2-3 meals a day. Make sure to consult your dog’s veterinarian to find which dog food brand is best for your dog in every stage of their life.
The Pomimo can either have the long, flowing coat of a Pomeranian or the shorter, thicker coat of the American Husky.
Training
Both Pomeranians and American Huskies have a knack for quickly understanding what you want them to do when you associate an action with a treat, so owners shouldn’t have too difficult a time training Pomimo pup. Reward training is the easiest way to make your dog understand that sitting when you say “Sit” or staying when you say “Stay” will result in receiving a delicious little treat! Be patient and remember not to raise your voice, as dogs can sense when you are irritated or angry at them and will be less inclined to listen to what you’re trying to teach them.
Weight
The Pomimo can weigh anywhere between 10-17 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
This small bundle of energy is a great breed for many different kinds of people. For the senior who wants a small dog who will challenge them to be a little bit more active, these dogs will happily spend two hours or more outside with their retired human, especially if they are taken to the park where they can safely explore.
On the flip side, these dogs are also wonderful first-time pets for families who have children, regardless of their age. These friendly canines are more than willing to play with a small child and put up with their grubby hands and slobbering ways, although parents should always be vigilant if a child pulls on this dog’s long mane. When the kids are put to sleep, the Pomimo will happily hop up onto the adult’s lap for a good belly or back rub.
These dogs are also intelligent and easily trainable. Crate and potty training should not take more than a few weeks (depending on methods), and training them on compete basic commands should not take much time either so long as the owner is patient and rewards them with treats or pieces of kibble.
Common Health Problems
Pomimos can take on any health problems that affect their parent breeds. Pomeranians have a few major health concerns including entropion, hypoglycemia, open fontanel, progressive retinal atrophy, shoulder luxation and patellar luxation. American Eskimos are also susceptible to patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as hip dyslpasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hypothyroidism and allergies which can lead to bacterial skin infections.
Life Expectancy
The Pomimo has an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years.
Exercise Requirements
They may be small, but these little guys crave exercise! Their small size makes them excellent apartment dwellers, so long as they are taken on regular walks around the neighborhood or to their favorite dog park to interact with all the other pooches. Homes should have sufficient space in the backyard (preferably fenced) so the Pomimo can roam and run at their leisure.
Pomimos are wonderful first-time pets for families who have children, regardless of their age.
Recognized Clubs
The Pomimo is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR). This pooch is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is not a purebred dog.
Coat
Depending on how much they take from their parent, the Pomimo can either have the long, flowing coat of a Pomeranian or the shorter, thicker coat of the American Husky. No matter what fur length they have, however, they must be groomed regularly in order to maintain their healthy coat. Brushing once a week should be more than enough during non-shedding periods. When they begin to shed their winter coats in the spring, increasing their grooming to twice or three times a week should do the trick. Make sure to do this outdoors, else you’ll have many tiny little Pomimos in every corner of your home.Their coat colors range from black, brown and gray to cream, orange and white.
Puppies
These dogs are rather small when they are fully-grown adults so you can expect them to be tiny when they are small pups! Always remember to have an adult present when when introducing these small pups to children.
Photo credit: duoerization/Flickr
