Known for being energetic, friendly, and intelligent, the Aussiepom has captured the hearts of many pet enthusiasts.
They were first developed in the early 2000s and have been growing in popularity steadily over the years. With their adorable looks and impressive range of coat colors, it’s easy to see why they’ve become so well-liked by dog lovers.
If you’re looking to add a new furry friend to your family, keep reading to learn more about the Aussiepom and why one of these pups might be right for you!
Origin and History
The Aussiepom is a hybrid dog breed, a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Pomeranian.
The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz breeds and has its roots in Europe. Its popularity is largely attributed to Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the breed while visiting Florence, Italy, and brought Pomeranians back to Great Britain.
The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, has a more complex history, despite its name suggesting origins in Australia. It is believed that the breed was refined in the United States, making it more of a North American breed. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs known for their herding and general work abilities.
Aussiepom dogs may have occurred naturally over time, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that breeders in North America intentionally began mixing Australian Shepherds and Pomeranians. The goal of such breeding was to combine the intelligence, versatility, and working ability of the Australian Shepherd with the small size and charm of the Pomeranian.
Appearance and Size
With an impressive combination of both parent breeds’ traits, this dog has a unique appearance that makes it stand out among other breeds.
In terms of size, Aussiepoms are relatively small, with a height ranging between 10 to 17 inches and weight varying from 8 to 30 pounds. Their manageable size makes them suitable for various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes.
Examining their coat, Aussiepoms exhibit a diverse range of colors and patterns. Some of the most common colors include red merle, blue merle, brown, and black, while their coats can be solid, tri-color, or feature a few spots of color here and there. The coat texture is influenced by the parent breeds, so it might be short to medium-length and require regular grooming due to high shedding levels.
A distinctive feature of the Aussiepom’s appearance is its head, which is wedge-shaped and has a relatively short snout. The dog’s ears can either stand in erect triangles or flop forwards, depending on the individual. Their oval eyes, evenly spaced, may vary in color from blue, wall, or brown. Many Aussiepoms inherit the ‘smiling’ mouth trait from their Pomeranian parent, adding a charming touch to their overall look.
Temperament and Behavior
The Aussiepom dog breed displays a confident and friendly temperament, making them perfect companions for various households. Known for their affectionate nature, these dogs quickly form strong bonds with their family members, showing immense loyalty and devotion.
Intelligence is another key characteristic of the Aussiepom breed. They are quick learners and tend to pick up new tricks or commands with relative ease. This, combined with their natural energy and playful nature, makes them a delight to train and engage in stimulating activities.
As social creatures, Aussiepoms enjoy spending time with their human companions and other pets, making them a great addition to a home with multiple pets. They thrive in environments where they receive plenty of love and attention, ensuring their emotional needs are met.
Sensitive to their surroundings, Aussiepoms can become territorial if they feel their home or family is under threat. This can sometimes result in barking to alert their family members of potential danger. However, with proper training and socialization, this behavior can be effectively managed, ensuring they remain well-mannered and adaptable to various situations.
Training and Socialization
The Aussiepom dog breed is highly intelligent and requires proper training and socialization to ensure well-rounded behavior. These dogs are generally easy to train due to their intelligence, but patience and consistency are necessary. Engaging in mental stimulation exercises and utilizing positive reinforcement techniques help in achieving desired results.
Socialization is a crucial aspect of molding the Aussiepom’s behavior and temperament. Exposing them to various people, places, sights, and sounds from an early age helps them adapt to different environments and situations. This also prevents the development of anxiety or aggression towards other pets and individuals.
In addition to basic obedience training, the Aussiepom can excel in more specialized roles such as watchdog, search and rescue, and herding. Their high intelligence and innate instincts contribute to their performance in these roles, provided they receive appropriate training and guidance.
It is essential to remember that being an active and energetic breed, the Aussiepom requires regular physical exercise along with mental stimulation. Activities such as agility training, puzzle toys, and fetch can help keep them engaged and content. By dedicating time and effort to training and socialization, an Aussiepom can become a friendly, loyal, and adaptable member of the family.
Exercise and Activity Levels
Aussiepoms require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Daily walks, play sessions, and engaging in various physical activities are essential to meet their energy needs.
Being highly energetic, Aussiepoms thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments. They enjoy exploring the outdoors and participating in games such as fetch, frisbee, and agility training. These activities not only help burn off excess energy but also provide mental stimulation for the intelligent Aussiepom.
While indoors, it is crucial to provide these dogs with toys and interactive puzzles that challenge their minds and keep them engaged. Regular playtime with their owner or other pets in the household also helps in maintaining their mental and physical well-being.
Both indoor and outdoor activities are crucial to satisfy an Aussiepom’s energetic nature and keep them happy and well-adjusted.
Grooming and Maintenance
Caring for an Aussiepom’s coat is an essential aspect of maintenance. They possess fluffy coats that require regular grooming to keep them looking their best and promote healthy skin. Shedding can be significant, particularly during season changes, so it’s essential to establish a grooming routine early on.
Aussiepoms should be brushed at least two or three times a week using a suitable slicker brush and comb. This process not only removes loose hair and reduces shedding but also helps distribute their natural oils, which keeps their coat in good condition. It also prevents matting and tangling, which can lead to skin irritation and discomfort.
Despite all the shedding, Aussiepoms are relatively easy to groom, thanks to their manageable size and generally cooperative nature. However, to maintain their overall hygiene, be sure to clean their ears regularly to prevent infections and trim their nails every few weeks to avoid painful overgrowth. Additionally, keep their teeth clean and healthy with frequent brushing or dental chews.
It is important to remember that, like all dogs, individual Aussiepoms can have varying levels of grooming needs depending on their specific coats. Some may have denser, more demanding coats, while others may not require as much attention. It is crucial to pay attention to your dog’s specific needs and adapt your grooming routine accordingly. This will ensure that your Aussiepom remains healthy and comfortable with a beautiful coat that stays in top condition.
Health Issues and Concerns
The Aussiepom breed tends to be a healthy dog. However, there are some health concerns that potential owners should be aware of. As a mixed breed, the Aussiepom may inherit health issues common to either the Pomeranian or Australian Shepherd breeds.
Deafness is a health concern that can affect Aussiepoms due to their Australian Shepherd lineage. This is often caused by a lack of pigmentation in the inner ear, and it can be diagnosed early in life. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help monitor and address any hearing issues that may arise.
Blindness is another health concern that can affect this breed, particularly due to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow down the progression of PRA. Regular eye exams and proper care can help to protect the dog’s vision.
Allergies can also be an issue for some Aussiepoms. These may manifest as skin irritation or gastrointestinal problems. A veterinarian can help identify the allergen and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the specific allergy.
The Aussiepom may also be at risk for certain eye-related issues such as cataracts. Regular eye exams can help identify early signs of cataracts and ensure prompt treatment.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are joint disorders that can affect both Australian Shepherds and Pomeranians. These conditions can lead to pain and mobility issues. To minimize the risk of joint dysplasia, it is important to provide proper nutrition, exercise, and weight management throughout the dog’s life.
Kneecap dislocation can also be a concern for Aussiepoms. This condition, known as patellar luxation, can cause the kneecap to slip out of place and create mobility issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive exercise can help prevent patellar luxation. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Dental and gum issues can also affect Aussiepoms. Regular dental check-ups and proper dental hygiene, such as brushing and using dental chews, can help prevent issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a focus on preventive care can go a long way in keeping the dog in good health.
Adopting an Aussiepom
When considering adoption, it’s important to research and learn about the breed’s characteristics and requirements.
Despite their designer breed status, it is possible to find Aussiepoms in shelters and rescues. Opting to adopt from these sources provides an opportunity to give a loving home to a dog in need. It is essential to be diligent during the adoption process, asking questions about the dog’s history, health, and temperament in order to provide the best possible home environment.
Adopting an Aussiepom can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for families and individuals looking for an energetic and intelligent canine companion. By taking the time to research the breed and understand its requirements, along with considering adoption from shelters and rescues, potential owners can ensure they’re providing the best possible home for these loving dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Aussiepoms get when fully grown?
The size of an Aussiepom can vary depending on the dominant parent traits. While they are generally smaller than their Australian Shepherd parent, they can still reach medium size. The average weight of an Aussiepom is between 10 to 30 pounds, with a height of 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
What is the average lifespan of an Aussiepom?
The Aussiepom has a relatively good lifespan for a mixed-breed dog. On average, they can live between 12 to 15 years. Proper care, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure that your Aussiepom stays healthy throughout its life.
How much does an Aussiepom typically cost?
The cost of an Aussiepom can vary greatly depending on factors such as the breeder, the location, and the demand for this particular mixed breed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or even more for an Aussiepom puppy. Keep in mind that adopting from a rescue organization is often a less expensive option and gives a deserving dog a forever home.
Wrapping Up
Aussiepoms are friendly, loyal, and have active personalities. They are affectionate and fun-loving dogs that enjoy being around their human family members. While their energy levels can sometimes be high, they are also intelligent and respond well to training. This makes them adaptable to various types of families and living situations as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
So if you’re looking for a new pup to add to your family, the Aussiepom might be the right choice for you! Be sure to do your own research and check your local shelters!
If you’re interested in other hybrids, check out our dog breeds page for more information!