The Pomapoo… Who Can Resist Such Cuteness?

The Pomeranian Poodle Mix is a cross of a Pomeranian and a Poodle, also known as Pampoo or Poodle Pomeranian Mix. It's a small dog at about 8 to 10 inches tall, weighing anywhere between 5 to 15 pounds. The Pomeranian Poodle Mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

I find them irresistible and feel they should be shared with the world. Prepare yourself for cuteness overload.

Does The Pomapoo Look Like His Mom or Dad?

Cross breeding started due to the desire to attain specific physical characteristics, temperament or working ability. The Pomapoo was bred for its agility and companionship.

Many hybrid breeds exist today. The Cockapoo, for example, is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle.

As mentioned above a Pomeranian Poodle Mix can live for 12 – 14 years.

At 12 months of age, the Pomapoo will be full-grown and be:

• Height: 8 – 10 inches (20 – 25 cm) for males and 8-9 inches (20 – 23 cm) for females
• Weight: 5 – 15 pounds (2.3 – 6.8 kg) for males and 5-14 pounds (2.3 – 6.3 kg) for females

If a Pomapoo is less than 7 pounds when it is fully grown, it is considered a Teacup.

Whether a pup will look and act like Mom or Dad is left up to genetics. However, one thing is true about all Pomapoos. They're adorable, soft, fluffy and known for their cute, teddy-bear looks.

This picture explains it best. How could anyone resist?

Here are some physical characteristics you can expect:

• Head: Wedge-shaped like the Pomeranian or a long narrow muzzle like the Toy Poodle.
• Coat: Short to medium length, normal density, straight or curly, soft, smooth, and fine.
• Colors: Solid or multicolored with shades of brown, black, white, red, fawn, and sable.
• Ears: Upright ears or floppy soft Poodle ears.
• Eyes: Brown or amber
• Nose: Mostly black

Watch this video to see these adorable fur balls in action:

What About Their Temperament?

Poodles are outgoing, while Pomeranians can be reserved. Both breeds are smart, so Pomapoos learn quickly.

With a happy outlook on life, they have a willingness to please others. Pomeranian Poodles are sociable and friendly, great with children and affectionate by nature.

Devoted to their family, the Pomapoo is a real companion dog who bonds very closely. He will always want to be by your side. This can lead to separation anxiety when they're left alone.

Some may show more of their Pomeranian genes, and act shy, especially around strangers. The Pomeranian Poodle Mix can be aggressive with other animals.

They make good alert guard dogs and try to keep their family safe.

Is a Pomapoo Right For You?

This breed is suited for just about anyone. They're great for families with children, as well as singles or seniors. Since the tiny pup can get easily hurt, it’s important to supervise young ones around Pomapoos.

Adapting very well to weather changes, and surroundings, means they do well in apartments, and houses with or without yards.

A Poodle Pomeranian Mix should never be kept outside. They require too much attention and being unsocialized can cause detriment to their temperament and behavioral issues like barking and digging.

Caring for Your Pomapoo

Feeding Your Pup

Feed a high-quality dog food, formulated for small breeds.

1 to 1 ½ cups of food daily, split into two meals, is all a full-grown Pomapoo requires.

Here’s some data for reference

Male Pomapoo Growth Chart

Female Pomapoo Growth Chart

How Much Activity Does the Little One Need?

Most have low to moderate energy, adapting well to their owners’ activity level. They can be laid back, but some are athletic enough to participate in dog sports like agility, flyball, obedience, and rally.

They love toys, wrestling and playing fetch or tug of war, even swimming!

Exercise is important for socializing and mental stimulation. A total walk of 6 miles per week, 40 minutes per day will help burn calories and keep behavioral issues at bay.

Maintaining an appropriate weight through exercise and a healthy diet will extend their life.

Keep The Groomer on Speed Dial

Caring for Their Coat

Grooming is required for your Pomapoo, and you should start at a young age to get her accustomed to it.

Brushing every 1-2 days prevents tangles and mats, and removes loose hair. Shedding is minimal, and they should remain hypoallergenic, as long as dander and dead skin cells are kept under control with regular grooming. So keep the pin brush, and deshedder handy.

See the groomer every 4-12 weeks for a haircut.

Between visits, bathe only when needed, using a gentle shampoo to protect the natural oils in their skin.

Cleaning Stained Eyes

Pomapoos develop reddish-brown tear stains under their eyes. To help control this, you should wash their face daily.

Dental Care For Your Pup

Gum disease is common in small breeds so brush their teeth regularly to help prevent this.

As far as their diet is concerned, hard kibble is better than soft dog food. It scrapes their teeth, removing the plaque and build that causes periodontal (gum) disease.

What to Expect From Training

To develop confidence, socialization, and obedience, training should be done as early as possible. They are highly receptive during the first four months of life. If you wait too long to start, they can develop small dog syndrome, making them headstrong and willful.

Pomapoos respond well to training, especially when it's fun, and there’s positive reinforcement.

Walk your dog and take the lead, so that they do not turn out to be a dominating adult.

Health Issues You Should Know About

Many small dogs suffer from luxating patellas. The dogs’ knees become unstable and slip out of place. This can cause severe pain and require surgery costing up to $3,000 US.

Other possible conditions:

• Skin problems
• Eye diseases like Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Tracheal Collapse
• Epilepsy
• Cataracts
• Addison’s Disease
• Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Potential tests:

• Complete Blood Count
• Blood Chemistry
• Physical and Neurologic Examinations
• Complete Ophthalmologic Examinations
• Full Body Physical Examination
• Urinalysis and Urine Culture
• X-rays or other radiographs
• ACTH Test

I should also mention that insurance for Pomapoos comes at a higher premium compared to other crossbreeds. Due to the higher likelihood to make claims for hereditary conditions which can be expensive to treat.

Finding a Pomapoo Puppy For Sale

Visit a Shelter or Dog Rescue

Since they are so popular, you can often find one at a shelter or adoption organization.

Whether you're in California or Michigan, or on the other side of the country like New Jersey, North Carolina; or even Georgia and Florida; there’s likely to be an adorable Pomapoo waiting for you.

What About a Pet Store?

Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Pomeranian Poodle a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. This offspring is commonly found in pet stores.

Getting Your Pomapoo From a Breeder

A reputable breeder performs health testing on her dogs. So, she should be able to provide proper paperwork, showing that parents are free of hereditary disease and healthy enough for breeding.

This is important because not all inherited conditions are detectable in puppies.

Ask for proof of:

• OFA patella clearances
• Certification from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation that their eyes are healthy.

Having the dogs “checked” by a veterinarian is not the same as genetic health testing. Do not accept this from the breeder, especially if you're looking into paying big bucks.

Cost from breeders ranges from $375 – $1,750.

If you want a certain temperament and characteristics, the breeder can help you select the right puppy. With the average litter size being 4 to 6 puppies, chances are they will have the perfect one for you.

When visiting the breeder to view the litter, pay close attention to the parents. Their temperament will be a good sign as to how the puppies will be.

Greenfield Puppies sells puppies from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Lancaster Puppies currently advertises available puppies in Ohio, Indiana, New York and other states.

Obviously, you can also find dogs through sites like Craigslist. Caution should be taken when looking into these dogs.

Registering Your Pomeranian Poodle Mix

The AKC does not recognize the Pomapoo in its standard registry. It does accept mixed breed dogs into their AKC Canine Partners Registry.

This mix is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.

So Are You Running Out To Get a Pomapoo?

This tiny furball seems to need quite a bit of grooming, attention, and possible doctor visits. To me, these aren’t very attractive qualities. However, owning one means you will have an adorable, dedicated partner for life.

So it’s up to us as dog owners, to decide whether we are willing to commit to this little pompon.