The pomapoo is a crossbreed dog that is a mix between a Pomeranian and a toy poodle. Pomapoos are also commonly referred to as pompoos, pomeroodles, and pooranians.
Pomapoos are cute, fluffy lap dogs that grow to 8–10 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. They are friendly, intelligent, charismatic, affectionate, and loyal.
These dogs are doting to their main caregiver, making them ideal for anyone looking for a single pet to spoil. Due to their small, delicate size, pomapoos are best suited to families with teenage children or couples with no children.
Pomapoos typically cost $200–$2,000, depending on the status of the parent dogs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pomapoo Characteristics & Overview
| Common names: | Pomapoo, pompoo, pomeroodle, pooranian |
| Origin: | North America |
| Parent breeds: | Pomeranian and toy poodle |
| Breed group: | Hybrid |
| Size: | Small |
| Height: | 8–10 inches |
| Weight: | 3–7 pounds |
| Color: | Black, tan, red, white, tricolored |
| Coat: | Straight or curly, short |
| Life expectancy: | 12–14 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, friendly, intelligent, occasionally stubborn |
| Shedding: | Light shedder |
| Barking tendency: | High |
| Cost: | $200–$2,000 |
Origin & Purpose
The pomapoo originated in North America in the late 1990s. Designer breeders wanted to create a small companion dog that didn’t shed as much as the Pomeranian, and they achieved this by breeding the Pomeranian with the smallest poodle breed: the toy poodle.
Pomeranian Traits & Characteristics
The Pomeranian is a popular toy dog that has been around since the 18th century. Pomeranians have compact, sturdy bodies with long, fluffy coats and a ruff of fur around the neck.
These dogs are friendly, lively, and playful, and are known to bark excessively to mark their territories.
Toy Poodle Traits & Characteristics
The toy poodle is a variety of the poodle, a curly-coated dog that originated in Germany in the Middle Ages. Toy poodles have curly fur, floppy ears, and fluffy tails that loop back towards the body.
These dogs are intelligent, active, alert, and faithful, and are prone to separation anxiety.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of the pomapoo is 12–14 years. Factors affecting lifespan include the dog’s health status, diet, activity level, and quality of care.
Pomapoo Appearance
The pomapoo has a tiny body with a round head, circular eyes, and a short muzzle. The dog’s body is well proportioned, and its tail curls towards its body.
Height and Weight
Pomapoos are considered small dogs, with a height at the withers of 8–10 inches and a weight of 3–7 pounds. The size and weight of the dog vary depending on the size of the parent dogs, and the parent characteristics that the pomapoo inherits.
Generally, the bigger the parents, the bigger the puppy.
Colors
Pomapoos are typically tan, white, gray, red, or black. Some individuals have a single solid color, while others have a solid color with patches of other colors on their faces, ears, chests, and paws.
Brown, white, and black are the most common pomapoo colors. Gray and red are rare colors.
Coat
Pomeranians have double coats, while toy poodles have single coats — so a pomapoo’s coat can be single or double, depending on that of the parent breed that the dog most takes after. It’s more common for pomapoos to have single, poodle-type coats than double, Pomeranian-like coats.
The pomapoo’s coat is usually short to mid-length and wavy, combining the tight curls of the toy poodle with the thick, fluffy fur of the Pomeranian.
Pomapoos are light shedders and aren’t hypoallergenic.
Head and Facial Features
Pomapoos have wedge-shaped heads, inherited from Pomeranians, and short- to mid-length snouts.
Their facial features depend on which features of each parent dog have carried into the breed. Some pomapoos have the toy poodle’s floppy ears, while others have the Pomeranian’s round, erect, teddy bear ears.
Some pomapoos look more fox-like than others.
Personality and Temperament
According to the American Kennel Club, Pomeranians are intelligent, extroverted, lively, and good companions, while toy poodles are proud, active, dignified, and smart. Pomeranians are more reserved and standoffish than toy poodles.
Like their parents, pomapoos are smart, playful, and loyal. Some pomapoos are wary around strangers, and separation anxiety in this breed mix is common.
The pomapoo’s liveliness and friendly nature make the dog ideal for families and anyone looking for a companion dog. Because of its attention-seeking behaviors, this dog is best suited for people who spend a lot of time at home.
Barking
Pomapoos are big barkers. These dogs bark to guard their territories and are prone to barking at outside noises or at strangers. They also bark to get attention or to express their excitement.
To prevent barking issues, make sure your pomapoo gets plenty of exercise and isn’t left alone for long periods of time. Training can be used to control excessive barking.
Pomapoo Care
Taking care of pomapoos is easy. These dogs have small appetites, don’t need much exercise, and have low grooming needs.
However, pomapoos are prone to several common health conditions, and buying your dog from a responsible breeder is highly recommended.
Food Needs
Feed pomapoos between 1/4 cup and 1/2 cup of small-breed dog food, split into two or three small meals, per day.
Pomapoos are prone to weight gain, so their diet should consist of high-protein, vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, with a minimal amount of healthy fats. Highly active individuals need more food than sedentary dogs, so adjust their diet according to their activity level.
Grooming Needs
Pomapoos typically don’t shed much, and grooming is rarely challenging. Dogs with a Pomeranian-like coat shed more and require more frequent grooming than those with the toy poodle’s short coat.
Depending on the length of fur, brush your dog’s coat every one or two days to prevent matting, and take your dog for professional grooming every four to eight weeks. Trim your dog’s nails once or twice a month, or when you can hear the nails clicking on the floor.
Exercise Needs
Pomapoos are small but lively dogs. Provide about 30 minutes of daily exercise for your pomapoo in the form of playtime, or take one to two walks.
Because of their small size and low exercise needs, pomapoos are good dogs for homes and apartments of all sizes.
Mental Needs
Pomapoos thrive off human interaction and enjoy feeling loved and important. They are intelligent and become restless and mischievous if they’re not mentally stimulated.
Fetch and tug of war are good bonding games to play with a pomapoo. Puzzle toys, like treat mazes, appeal to the dog’s problem-solving skills.
Common Health Concerns
Some of the most common health conditions affecting pomapoos are:
Epilepsy: A heterogeneous disease caused by a brain abnormality, causing unprovoked, recurrent seizures. Treated with anti-seizure drugs.
Cataracts: A common eye condition in old dogs, causing a cloudy film on the eye lens that prevents light from passing. Surgery is the only option for cataracts.
Patellar luxation: Occurs when the kneecap moves out of its normal position. Treatment includes physiotherapy, controlled exercises, and, for severe cases, surgery.
Tracheal collapse: A respiratory condition affecting small dogs, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing. Antibiotics, steroids, cough suppressants, and bronchodilators manage the condition.
Weight gain: Pomapoos are prone to weight gain because they’re such a small breed. Prevent excessive weight gain by providing your dog a nutritious, high-protein diet and at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Buying a pomapoo from a reputable breeder, who has certificates of health screening for the parent dogs, reduces the potential for your dog to have these health conditions.
Getting pet health insurance is recommended to cover your dog’s medical bills just in case.
Training
Pomapoos are intelligent dogs that are easy to train with positive reinforcement. These dogs are eager to please, but they have a stubborn streak, and would rather play than train.
Short, five-minute training sessions are best for keeping their attention.
Toilet training is more challenging with pomapoos than with other dog breeds. Learn your dog’s behaviors when it needs to use the toilet and take the dog immediately to its toilet spot to form a habit.
Early socialization is essential for pomapoos because they become antisocial if they’re shielded from the outside environment. Start socializing with your dog at puppy classes and walks in the park when the puppy is eight weeks old.
Pomapoo Price
On average, the pomapoo mix is priced as a mid-range dog, but some pomapoos are more expensive than others. Their cost depends on whether you buy from a breeder or adopt.
How Much is a Pomapoo?
A pomapoo typically costs $200–$2,000. Certain circumstances affect the cost of a pomapoo, including:
- Whether the parents are pedigree breeds: Breeders with pedigree parents charge more than breeders with non-pedigree parents
- The age of the dog: Puppies cost up to $600 more than adult dogs.
- The dog’s colors and markings: The rarer the markings, the more expensive the dog.
- The popularity of the breeder: Reputable breeders charge more than new breeders.
- Whether you buy or adopt: Adoption fees for pomapoos cost around $200.
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Pomapoo?
The average monthly cost of owning a pomapoo is $65. The price of dog food, toys, walking and training supplies, grooming equipment, and healthcare varies widely.
If you choose to spoil your dog with the most expensive treats and supplies, you’ll pay more for your dog per month than if you buy standard food and supplies. Additional costs for professional training and dog boarding should be considered.
Is a Pomapoo Right for You?
The pomapoo is an energetic, loveable, intelligent dog breed, but the dog isn’t suitable for some people or lifestyles.
Who Should Get a Pomapoo?
Pomapoos love attention, so they’re a great fit for singles and couples who have lots of time to dedicate to their pet. They are well suited to families with older children who know how to respectfully look after a small dog breed.
Because pomapoos have low exercise needs, they’re a great option for retirees or people with mobility problems who can provide short, manageable exercise sessions for their dogs.
Training them can be challenging, so this breed is best for owners who are willing to dedicate the time to teach their dogs the right behaviors.
Who Should Not Get a Pomapoo?
Due to the pomapoo’s small, delicate body, the dog isn’t suitable for families with young children, who could accidentally hurt it.
Pomapoos are needy and are destructive when left alone, so they’re not a good fit for people who are often away from home. They also aren’t a good choice for highly active families who want a dog they can take on long hikes or jogs.
Pomapoos have hyperactive, playful personalities, so people looking for a quiet, calm, laid-back dog breed shouldn’t buy one.
More Pomeranian and Toy Poodle Mixes
Want a Pomeranian mix or toy poodle mix but aren’t keen on the Pomapoo? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
Be the first to comment