The Aussie Pom Dog is a unique and lovable mixed breed that requires special care and attention.
This breed is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Pomeranian, resulting in a dog that's both intelligent and energetic.
Aussie Poms typically weigh between 10-20 pounds and stand 10-15 inches tall, making them a small but mighty companion.
They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so regular grooming is a must to prevent matting and tangling.
Their intelligence and energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Temperament
The Aussiepom is a sociable and friendly dog that forms strong attachments with its owners.
They can become territorial over their family and property, so it's essential to establish clear boundaries and training.
Separation anxiety is a real risk, so owners should ensure their Aussiepom is not left alone for prolonged periods.
They generally get on well with most children, but they can be boisterous, so it's crucial to monitor their behavior around little ones.
The Aussiepom is highly alert and always likes to know what's going on around them, which can sometimes make them seem highly-strung.
Their tendency to bark makes them a good watchdog, but they're not hostile enough to succeed as a guard dog.
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Temperament and Training
The Aussiepom is a sociable and friendly dog that loves spending time with its family, often forming a strong bond with one or two family members.
They are a social breed that doesn't like being left alone for long periods, so they can become destructive if bored or neglected. You may need to consider hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbor to check in on them during the day.
Aussiepoms are highly emotional and sensitive, so they don't take well to being scolded or berated during training. Instead, encourage and reward their successes to keep them motivated and engaged.
To prevent separation anxiety, it's essential to include socialization sessions in your training, introducing your Aussiepom to other dogs and people early in life. This will help them become confident and calm in new situations.
As a dog that loves to please, your Aussiepom will happily learn new tricks and participate in training sessions if you make them fun and enjoyable. Just remember to keep the sessions varied and challenging to keep them engaged.
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Aussiepoms can be highly-strung and alert, so they'll likely bark at anything they don't feel is right, making them a good watchdog. However, they're not hostile enough to succeed as a guard dog, and they might try to lick an intruder to death instead of defending themselves.
To prevent "Small Dog Syndrome", it's crucial to treat your Aussiepom with the same respect and discipline as you would a larger dog. Avoid picking them up and coddling them too much, and discourage any aggressive behavior or nipping.
Care and Management
The Aussiepom is a highly active and intelligent dog that requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Regular walks and outdoor play are essential to keep them happy and healthy.
To ensure your Aussiepom gets the physical and mental stimulation they need, aim for at least two daily walks and some dedicated daily outdoor play. Even if they have a yard, they still need to get out daily for a walk.
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The quality of your dog's food also plays a crucial role in their overall health and weight management. A diet that consists of biologically appropriate ingredients will help your dog shed excess pounds or gain healthy weight.
Here are the key factors to consider when determining how much to feed your Aussiepom:
- Your dog’s metabolism
- The quality of food you are feeding
- How much exercise your dog gets
- How much they weigh
- The age and breed of your dog
- If you want your dog to (gain, maintain or lose) weight
In addition to regular walks and a balanced diet, your Aussiepom will also require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, fluffy coat. Daily brushing and regular bathing will help keep their coat looking its best.
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Exercise
The Aussiepom is a highly active dog that needs quite a lot of exercise. They require daily walks and outdoor play to get the physical and mental stimulation they need to thrive.
Dogs that live indoors will need to be walked twice a day, and those with a yard will still need a daily walk to get them out into the community. This provides mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
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The amount of exercise that Aussiepoms require should not be underestimated, as they will become quite destructive if they don't get enough physical and mental stimulation. This makes them less ideal for the elderly or anyone with mobility issues.
As a highly active dog, the Aussiepom needs regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of Aussiepom care. They need a lot of attention to keep their coats looking their best.
Their medium-length, fluffy coat sheds a lot, and they tend to get stuck with sticks, leaves, and seeds in their fur. Daily brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling.
A quick daily brush through should keep their coat in good nick, and shedding indoors can be kept to a minimum by doing it outdoors. Regular bathing with dog shampoo and conditioner is also necessary.
Their teeth are prone to plaque buildup, so brushing them daily is essential to prevent dental disease. A finger brush or soft pet's toothbrush can be used, and owners can choose to brush with water alone or with a flavored pet toothpaste.
Their claws grow quickly, and unless they spend a lot of time walking on hard sidewalks, clipping them every couple of weeks is necessary.
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Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your Aussiepom's overall well-being. A diet with biologically appropriate ingredients will help your dog shed excess pounds or gain healthy weight naturally.
To determine the right amount of food for your Aussiepom, consider their metabolism, the quality of food, exercise level, weight, age, breed, and desired weight change. You'll also need to pay attention to their physical appearance as they adapt to their diet.
Your Aussiepom's weight will depend on various factors, including their metabolism, the quality of food, exercise level, weight, age, breed, and desired weight change.
To ensure you're feeding your Aussiepom the right amount, use a raw food calculator or consult with a veterinarian. They can help you determine the correct feeding quantities based on your dog's specific needs.
Here are some key factors to consider when feeding your Aussiepom:
- Metabolism
- Food quality
- Exercise level
- Weight
- Age and breed
- Desired weight change
Regularly assessing your Aussiepom's weight can help you support their ideal weight.
Ownership and Compatibility
Aussiepoms are generally great with other pets if they're socialized from an early age. They just need to be introduced slowly to new pets in the house.
They'll likely become close friends with other pets once they accept them as part of the family. In fact, having another pet to play with can be a great way to keep them mentally stimulated when you're not around.
Aussiepoms are highly tolerant of children and love to spend time with them, whether it's running around the yard or going on long walks. They're a great fit for active families.
However, they do require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so they might not be the best choice for the elderly or someone with limited mobility.
Mixed Breed Information
Most Aussiepom puppies are first-generation crosses. This is because the breed has not been recognized by major international kennel clubs, making breeding from two Aussiepom parent dogs uncommon.
Many Aussiepom breeders still prioritize breeding from two distinct breeds to create first-generation, or F1 Hybrids. This means most Aussiepom puppies available for sale are F1 Hybrids, not bred from two Aussiepom parent dogs.
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Final Thoughts
The Aussiepom is a perfect fit for active families who can keep up with their endless energy.
They thrive on spending time with their family and will be your constant companion on any adventure you have in mind.
Aussiepom ownership does require a bit of work, but the rewards are well worth it.
If you put in the time and effort to care for your Aussiepom, they will repay you with years of love, affection, and fun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aussiepoms cost?
Initial cost: $1000-$1200. Annual expenses: $650 for food, medication, and maintenance
Sources
- Aussiepom (Australian Shepherd & Pomeranian Mix) (hepper.com)
- Aussiepom | Australian Shepherd Pomeranian Mix (dogbreeds911.com)
- Aussiepom Breed Information, Characteristics & Heath ... (dogzone.com)
- Aussiepom Mixed Dog Breed Pictures, Characteristics, & Facts (restedpaws.co.uk)
- Aussiepom - Dog Feeding Guide (prodograw.com)
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