How much does it cost to own a Pomsky? Pomskies cost between $1,000 to $5,000. They are expensive dogs, both to acquire initially and to care for over their lifetime. The price tag can seem daunting for a lot of people.
We’ll take a closer look at the various costs that come with owning one of these dogs, so you know what you’re looking at, expense-wise.
Why are Pomskies such expensive dogs?
One thing worth remembering is that a Pomsky is what is known as a designer breed. They are the descendants of crosses between Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies. Because these are two breeds that would not customarily be bred to each other, there are not as many puppies of this variety around.
Some Pomsky buyers prefer dogs that have markings that resemble a Husky more closely. Smaller is also better where many of these breeders are concerned. You will pay more for a puppy likely to be smaller that has the traditional black and white Husky markings.
With fewer Pomsky puppies available, many breeders opt to provide a “pick of the litter” option. Buyers who choose this option will pay about $100 to $500 extra for a puppy. The demand for these crossbreeds is likely to remain high until there are more breeders.
1. Their relative rarity
Pomskies are not one of the more common crosses that are available. Because they are the product of a toy and a working breed, there are unlikely to be many puppies of this variety. The demand for these dogs will be highest among people seeking a pet rather than a working dog.
2. Breeding difficulties for ancestors of different sizes
Because a Husky is a medium to large-sized dog, and a Pomeranian is toy-sized, breeding these types of dogs is somewhat challenging. Most Pomskies are multi-generation crosses rather than the product of a purebred Husky and Pomeranian.
However, both Pomskies need to be close enough in size to breed easily to ensure successful breeding, or the breeder needs to use artificial insemination.
3. Health problems inherited from both breeds
Huskies and Pomeranians have possible health issues that might be inherited from either side. Luxating patellas or dislocated knees, hip dysplasia, collapsing trachea, and heart disease are among the most common issues. Because of their small size, these dogs might be prone to dental disease.
4. Size and coat color may make an impact
Although most Pomskies are in the 20 to 30-pound range, many buyers are interested in a closer to a toy-size dog. Even though we have already noted the popularity of the black and white markings, grey and white, or other patterns common to Huskies are also in high demand.
There is also a strong preference for blue eyes, or even one blue eye and one brown, which may also impact the price.
What are some yearly costs when you have a Pomsky?
Although Pomskies that come from reputable breeders or rescues are usually healthy, you will need to plan yearly costs that include vet care. Depending on whether your dog has any particular health needs, you might need to plan for allocating part of your budget to veterinary diet food, as well as prescription medications. If you prefer not to handle grooming yourself, you will also need to budget for groomers’ visits.
Veterinary costs
Most owners who have healthy Pomskies can expect to pay $200 to $300 in vet costs yearly. These costs will include a wellness exam, vaccines that are due, and routine labs. If you choose to have your Pomsky spayed or neutered, expect to pay $100 to $200 for this procedure.
The vet that you go to and the area where you live may impact costs. Some veterinary hospitals are corporate-owned and offer wellness plans similar to insurance. Others may specialize in low-cost preventative care, as well as spaying or neutering.
Veterinary hospitals affiliated with a university’s vet school may offer low-cost services, as well as easy access to specialists.
Food and treats
Pomskies do best when given a low-fat diet that is high in nutrients. Dogs that become overweight are more likely to develop diabetes and heart problems. Quality foods formulated for the needs of small dogs average around $300 a year.
Most dogs like occasional treats and commercial treats or treats made from favorite foods make excellent training aids. Consider buying treats made from the same types of high-quality ingredients used in their food.
Dog-friendly fruits like small bits of apples or dates, vegetables like carrots, or little bits of lean meat all make excellent treats.
Regular grooming
Although a Pomsky is not an exceptionally high-maintenance dog, you will need to devote some time to grooming. A quick daily brushing will help keep most of the loose hair under control. These dogs will shed heavily about twice a year, with shedding periods lasting as long as 90 days.
If you choose to use a groomer to keep your dog’s coat maintained, most groomers charge $50 to $100 per session. Dogs that get nervous over nail trims, dental cleaning, or ear cleaning may benefit from having a groomer handle these tasks.
These types of jobs, as well as flea and tick product applications, will carry extra costs.
How to make sure you’re using a decent breeder or rescue
When you’re adding a dog to your family, especially a popular breed like a Pomsky, you want to make sure you use an ethical breeder or rescue. These dogs have enough of a broad appeal that there are unscrupulous breeders or rescues only concerned with earning a lot of money.
You need to know what to look for regardless of whether you go through a breeder or a rescue.
How to choose a good breeder
Some of the things that you can do to find the right breeder include meeting with the breeder in-person at their kennel or home, asking the see the parents of the litter, and getting full medical history information.
Ethical breeders who are concerned with producing quality dogs will be glad to fulfill these requirements. Avoid those who sell their dogs sight-unseen online, sell in unconventional settings like parking lots or flea markets, or refuse to answer reasonable questions.
Reputable breeders will have no problem with inviting prospective buyers to their home or kennel location. If you can see where they keep their dogs, you can evaluate whether they keep their dogs in a humane setting. Avoid anyone who refuses to let you see their facilities or keeps their dogs in dirty, cramped kennel settings.
An ethical breeder will allow you to see the dam and sire of the litter. When you can see what the mother and father look like, you will have a better idea of what the puppy will look like when grown. You can also tell whether both dogs have Pomsky traits or whether they may appear to be other breeds.
Even though Pomskies are not purebred, professional breeders will be cautious about refraining from breeding dogs with known health problems. Dogs that these breeders produce will receive veterinary care, including initial shots for puppies.
Avoid breeders who are evasive about health issues the dogs might have or who show little interest in their dogs’ health.
How to choose a reputable rescue
Because Pomskies are a designer breed that does not have a large supply, there are relatively few in rescue, and you are unlikely to find a Pomsky-specific rescue. Most of these dogs that become available are usually in rescues that place multiple breeds.
If you choose to work with a rescue, look for rescues with a history of working well with others, organizations that practice unethical behavior like rehoming stolen dogs, or groups with a history of fraud.
When rescues have the proverbial “drama mamas,” the dogs suffer from the in-fighting. People who work in rescue need to care enough about dogs to put personal differences aside. Avoid rescues whose key people make the activity all about themselves, instead of the animals.
Some unethical rescues engage in practices like rehoming animals before trying to find the owner. There are also rescues who acquire puppies at a low cost or free, then charge outrageous adoption fees. Do some research online and see if there are multiple complaints about unethical practices.
Unfortunately, some organizations engage in fraud, such as raising funds for animals no longer in their care. Some may present themselves as a non-profit when they are a for-profit business. Always see if the rescue has 5013C status or is at least actively pursuing this status.
Conclusion
Although a Pomsky can be an expensive dog to acquire initially, adding one of these dogs to your family is worth the effort. When you are willing to spend money on the yearly costs and go through a reputable breeder or rescue, you will have a greater chance of your dog being healthy and happy.
