Pom-Silk

Silky Pom

Purpose

Companion

Breed Type : Crossbreeds

Breed Size: Small

The Pom-Silk is a charming hybrid breed that emerges from the crossbreeding of a Silky Terrier and a Pomeranian, resulting in a small dog full of character. This lively and affectionate pet enjoys being close to its owner. Renowned for their intelligence and gentle nature, Pom-Silks are eager to make their owners happy. Their appealing appearance, highlighted by long, soft, and almost fluffy fur, adds to their allure. These spirited little dogs thrive on both physical activity and mental stimulation, which are vital for bringing out their best qualities. They relish engaging in problem-solving games, searching for hidden items, or taking part in agility exercises, all of which keep their minds active and help curb any mischievous tendencies. While they are loving companions, it’s essential not to indulge them excessively, as this can lead to demanding and possessive behaviors, causing them to think they are the leaders of the household. A balanced approach from their owner is key to fostering respect; without it, they may become overly dominant. Moreover, supervision around small children is important unless they have been raised together, ensuring that they understand the household rules and acceptable behaviors. Once they comprehend their place in the family, Pom-Silks can be incredibly affectionate and delightful companions, providing endless entertainment with their playful antics.

Breed Origin

The ancestry of the Pom-Silk provides intriguing insights into this delightful breed. One of its progenitors, the Silky Terrier, is a small but lively dog known for its vibrant character. This breed emerged in the late 1800s from a mix of Yorkshire Terriers and Australian Terriers, originally bred from smaller terriers that were used for pest control in Europe and later in Australia. The aim was to create a dog that combined the sturdy build of the Australian Terrier with the unique coat of the Yorkshire Terrier. Within a few generations, breeders successfully established the Silky Terrier, despite ongoing debates about its name and weight standards. A consensus on weight was achieved in 1926, while discussions about the breed's name persisted for a longer period. Initially called the Sydney Silky Terrier, it eventually transitioned to the Australian Silky Terrier before finally being recognized simply as the Silky Terrier. The American Kennel Club officially acknowledged this charming breed in 1955. Conversely, the Pomeranian traces its roots back to the Pomerania region, which is now part of Germany and Poland, where it was originally a larger working dog weighing up to 30 pounds. These dogs were employed for herding and guarding sheep, thanks to their keen alertness and enthusiasm, making them excellent working partners. Their striking appearance won the hearts of many, including notable figures like Marie Antoinette, Mozart, and Queen Victoria. In 1888, Queen Victoria began breeding Pomeranians to create a smaller version, which greatly enhanced their popularity as loving companions. The American Kennel Club recognized the Pomeranian in the same year, and it quickly gained fame for its agility and ability to learn tricks. These dogs are known for their quick learning, eagerness to please, and love for being the center of attention.

Breed Appearance

The Pom-Silk's appearance can vary widely, shaped by the dominant traits of its parent breeds. This small dog typically has a body that is slightly longer than it is tall, supported by short, sturdy legs and delicate paws. Its head is elegantly wedge-shaped, featuring a short, pointed muzzle with teeth that meet in a scissors bite. The breed is known for its almond-shaped, dark eyes that sparkle with a playful energy, along with small, upright ears positioned high on the head. The coat of the Pom-Silk can differ, either resembling the soft, thick, and fluffy double coat of the Pomeranian or the straight, silky, and lustrous fur of the Silky Terrier. Regardless of the coat type, the Pom-Silk is a distinctive and charming breed. Its color range is also quite broad, encompassing hues such as red, white, blue, brown, black, tan, wolf sable, brindle, and parti-color, which features white with colored markings.

Care Routine

The grooming requirements for your Pom-silk are primarily influenced by the coat type inherited from its parent breeds. Depending on this, maintenance can vary from daily brushing to just a couple of times each week. Given their long, thick fur, these dogs are susceptible to tangles and mats, making it essential to use a comb or a standard brush to maintain their appearance. Bathing should occur approximately once a month, or more often if your curious pup finds themselves in messy situations. It's also vital to routinely inspect the dense fur around their ears to prevent infections; be sure to clean this area gently, taking care not to injure the sensitive ear structure. Furthermore, regular tooth brushing is important to prevent dental issues and bad breath, so opt for products specifically formulated for dogs. Lastly, monitor their toenails and trim them carefully if they grow too long. By establishing this grooming routine, you’ll likely create a beloved weekly ritual for your Pom-silk.

Behavior & Temperament

The Pom-Silk is a vibrant, affectionate, and spirited small breed that makes an excellent companion, showcasing remarkable loyalty. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn endear them to many, as they possess a curious and independent nature. Always up for play, these dogs thrive on the thrill of learning new tricks or participating in agility events. As family pets, they adapt seamlessly to apartment living, viewing themselves as essential members of the household. They are gentle and loving towards children, especially if raised alongside them and given proper socialization. However, their small size as puppies makes them susceptible to accidental injuries from energetic kids, so close supervision is crucial. These lively dogs may find it challenging to get along with other pets unless they are raised together. They often display a bold attitude towards other dogs, which can be surprising given their size. The Pom-Silk flourishes under the guidance of a firm owner; without this structure, their terrier instincts may take over, resulting in demanding behavior and excessive barking. This can be addressed through effective training and the establishment of household rules. With a confident owner and an active, supportive family, this charming breed is sure to capture hearts wherever they go.

Play & Exercise

The Pom-Silk is a lively breed that flourishes in the company of others, often getting her exercise by simply following you around the home or garden. Nonetheless, it's crucial to take her for a daily walk to stimulate her mind and provide opportunities for socializing with other animals and people. She is always ready to accompany you on any outing, but it's vital to keep her on a leash, as her instinct may lead her to chase after any small, swift creature that catches her eye. These dogs are quick to learn and thrive in training that is both fun and engaging. Their keen awareness and agility make them ideal candidates for agility sports. Whether in a house or an apartment, these versatile small dogs make wonderful companions.

Things to Know

Cups Per Day

1.0 Cups

Daily Activity

40 Minutes

Average Lifespan

14 Years

Origin

Unknown

Type

Crossbreeds

Size

Small

Origin Country

United States

Brush Frequency

Daily

Coat Texture

Straight

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Height & Weight

Weight

8 lbs (4 kg)

Male: 8 lbs (4 kg) , Female: 7 lbs (3 kg)

Height

8 inches (20 sm)

Male: 9 inches (23 sm) , Female: 8 inches (20 sm)

6 Months

4 lbs

3 inches

4 lbs ( m 4 lbs, f 4 lbs )

3 inches ( m 3 inches, f 3 inches )

12 Months

7 lbs

7 inches

7 lbs ( m 7 lbs, f 7 lbs )

7 inches ( m 7 inches, f 7 inches )

18 Months