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Pom Silk Hybrid Description

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Hybrid Description

The Pom Silk is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Silky Terrier and the Pomeranian. The best way to determine the temperment of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues.

Silky Terrier Breed Description - Cross #1

The Australian Silky Terrier is a small and compact short-legged terrier, alert and active. The long silky grey and white or blue and tan coat is an identifying feature, hanging straight and parted along the back, and described as "flat, fine and glossy". All proportions and aspects of the body and head as well as desirable shades of grey and white and placement of markings are extensively described in the breed standard.

The Silky Terrier should be slightly longer than tall (about one fifth longer than the height at withers). This is a dog that was historically used for hunting and killing rodents and snakes, so its body should have enough substance to fit this role. The coat requires quite a lot of regular grooming and shampooing to retain its silkiness.

The Silky Terrier has a strong, wedge-shaped head. The eyes are small and almond-shaped. The ears are small and carried erect. The Silky Terrier has a high-set tail and small, almost catlike, feet. The coat should be long, but not so long as to approach floor length. The hair on the face and ears is normally cut.

Behavior

This loving, little terrier is very intelligent, courageous and alert. Affectionate, spunky, cheerful and sociable, they like to be close to their master. They are full of energy and need a good amount of exercise in order to be calm. Curious and keen they are an enthusiastic digger. Active, smart and quick. Despite their size, this docile dog makes a good watchdog. This is a sturdy breed that adjusts well to traveling. They are not generally trustworthy with other non-canine pets such as rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Socialize them well including with cats so they do not chase them. Good with children so long as the dog does not have a meek owner who fails to give him the discipline and structure all dogs instinctually need. Training these dogs is very straight- forward because it is very eager to learn. Do not allow this little dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. When a Silky believes they are the boss, their temperament changes, as they try to control everyone and every thing around them. They may become demanding, willful, protective and may begin to bark a lot. They may begin to be untrustworthy with children and sometimes adults, becoming snappish if peeved and may pick fights with other dogs.

This very clean breed is well suited for life as a house dog provided he gets out often for long walks. Regular brushing and combing are required. This is not a dog to leave fenced in a yard. They need to be indoors and definitely do not need to be tied up outside, because they want attention so bad they might get hurt trying to get loose.

Health

Generally healthy. Minor concerns are intervertebral disc disease, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation and Legg-Perthes. This breed sometimes is afflicted with diabetes, epilepsy, tracheal collapse.



Pomeranian Breed Description - Cross #2

Pomeranians are compact but sturdy dogs with an abundant textured coat with a highly plumed tail set high and flat. The top coat forms a ruff of fur on the neck, which Poms are well-known for, and they also have a fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters.

The earliest examples of the breed were white or occasionally brown or black. Queen Victoria adopted a small red Pomeranian in 1888, which caused that color to become fashionable by the end of the 19th century. In modern times, the Pomeranian comes in the widest variety of colors of any dog breed, including white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, plus combinations of those colors. The most common colors are orange, black or cream/white.

The merle Pomeranian is a recent color developed by breeders. It is a combination of a solid base color with lighter blue/grey patch which gives a mottled effect. The most common base colors for the effect are red/brown or black, although it can also appear with other colors. Combinations such as brindle merle or liver merle are not accepted in the breed standard. In addition, the eye, nose and paw pad are marshmallow color, changing parts of the eye to blue and the color on the nose and paw pads to become mottled pink and black.

Pomeranians have a thick double coat, and while grooming is not difficult, breeders recommend that it be done daily to maintain the quality of the coat and because of its thickness and the constant shedding, with trimming every 1–2 months. The outer coat is long, straight, and harsh in texture while the undercoat is soft, thick and short. The coat knots and tangles easily, particularly when the undercoat is being shed, which happens twice a year.

Behavior

The Pomeranian is a very active dog who is intelligent, courageous, and a loyal companion. But due to its small size can suffer abuse from children. Beneath the pomeranian's fur is a small but muscular little dog, similar to a Chihuahua.

Pomeranians can be trained to be good watchdogs by announcing intruders with loud, sharp barks or yips. Unfortunately, lack of very dedicated training has instead led this breed to a reputation for constant, undirected barking. For this reason, these dogs can prove very stressful company for those unaccustomed to their vocal nature. But stating "NO!" in a firm, gentle voice will let them know when it is wrong for them to bark.

The Pomeranian easily adapts to life in the city, and is an excellent dog for country living with its strong hunting instincts from its wild ancestors.

A daily or twice weekly brushing is essential to keep the thick, plush coat, which sheds seasonally, free of mats. Brushing also helps to prevent dry skin and dandruff.

Health

Pomeranians are prone to dislocated patella (kneecap), slipped stifle, heart problems, eye infections, skin irritations and tooth decay and early loss. It is recommended that they are fed dry dog food or crunchy Milk Bones daily to help keep the teeth and gums in good condition. Newborn Pom puppies are very tiny and fragile. Three newborns can be held in the palm of one’s hand. Dams on the smaller side often need to deliver by cesarean section. When the dog is old it may become molted with bald spots.


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