Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: The Aussie Pom’s parents are an Australian Shepherd and a Pomeranian. This adorable hybrid dog will look like a miniature Australian Shepherd with typical Pomeranian features. An Australian Shepherd-Pomeranian mix can be a vigilant watchdog, and they won’t hesitate to raise the alarm if they sense danger. This breed requires low to medium grooming, but they do require regular brushing. A happy, healthy, and well-cared Aussie Pom can expect to live between 12 to 16 years.
For those unfamiliar with the Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mix, commonly known as Aussie Pom, it may seem like an unlikely pairing. Although a small, fluffy toy breed may not seem like the best match for a medium-sized herding animal, this hybrid is a great example of a harmonious combination in appearance and temperament.
The Aussie Pom can be a combination of a purebred Standard, Mini, or Toy Australian Shepherd and a purebred Pomeranian. She is very affectionate and trainable. Although her exact origin date is unknown, the popularity of this breed is steadily increasing in North America and Europe mainly due to her small stature and friendly nature.
Not as vocal as an Australian Shepherd and less in shedding than a Pomeranian, it can make a great companion to the right family. She is a beautiful mix of colors, but it’s her personality that will win you over.
- 1 The Aussie Pom’s Parent Breeds
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2
The Aussie Pom Mix
- 2.1 Appearance and Features
- 2.2 Coat and Colors
- 2.3 Grooming Requirements
- 2.4 Temperament and Personality Traits
- 2.5 Training and Socialization
- 2.6 Exercise Requirements and Living Conditions
- 2.7 Nutrition and Food Requirements
- 2.8 Breeding Methods and Sizes
- 2.9 Health and Lifespan
- 2.10 The Aussie Pom as Family Pets
- 2.11 Puppy Prices and Costs
- 2.12 Finding Your Aussie Pom Puppy
- 3 Conclusion
The Aussie Pom’s Parent Breeds
Designer puppies are puppies that were bred from two purebred parents. The Aussie Pom’s parents are an Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian. Her breed title is a combination of two common nicknames for her parents: Australian Shepherd, or “Aussie,” and Pomeranian, or “Pom.” This particular mix is one more popular Pomeranian mix.
Designer dogs often come with health benefits, and this has opened up a vast array of new breed possibilities! Designer dogs can inherit different traits, so it is difficult to predict how a mixed breed will behave and look.
Understanding an Aussie Pom can be helped by learning about her parent breeds. So let’s look at the Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian more closely.
The Pomeranian: An Overview
The Pomeranian is an official toy breed of the American Kennel Club, which describes her as “inquisitive, bold and lively.” She stands between 7 to 12 inches tall and weighs between 3 to 7 pounds, making her a very tiny breed. Her life expectancy is between 12-16 years. Purebred Poms also can also cost over $1,000 when you buy them as pups.
Her name derives from Pomerania, a region of current-day Germany and Poland. However, her origins are from larger Arctic sledding dog breeds. Pomeranians were popularized in the 18th century largely due to Queen Victoria of England’s fondness for the breed. The Pomeranian’s adorable appearance, loyalty, and devotion are what make her stand out.
The Australian Shepherd: An Overview
Australian Shepherds were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1993. She is classified into the “herding group” and is described as “smart, work-oriented, and exuberant.” Australian Shepherds fall between 18 and 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. Her life expectancy is 12-15 years.
Despite what her name suggests, the Australian Shepherd did not originate in Australia. Although her exact origins have been disputed, she was likely bred from Collies in the United States in the early 1900s for the purpose of sheep herding. Her popularity rose during the 1950s, and she continues to be a very popular breed today. Many Australian Shepherds are used as Service Animals and Search and Rescue Canines. They also make excellent therapy dogs.
The Aussie is a popular pet, despite its active nature. They are also a popular crossbreed and are often mixed with other purebreds to create designer dogs like the Aussie Beagle or the Lab Aussie mix.
The Aussie Pom Mix
The Aussie Pom Mix is a wonderful mixed breed dog that is full of personality and heart. They love to challenge themselves and are sporty and lively. They excel in agility, fetch, flyball, and all other training methods.
There are many things to consider when adopting an Aussie Pomeranian mixed breed. Let’s take a look at the most important ones before you bring your dog home.
Appearance and Features
An Aussie Pom will look more like a miniature Australian Shepherd, with typical Pomeranian features. She has medium-sized eyes and ears, which are both Pomeranian traits. Her intelligence shines through her alert and curious expressions. Her size and color are very different. We will discuss them in detail in the sections below!
Coat and Colors
Her coat is one of the most distinguishing features of an Aussie Pom. It has similar brindle marks to an Australian Shepherd. It is straight and medium-length, a trait shared by her Aussie and Pomeranian parents. She sheds moderately throughout each year.
There are many possible color combinations. The most common is a white or cream-colored top coat with brown or beige markings, known as “brindles.” It is rare to find an all-white mix.
Grooming Requirements
Aussie Poms require low-to-medium grooming. Her coat doesn’t need to be styled or groomed, but she does require regular brushing. Some Aussie Pom owners may trim the hair around the eyes, ears, and paws. However, this is an option and not required.
Her fluffy coat can attract unwanted things such as burrs and other insects while out exploring, so Aussie Pom owners should be vigilant about checking her in the house when she is inside. To keep her paws healthy and clean, she should have her nails clipped once or twice per month.
It is essential that her teeth are brushed at least once a week to maintain their health. This routine should be started when she is only a few weeks old to reduce anxiety and fear associated with grooming.
Temperament and Personality Traits
While her appearance can vary from one dog to the next, an Aussie Pom’s temperament remains consistent due to her parents having similar dispositions. An Aussie Pom is a social and loyal dog who can be lonely. She is intelligent and can find ways to get in trouble if she isn’t stimulated enough. Her cognitive abilities make her very trainable.
If an Aussie Pom were to have a slogan, it would be “eager to please.” Her primary goal is to love her owners and make them happy. After her tricks and obedience are over, she will be happy to cuddle up next to you to share some quality cuddles.
The Aussie Pom is a faithful follower of her Shepherd genes. She can be a vigilant watchdog, and although she doesn’t “yap” like Pomeranian, she won’t hesitate to raise the alarm if she senses danger. A well-socialized Aussie pom isn’t predisposed to being territorial or hostile to strangers. Aussie Pom, like her parents, is known to be good with children. She is, in fact, a good companion for children of all ages.
Training and Socialization
Aussie Poms excel at training, and you should find little trouble in the process. She is intelligent and cooperative which makes her a very trainable dog. Her Australian Shepherd mother is often used in canine service jobs, and an Aussie Pom will likely inherit many of these traits.
A good training program should be started early to help her learn how to behave. This will keep her active mind stimulated, engaged, and free from trouble.
An Aussie Pom can be very loyal and will sometimes defend her pack. Socialization should be started as soon as she is a puppy usually starting at seven weeks to curb her protective nature and reduce her tendency to bark.
Please use positive reinforcement to train any dog. An Aussie Pom is a happy dog and using harsh words or raising your voice will only discourage her. She will work hard for positive reinforcement.
Exercise Requirements and Living Conditions
Although the Aussie Pom is small to medium in size, she needs more exercise and space than other breeds with similar stature. This is due to her Australian Shepherd background, which is known for being a high-energy breed. She should receive somewhere between 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day while also reserving time for mental exercises such as training or interactive toys.
This energetic and curious breed needs to be able to explore their space and play with toys. We don’t recommend that an Aussie Pom be kept in an apartment as the restricted space makes it difficult to pursue these activities. It is possible to set up an apartment that works for your dog if you are committed to keeping her active and helping her meet her exercise goals.
Nutrition and Food Requirements
An Aussie Pom’s size and food intake will vary, with bigger mixes eating more and smaller ones eating less. When deciding how much food to feed your Aussie Pom, it is important to consider her activity level. She is a lively breed and may need more food than other dogs of similar size and activity. A lot of dog food brands will include a feeding guide on their products. This is based on the size and activity level of your Aussie Pom.
This breed should consume 1 cup of quality dry food per day. This is an estimation, and each Aussie Pom may differ. It is essential to speak with a vet to ensure that you are providing enough calories and protein for all your pet’s needs. An Aussie Pom can add fish oil supplements to their diet to combat the common joint and bone problems that this breed has.
Breeding Methods and Sizes
The size of an Aussie Pom is dependent on her Australian Shepherd parent’s size. While downsizing an Australian Shepherd breed is not a popular practice, many breeders continue to do so. The Australian Shepherd can now be classified unofficially into three sizes: Standard, Mini, and Toy.
Miniature Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are available in both standard and miniature versions. However, toy Aussie Poms can be difficult to find. These tiny Aussie Poms can pose health risks due to their small size.
Standard and mini Aussie Poms are usually between 13 to 18 inches tall and weigh between 15 to 35 pounds. Toy Aussie Poms measure in at 10 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 8 to 12 pounds.
When choosing a puppy for your family, it is important to be informed about the ethics of breeding. Although toy puppies are adorable, it is worth asking questions about the breeding methods used to create such a small version of an older breed. It is important to ensure the safety and health of these puppies.
Health and Lifespan
A healthy, well-cared-for Aussie Pom can expect to live between 12 to 16 years. With hybrid vigor on her side, she may be resistant to inherited conditions from her parents. Mixes from miniature Australian Shepherds or toy dogs can pose a greater risk of developing health problems.
The main issues to look out for in an Aussie Pom are hip and elbow dysplasia, heart issues, kneecap dislocation, and less serious illnesses like cataracts and dental problems.
Australian Shepherds have a unique gene mutation that gives them their distinctive color. The same gene mutation can cause blindness, deafness, or both in rare cases. Aussie Pom owners should be aware of this.
Understanding these conditions and looking for signs, as well as regular checkups, preventive healthcare, and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations and vaccines, are essential to keep your dog in good health.
The Aussie Pom as Family Pets
There are many things to consider when considering bringing an Aussie pom home to your family. We’ve learned a lot about the Aussie Pom, but is she right for your family? Let’s review:
- Aussie Poms make great family pets, and he is exceptionally good with children.
- This breed does better in a house than in an apartment due to its energy levels.
- She is known for her intelligence and eagerness to please.
- This pup is easily trainable and can learn a wide variety of tricks!
- She requires high levels of exercise and stimulation.
- She can get into trouble if she becomes bored and has pent-up energy.
- She is very affectionate, loves to snuggle, and enjoys being around her family.
- She does not do well when left alone for long periods of time.
- In general, she gets along well with other animals.
- An Aussie Pom does best in an active family that enjoys keeping up with her!
If you think the Aussie Pom is for you, you can start searching for a breeder or researching adoption agencies in your local area. Let’s look at the next step and see how we can help you find your next puppy.
Puppy Prices and Costs
Aussie Pom litters typically produce 4-6 puppies. The cost of these puppies can vary. Price can vary depending on many factors, including the pedigree and location of the breeder as well as the color and size of each pup. In general, a puppy for this breed will cost around 1000 to 1200 dollars.
Her most beloved color is the merle markings on an Australian Shepherd’s white base coat. This unique coat will make puppies more expensive and will also increase the price of puppies bought from breeders who have bred puppies in very small sizes.
Unfortunately, this breed is not commonly found in shelters, but don’t let this discourage you from looking. The drop in price may be worth the extra research required to find an Aussie pom rescue. Most rescue organizations only ask for a small donation fee to cover the cost of your pup’s treatment. This can save you hundreds of dollars and help save a life.
Finding Your Aussie Pom Puppy
Aussie Poms can be difficult to find. These poms are relatively new and may take some research to find a reliable breeder. Talking to your local Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian clubs will help you find a reliable breeder.
You can also search the internet, but be sure to do your research before you contact anyone. You must find a trusted, trustworthy breeder who is ethical and acts in the best interests of their dogs. Avoid breeders that claim their pups are smaller than the standard.
Requesting health certificates can be done for parent dogs. You can also meet the puppies and read reviews to ensure that you are purchasing from a licensed breeder. Never buy from puppy mills – these facilities have become illegal in many states because of their inhumane practices. The dogs that are bred in these facilities are often sick.
While it might be harder to find Aussie Poms at your local shelters than you would like, adopting is better than shopping. It may be worth the effort to find an Aussie Pom for adoption. Indeed, adoption is a good idea!
Conclusion
Mixing a herding dog and a toy dog can seem like a strange idea at first. However, this intelligent and beautiful hybrid is a great addition to any family. She is full of life, playful, and sure to make you laugh. Aussie Poms really do make a wonderful family dog!