Pomapoo - Choosing a Pomapoo

Dogs

What is a Pomapoo? The Pomapoo is a mixed breed dog, also called a hybrid or designer breed, that is derived from the breeding of a Pomeranian and a Poodle. Designer breeds are becoming quite popular amongst pet owners, but they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. As with any mixed breed dog, the characteristics of the Pomapoo are not easily predicted because any combination of the parents' traits can be inherited.

The Pomeranian descended from large, northern sleigh dogs which were used to herd livestock. The breed came to its reduced size in the country of Pomerania (hence the name, Pomeranian), and its style was developed in the United States. Queen Victoria took interest in the Pomeranian, and in 1891 when her own Pomeranians placed in the Cruft's Dog Show, the breed gained widespread popularity. Today this toy breed is a popular family dog.

The Poodle is believed to have originated around the 13th century in Germany as a water retriever. The breed received its name from the German "pudeln" which refers to splashing in the water. Poodles are famous for carrying supplies and messages during World War II and performing in circuses and French dog playhouses. Assisting the disabled and performing in obedience, agility, and in the show ring are what Poodles are know for today. The AKC recognizes three sizes of the poodle, the toy (AKC's toy group), the miniature, and the standard (AKC's non-sporting group).

The Pomapoo is a dog of many looks, as the Pomeranian and Poodle have quite different hair types, and they both come in a wide variety of colors. The Pomapoo can be nearly any solid color or color combination. The hair can be curly like that of the Poodle, straighter like that of the Pomeranian, or somewhere in between. The coat is typically medium to long in length. Because the toy or miniature Poodle is usually used in breeding the Pomapoo, this mixed breed is small at about 5-15 pounds and 7-12 inches in height at the shoulder. The Pomapoo's tail is typically left long, and the ears can be short like the Pomeranian's or floppy like the Poodle's.

Regular brushing and grooming are necessary to prevent matting of the Pomapoo's hair. The Poodle has a low shedding coat, so it is possible, if the Poodle's coat traits are dominant, the Pomapoo could also have this characteristic.

The Pomapoo is typically a loving dog, devoted to his family, who does well with older children and the elderly. Because the Pomapoo can take on the traits of either of his parenting breeds, his personality is not necessarily easily predicted. Both the Poodle and the Pomeranian are quite intelligent, easy to train, and energetic. The Poodle is very people-oriented and happy to see everyone, while the Pomeranian is generally more of a one-family dog. The Pomeranian can be a barker and will use his bark to bravely guard his home.

Because of the level of energy and intelligence, the Pomapoo should receive regular attention and exercise to prevent boredom and possible resulting destructive behavior.

Listed below are some diseases and health problems common to the Poodle and Pomeranian. The Pomapoo may also be particularly susceptible to these.

Patellar luxation is a disorder affecting the kneecap.

Tracheal collapse is a disorder of the windpipe. The rings of the trachea are weakened and collapse, resulting in persistent coughing and possibly difficult breathing.

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder which develops between the ages of 2 to 5 years.

Cataracts are opacities within the lens of the eye that affect vision.

The Pomapoo may also be susceptible to chronic discharge from the eyes and oral diseases.

The Pomapoo's average life span is 12-18 years.

To learn more about the Pomapoo's parenting breeds, please read PetPlace's breed profiles on the Pomeranian and the Poodle.