A Pomsky or a Pomeranian–Husky hybrid is a fairly new type of dog. It’s been around for a decade and is gaining in popularity today. Its meteoric rise to fame has prompted enthusiasts to rally behind its recognition as a purebred dog.
For most of us, there are still a lot of questions left unanswered with regards to this dog breed. We will try to answer some of them, and we’ll start with the costs associated with having a pomsky.
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The Costs of Having a Pomsky
Breeding pomskies is a very difficult task. This is due to the fact that Huskies and Pomeranians vary greatly in size. Because of this, pomsky price typically ranges from $650 to $3000, which is relatively huge, even to that of its ancestors.
The value can even go as high as $5000 depending on the puppy’s heritage. Usually, a pomsky from smaller-sized dam and sire costs so much more. Most buyers prefer a tiny one because of how cute it looks. It also suits apartment setups better than that with a larger build.
On top of the cost of buying a pomsky, you also need to consider other expenses related to it. Be prepared to spend on both one-time and recurring expenses. Luckily, there are a lot of options on the web that you can choose from. We’ll talk about all of this one by one.
One Time Costs For Your Pomsky
A pomsky can be expensive and so can the additional expenses that come with taking care of it. Having an active pup like this requires the purchase of things such as its kennel, toys, leash, and a brush.
- Kennels and Carriers
Although some dog owners prefer having their pets roam around their house freely, it is still wise to have a cage present. It is important never to use the crate for timeouts, as it is supposed to be your dog’s safe place. Instead, utilize the crate when you leave the house, are in the middle of potty training, or do something you know your dog isn’t going to particularly like, such as run the vacuum.
Since most pomskies have short stature, you can opt for smaller and cheaper cages. Pet Co. has a wide list of different cages that can suit your taste. The price range for a 1-door folding dog crate with 48” L x 30.1” W x 32.6” H dimensions is around $150-$170.
You will also need a dog carrier whenever you’d have to bring your dog with you in the car. This is used often whenever you need to go to a veterinarian for checkups or during casual travels with your pup.
You can also check Pet Smart for a variety of dog carriers and crates. The cheapest and the smallest one on its website costs $22 (20” L x 13” W x 11” H). On the other hand, the largest, with 28” L x 20.5” W x 21.5” H dimensions has a price tag of $46.
- Toys
Pomskies are very lively. They have a lot of energy to burn. You need to make them busy, so they won’t develop a bad habit of chewing furniture and other things you don’t want to be destroyed. Toys and other accessories can help you do away with this kind of problem.
Be very cautious about buying chew toys for your beloved pet. Some of these may be tempting to buy because of the low price, but doing so may come at a very grave consequence. Toxic chemicals can be present on low-cost plastics, which are carcinogenic and can cause harm to your dog or even result in its untimely death.
Chewy.com specializes in dog toys and has an endless list of playthings for your fur baby. It even has a set of specific categories so you can narrow down your searches based on your preference. The prices can go as low as $1.99 for the plastic ones while the plush dolls cost around $4-$8.
- Leash
Walking your pomsky outside is one way of bonding with it. It can also serve as a good exercise for both of you. Because of its playful nature, a leash is necessary to ensure its safety. After all, it is never wise to let go of any dog outside without proper harness.
Almost every pet store online offers a variety of dog leashes. You may want to check what you’re going to buy properly as some of these do not pass the quality standards. The price depends on the size of the leash, with the small ones being sold at $10 while the largest at $20 each.
- Brush
Just like its parents, a pomsky sheds a lot. It can be very bothersome especially for those who have their pomsky stay inside their houses. The fur can stick to sofas, carpets, and other furniture, which can be very hard to remove. You can avoid this by brushing your dog regularly.
Brushing your dog’s coat also has its health benefits. It keeps the fur shiny and healthy. It also creates a relaxing effect on your puppy by releasing tension. It’s a way of taking away dirt and debris from the skin.
According to My Pet Warehouse, there are different kinds of dog brushes. You must choose a brush based on the type of your dog’s fur. A pomsky has a long and thick coat. The website recommends an undercoat rake for this in order to remove loose hair quickly. The posted price for this kind of brush is around $18.
Inclusions
Most pet store owners give a small portion of dog food as a starter. Most of the time, it is also done as a form of promotion. Some sellers even include cheap pup containers for transport purposes, though these ones cannot be used for long-term purposes.
Inclusions
Most pet store owners give a small portion of dog food as a starter. Most of the time, it is also done as a form of promotion. Some sellers even include cheap pup containers for transport purposes, though these ones cannot be used for long-term purposes.
Recurring Expenses
- Food
Food plays a vital role in your dog’s overall well-being. A lot of things must be considered when deciding what food to choose from. Budget and dog breed are usually the determining factors. Let’s start with the first one.
If you’re tight on budget, you may opt for generic dog foods available on your local markets or online. The cheapest ones are sold for as low as $1 per pound. Various online stores offer a list of affordable dog foods.
For those dog owners who do not mind the cost, it is always better to go for breed-appropriate foods for your pet. Pomskies are very energetic and like to do vigorous exercises such as jumping and running around. Because of this, they need a rich source of nutrients like protein and other vitamins to keep up with their activities.
We recommend not feeding your pomsky grain-free foods unless they have a grain allergy, which is pretty rare. Grains provide a healthy source of carbohydrates to your dog’s food. Plus, most grain-free foods do not actually contain more meat than grain-inclusive foods. Instead, they add more fillers such as peas and potatoes, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. If you want to feed your dog grain-free food, it is important to ensure it is free of potatoes and peas.
Raw food is becoming more and more common. Only Natural Pet has a raw food line that is actually quite inexpensive and made of mostly meat. Purina Pro Plan is a great dry food option if you would rather go that route.
- Treats
Pomsky is a very intelligent breed. With the right amount of patience and proper training, you can teach your puppy a good number of tricks. Of course, you will need some treats along the way. It is nearly impossible to train a dog without the use of them.
There are a wide variety of treats you can give to your pomsky. Most fruits and vegetables will do and are edible for dogs except for sultanas, grapes, and raisins. If your puppy has a bad habit of chewing furniture and other things it shouldn’t touch, you may want to give it chewy ones as a remedy. Treats are not usually expensive, with an average price tag of $3 per pack.
- Grooming
A pomsky requires a lot of maintenance. Its hair needs to be trimmed and groomed once in a while to avoid tangling and heavy shedding. A regular hair service costs around $25. It may seem expensive, but most pet service centers already include bathing and haircut in it.
Nail trimming must also be done on a regular basis. Since domesticated dogs usually do not have their nails worn down, these can get too long if left unattended. This may cause an injury that can lead to a serious infection. The usual charge for this service is $10.
It is wise to avail of these services altogether in order to save money. Some pet clinics offer discounted packages for those who will opt for multiple services. Some of the basic ones that usually come in a bundle are a bath, brush, nail trim, and ear cleaning. There are also those that include special ones like brushing teeth and cologne application.
Pet Salon USA offer such services all in one based on the dog’s size. Pomskies vary in sizes, mainly depending on their ancestry. Some may be considered small and the others as medium-sized. For the little ones, the price range is from $29.95 to $48.95 while for the bigger dogs, it’s $44.95 up to $68.95.
- Vaccination
It is highly recommended and even mandated by law (for some states) to have your dog be vaccinated. The 5-in-1 shot includes the common vaccines against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, adenovirus type 1 and 2, parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus costs around $60 all in one. It usually takes 3 sessions in a year. Subsequent booster shots can be done every 3 years.
Factors That Affect the Pricing
The rule of the thumb is: the smaller the dog, the fewer expenses there would be. Although a large pomsky usually is cheaper than a small one (due to preference), you may have to spend more on the former when it comes to food and maintenance.
In the case of owning a pomsky, the maintenance costs are relatively higher compared to having a shorthaired breed. This is due to the fact that the latter doesn’t require hair-related services very often.
Expenses are really high during the first few months of having a pomsky. This is because you have to spend both one-time and recurring costs at the same moment. Puppies eat much more food than adults, which is contrary to common belief. The bulk of vaccination expenditures are also during this period.
Interested in Buying One? Here Are Some Tips
The most important decision you will be making when buying a pomsky is the selection of the seller. Make sure that you’re getting your pup from a responsible breeder. Avoid buying from commercial stores as they usually get theirs from puppy mills.
Since pomskies are not recognized as purebred, there is no way of assuring that you will be receiving a puppy of high pedigree. Your best shot at one of high quality is to look at its parentage. The preferred litters are usually from dams (husky) with shorter stature.
Do not be afraid of asking questions. You may request the health history of the pup’s parents. Make sure to also know the dogs’ diet. It will give you an idea of how they are treated. If the breeder gives you advice, always take it into consideration. It’s always wise to listen from the experts.
When it comes to costs, the best way to cut your expenses is to be resourceful. If you have old items that can be used to improvise some of the dog’s stuff, you may opt for them instead of buying new ones. For example, look for some scrap metals in your backyard that you can use to build a dog cage. You can also recycle used toys from your child or your previous pets.
Lastly, make sure that you are a capable pet owner before getting into this kind of commitment. Check that you have all the necessary things you need for you pomsky. If possible, dog-proof your house to avoid any untoward incidents. Have all of this in mind, and you’re ready to go.
