Pom-Kee
The Pom-Kee is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Keeshond. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Pom-Kee. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a compact toy breed standing 6 to 7 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, with the ideal show weight falling between 4 and 6 pounds. Despite their diminutive size, Pomeranians possess a sturdy, well-balanced frame with a short back and a body that is well-ribbed and rounded, giving them a cobby appearance. The breed displays the characteristic Nordic Spitz features, including a wedge-shaped head that appears somewhat foxy, small erect ears set high on the skull, and dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey an alert and intelligent expression. The muzzle is short and straight, tapering slightly but never appearing snipey, weak, or overly refined, maintaining good proportions with the skull. The Pomeranian's magnificent double coat is the breed's crowning glory and most distinguishing feature, requiring regular maintenance to preserve its impressive appearance. A soft, dense undercoat provides excellent insulation while the abundant outer coat consists of long, harsh-textured guard hairs that stand away from the body, creating the characteristic puffball silhouette. The coat forms an impressive frill around the neck and chest, extending over the shoulders and creating a mane-like ruff that frames the face beautifully. The heavily plumed tail is one of the breed's most distinctive features, setting high and lying flat against the back in a fan shape, with the profuse tail plumage blending seamlessly into the body coat. Pomeranians display one of the widest varieties of colors found in any dog breed, with the American Kennel Club recognizing all colors, patterns, and variations. Common colorations include orange, red, cream, sable, black, white, blue, chocolate, beaver, and various parti-color combinations featuring white with colored patches. The orange and red shades are perhaps most recognizable and popular, though the breed standard allows for considerable variation and all colors are judged equally. The face features the characteristic foxy expression with bright, intelligent eyes and a refined muzzle, while the small feet are compact and cat-like with well-arched toes. Regular grooming including brushing several times weekly is essential to maintain the coat's impressive appearance, prevent matting in the dense undercoat, and manage the considerable shedding that occurs especially during seasonal coat changes.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their small size, Pomeranians are active dogs that enjoy regular play sessions, short walks, and opportunities to explore their environment. They form extremely strong bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship, often preferring the company of their favorite person above all else and wanting to participate in daily activities. This intense attachment can sometimes lead to separation anxiety if not addressed through gradual training and teaching the dog to feel secure when alone. Pomeranians can adapt well to families with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently and respectfully, but their delicate size and relatively fragile structure make them less suitable for households with very young or rambunctious children who might accidentally injure them. Their lively personality, combined with their portable size, striking appearance, and affectionate nature, has made the Pomeranian a consistently popular companion breed for those seeking a devoted and entertaining small dog.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Dental disease requires vigilant attention in Pomeranians due to their small mouths, which often leads to overcrowding of teeth and increased tartar accumulation compared to larger breeds. Regular dental care, including professional veterinary cleanings and consistent home brushing, is essential to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the tooth loss that commonly affects neglected small breed dogs. Hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, can affect Pomeranian puppies and very small adults, particularly during times of stress, excessive activity, or extended periods without food. Eye problems including cataracts, tear duct issues causing excessive tearing, and progressive retinal atrophy may also occur in the breed. Responsible breeding practices that include thorough health screening of parent dogs, combined with regular veterinary care and careful attention to weight management, help ensure Pomeranians live long, healthy, and comfortable lives.
Keeshond
The Keeshond is a medium-sized Spitz-type breed standing 17 to 18 inches at the shoulder for males and 16 to 17 inches for females, with weight typically ranging from 35 to 45 pounds. The breed presents a balanced, sturdy appearance with a compact body that is nearly square in proportion, the length from chest to rump approximately equal to the height at the withers. The chest is deep and well-sprung without being barrel-shaped, and the topline is level with a slight downward slope toward the hindquarters. The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from above, with a moderately wide skull and a muzzle of medium length that is neither coarse nor snipey, creating the alert, intelligent expression characteristic of the breed. The Keeshond's luxurious double coat is one of its most striking features and creates the breed's distinctive silhouette. A thick, downy undercoat provides excellent insulation, while the longer, harsh outer guard hairs stand away from the body, creating an impressive ruff around the neck that extends over the shoulders to form a cape-like mane. The hair on the legs is shorter and smooth below the hock and elbow, while feathering adorns the rear of the front legs and the thighs. The profusely plumed tail is set high and curls tightly over the back, lying close to the body and adding to the breed's balanced appearance. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its impressive appearance and prevent matting, with more intensive care needed during seasonal shedding periods. The Keeshond's coloration is a distinctive mixture of gray, black, and cream, creating a unique shaded pattern that is unmistakable. The outer coat is tipped with black, giving a silver-gray appearance, while the undercoat is pale gray or cream. The most distinctive facial feature is the spectacles, a delicate shading of dark lines that extends from the outer corner of each eye to the base of the ears, combined with distinct markings around the eyes that create the appearance of eyeglasses, giving the Keeshond its characteristic alert and intelligent expression. The muzzle is dark, and the ears are small, triangular, and erect, set high on the head and covered with velvety black hair. The overall impression is of a well-balanced, animated dog with a proud carriage and unmistakable Spitz heritage evident in every aspect of its appearance.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Keeshonden adapt well to various living situations and family compositions, thriving equally in apartments with adequate exercise and homes with large yards. They possess moderate to high energy levels and require regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain happy and well-behaved, but they are equally content to settle down for quiet time with their families. The breed is exceptionally good with children, displaying patience and gentleness while also being sturdy enough to participate in active play. They generally get along well with other dogs and household pets when properly socialized, and their friendly nature extends to almost everyone they meet. The Keeshond's strong need for companionship means they do not tolerate being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety or problematic behaviors if frequently isolated. Their combination of intelligence, affection, and adaptability has made the Keeshond a cherished companion for families seeking a devoted and engaging medium-sized dog.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease leading to gradual vision loss, and cataracts may occur in the breed and should be screened for through regular ophthalmologic examinations. Cardiac conditions, including mitral valve disease and various other heart abnormalities, have been identified in some Keeshond lines, making cardiac screening an important component of responsible breeding programs. The breed's thick double coat requires attention to skin health, as hot spots and other skin irritations can develop if the coat is not properly maintained, particularly during warm weather. Regular grooming, maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints, and working with a breeder who conducts comprehensive health testing all contribute to ensuring Keeshonden live long, healthy, active lives as beloved family companions.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Pom-Kee may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Pomeranian and Keeshond to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.