Bold and spirited, the Teacup Pomsky (also called toy pomskies) has the charm and cuteness to melt even the toughest hearts. This designer dog is derived from the already tiny Pomeranian and the stunning Siberian Husky in an even smaller bite-sized package. Both parent breeds are known for their larger-than-life personalities, so you’re in for a treat with this mix.
You’re probably wondering how two polar opposite dogs even manage to produce offspring and to get your hands on a teacup or toy Pomsky Puppy. Not to worry, because this article covers everything you need to know about the tiny but feisty Teacup Pomsky.
The ethics behind this designer dog breed and teacup dogs as a whole is a source of controversy. Almost everything from how they’re bred to their health comes with considerable risk. For this reason, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of these little bags of cuteness before getting one.
Teacup Pomsky Highlights
The teacup Pomsky is a smaller version of the popular designer Pomsky breed. This is not an AKC-recognized breed but originates from combining the Husky and Pomeranian for a gorgeous fluffy coat in a stunning variety of colors. The teacup or micro Pomsky is bred to be small enough to fit into a designer purse.
So, How Are Teacup Pomskies Made?
The original Pomskies likely started with artificial insemination due to the massive size difference between the Husky and the Pomeranian, just like the Husky Chihuahua mix. A first-generation Pomsky is called an F1. This means it has a Husky parent and a Pomeranian parent.
Breeding two F1 Pomskies together would give you an F2, with each successive generation becoming an F3, F4, etc. Whenever breeders set out to create a designer breed like the Pomsky, the aim is to create a standardized dog with an easily identified look. Therefore, most real Pomskies should come from multiple generations of other Pomskies.
Teacups, micro, or mini Pomskies are bred to be even smaller than the standard Pomsky. Teacup dogs are often no more than 5 pounds.
An important point to clarify is that Teacup Pomskies are not actually cup-sized, unless you own a 5-pound cup. However, the name clearly shows how small this mix gets, so it’s more or less fitting.
History of the Teacup Pomsky
Teacup Pomskies are an even newer variety of the typical Pomsky. These dogs emerged from the recent uptick in the popularity of a micro version of a popular breed. In the case of Pomskies, people want an adorable mini Husky. Unlike many designer breeds, Pomskies have a pretty detailed history.
Pomskies are believed to have started out in the US in 2012, so they’re remarkably recent. It all started with a viral pic in 2011 of an unbelievably adorable puppy claimed to be a Pomsky. The photographed “Pomsky” was a Finnish Lapphund Puppy, much to the internet’s disappointment.
In March 2012, Tressa Peterson and Joline Phillips embarked on a journey to turn myth into reality and create a real Pomsky. There may be accidental litters before this first intentional litter, but the possibility is relatively low due to the size difference.
After the development of Pomskies, their popularity skyrocketed, with breeders shooting from zero to about 30 in about one year. This traction inadvertently raised the number of irresponsible breeders trying to make a quick coin, necessitating clubs like the Pomsky Club of America.
From The Pomsky to The Micro Pomsky
Teacup Pomskies are normal Pomskies bred to be as small as possible. There are three basic methods to generate a teacup dog:
- The dog is outcrossed with a smaller breed (such as when crossing a Corgi to a Chihuahua for a smaller Corgi-type dog.)
- The smallest dogs in the breed (often runts in a litter) are bred for generations to create smaller and smaller dogs.
- Dogs with a form of dwarfism are mated together.
Since Pomskies already come from one of the most miniature dogs in the world, more Pomeranian blood is likely used to make this dog as small as possible. But always beware that breeding dogs for petite sizes often cause various severe health issues, despite how cute they are.
Note: disreputable breeders can use the term “teacup” to hike prices and lie about the puppy to make a quick buck. These dogs often grow bigger than advertised and may also suffer the consequences of bad breeding. If you are considering a Teacup Pomsky, you need to be aware of the many risks involved.
When buying a puppy, look for an ethical breeder or consider adopting a dog from a shelter. Finding an equally beautiful dog in a local rescue is often cheaper and more ethical.
What are the Physical Features of a Teacup Pomsky?
- Height: 6 to 11 inches (15 to 27 cm)
- Weight: 5 to 10 pounds (2.3kg to 4.5kg)
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Coat: Brown, cream, red, white, gray, blue dilute shades, or black
- Eyes: Hazel, brown, blue, or both
- Nose: Black or light depending on the coat
Teacup Pomskies are the definition of cute. Most of them look like Huskies in their wolf-like majesty but in a smaller package. These miniature Pomskies are extremely small, only about 11 inches in height. Anything taller gets into traditional Pomsky territory.
They have an overall teddy-like appearance due to their fluffy coats and comical facial expression (taken from the Husky). They have erect ears, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and curled tails at the back. Their coat colors are highly varied, from light colors like white and cream to darker ones like black and gray.
While some teacup Pomskies can look more like their Pom parents, most get the Husky coat and eye color, giving them a very wolfy vibe. The often striking blue eyes are another popular feature.
General Care and Maintenance of a Teacup Pomsky
- Shedding: Moderate to heavy
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Exercise: 30 to 60 minutes daily walk
- Temperament: Bold, playful, affectionate, energetic
- Trainability: Easy to train
Energy & Exercise Needs
No matter their size, Teacup Pomskies have plenty of energy to spare, thanks to their sled-pulling ancestors. Although highly energetic, they are still tiny, so regular playtime and short walks are enough for them.
Teacup Pomskies need about 30 minutes of daily exercise for physical and mental well-being. Owners should never neglect a Teacup Pomsky’s exercise requirements just because they’re small dogs since this can lead to behavior issues like excessive barking or anxiety. However, remember that these dogs are extremely fragile due to their tiny bones and should avoid any rough play with bigger animals or children.
Housing Needs
Teacup Pomskies adapt well to apartments but can be given to barking and other vocalizations that could bother your neighbors. They are incredibly attached dogs that need your constant care and attention, so they do not do well if they need to be left alone for long periods.
Food & Diet Requirements
Extremely tiny dogs like Teacup Pomskies and others like the Teacup Havanese are prone to liver shunts. They may, therefore, struggle to metabolize too much protein, so always have your Pomsky checked for liver or kidney issues when deciding on a diet.
Teacup Pomskies also burn calories fast and may suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Therefore, depending on age, they need more daily meal portions than other dogs, up to 4 or 5. They also tend to have fast metabolizes and can need high-calorie meals provided they stay active to avoid
When choosing the proper diet for your Teacup Pomsky, we recommend consulting your vet. After considering all medical issues, food intolerances, and allergies, they will create the ideal meal plan.
Grooming
Teacup Pomskies need moderate-to-high levels of regular grooming to avoid a matted coat. They need to be brushed thoroughly at least three-to-four times a week, with regular trims of problem areas, such as the paws. It’s best to have them professionally groomed every six weeks, as they can have quite dense coats from their Pom parents.
They may also have a double coat prone to heavy shedding, even for such a tiny dog. So, these dogs are definitely not hypoallergenic.
The other grooming must-haves is a quality dog shampoo, ear cleaning solution, and dog clippers. As a small breed, these dogs are susceptible to dental issues that could cause later problems. Therefore, brushing their teeth 3 to 4 times every week and using a dental additive in their water is paramount.
Teacup Pomsky Health Issues
Teacup Pomskies are subject to numerous health conditions because of their size. Common issues like collapsing tracheas can cause severe breathing problems, so always use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on their throat.
Other problems include fragile bones incredibly prone to breaking (be aware of this before you send your dog to the groomer, as any accidentally rough handling could break a bone) or bone growth issues. They also often have a soft spot on their skull that never closes.
Teacup Pomskies are notorious for suffering from health issues like fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), patellar luxation, and liver problems. They suffer from health issues present in parent breeds like:
Severe Health Issues
- Patellar luxation;
- Traumatic injuries;
- Health problems;
- Fragile or malformed bones;
- Cataracts or eye problems;
- Collapsing tracheas;
- Respiratory issues;
- Hydrocephalus;
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease; and
- Cervical (dry) disc.
Mild to Moderate Health Issues
- Dental issues;
- Allergies;
- Skin problems; and
- Digestive issues.
Occasional
- Deafness;
- Seizures;
- Obesity; and
- Hypothyroidism.
Temperament and Trainability
Teacup Pomskies are affectionate, extroverted, playful, intelligent, loyal, and bold. Both parent breeds tend to be on the noisy side, so you can expect to have hearty conversations with your doggo. They form deep attachments with their loved ones, making them prone to separation anxiety if you leave too long. These dogs love to be near their people, often sleeping on your lap or between your legs.
These mixes pack a punch regarding intelligence, so training them should be pretty easy. However, they may occasionally display Husky mischief and independence during training, but it’s not too problematic, and you can use treats for motivation. Early training and socialization are paramount to the proper development of these dogs.
These dogs are highly attached to their owners, so steps should be taken to avoid separation anxiety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Teacup Pomskies Good With Kids and Other Animals?
How Long Do Teacup Or Miniature Pomskies Live?
What is a good home for a Teacup Pomsky?
– Apartment dwellers or smaller homes that are correctly proofed to prevent injuries, such as by jumping off furniture.
– Stable schedules where you can spend plenty of time with them (retirees or people who work from home are best)
– Only older, responsible children or teenagers to prevent accidents
– Non-allergic households
– People looking for a companion dog that doesn’t require excessive exercise but needs playtime and interaction
– People who don’t mind grooming their dog
– Dog owners who are prepared financially and emotionally for a dog that may need extra veterinary care.
How Much Does A Teacup Pomsky Cost?
Final Thoughts
A miniature Pomsky is an adorable dog that is extremely tiny. It would be best if you took special care with these dogs to avoid accidental injuries due to their fragility. Teacup Pomskies are controversial breeds because some question whether all the medical issues are worth breeding for size.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.