Pom Terrier
The Pom Terrier is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Toy Fox Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Pom Terrier. 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 that combines a diminutive size with an abundant, eye-catching coat and a vivacious personality that belies its small stature. The breed standard calls for dogs weighing 3 to 7 pounds, with show specimens ideally falling between 4 and 6 pounds. Height typically ranges from 6 to 11 inches at the shoulder, with the ideal being 8 to 11 inches. The body is compact and well-knit, appearing square in profile with the height being approximately equal to the length from shoulder point to buttocks. The Pomeranian's profuse double coat is the breed's crowning glory, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat and a long, harsh-textured outer coat that stands off from the body. A thick ruff encircles the neck and chest, extending over the shoulders to create a distinctive mane-like appearance. The coat is particularly full on the hindquarters, where it forms an abundant frill. The breed comes in the widest variety of colors of any dog breed, including orange, red, cream, sable, black, brown, blue, chocolate, beaver, white, parti-color, brindle, and various tan markings. Orange and red shades are most commonly associated with the breed. The head bears a foxlike expression with bright, dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey intelligence and alertness. The skull is slightly rounded but not domed, with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is fine and well-proportioned, approximately one-third the length of the skull. Small, erect ears are set high on the head and add to the alert expression. The nose is black in most colors but may be self-colored in chocolate or beaver dogs. The heavily plumed tail is one of the breed's distinguishing characteristics, set high and lying flat against the back, fanning out over the hindquarters. The overall impression is of a cocky, commanding little dog that moves with a buoyant, balanced gait.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's energy level is moderate to high relative to their size, and they benefit from regular play sessions and short walks. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are not delicate lapdogs content to sit quietly; they prefer active engagement and stimulation. They can be vocal dogs with a tendency to bark, requiring training to moderate excessive noise. Pomeranians generally get along well with other pets when properly socialized, though they may be suspicious of strangers initially. Due to their small size and somewhat fragile build, they are best suited for homes with older children who understand how to interact gently with toy breeds.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Alopecia X, also known as black skin disease or severe hair loss syndrome, is a condition more common in Pomeranians than virtually any other breed. Affected dogs experience progressive coat loss, often beginning at the hindquarters, with the exposed skin eventually darkening. While not painful, the condition significantly affects appearance, and treatment options remain limited. Hypothyroidism occurs in the breed, causing symptoms including weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems. Eye conditions including cataracts and entropion may develop. Hypoglycemia can affect puppies and very small adults, requiring careful monitoring of food intake and blood sugar levels. Dental disease is common due to the small jaw size, making regular dental care essential for maintaining overall health.
Toy Fox Terrier
The Toy Fox Terrier is a well-balanced, elegant toy breed that combines the athleticism and tenacity of a terrier with the charm and portable size of a toy dog. The breed standard specifies a height of 8.5 to 11.5 inches at the withers, with 9 to 11 inches preferred. Weight typically ranges from 4 to 9 pounds, with 4.5 to 7.5 pounds considered ideal. The body appears square when viewed from the side, with height approximately equal to length measured from the point of the shoulder to the buttocks. Despite their small size, these dogs present a muscular, athletic appearance with clearly defined structure. The head is elegant and expressive, with a skull that is slightly rounded and moderately wide with a moderate stop. The muzzle is strong and rather fine, in proportion to the head, neither snipey nor too full. Large, erect ears are set high on the head, close together but not touching, adding to the alert, intelligent expression that characterizes the breed. Eyes are round, full, and dark, except in chocolate-colored dogs where they may be lighter. The expression is bright, alert, and intelligent. The nose is black in most colors but self-colored in chocolate variations. The coat is one of the breed's distinguishing features: short, satiny, and shiny with a fine texture that lies smooth against the body. It is slightly longer at the ruff around the neck and shoulders. The body is predominantly white, typically more than fifty percent, with colored markings on the head and sometimes the body. Accepted color patterns include tricolor with a black head and tan markings, white and tan, white and black, and white with chocolate and tan. The tail is set high, carried erect, and may be docked or natural. Movement is smooth and flowing, with the legs moving straight and parallel, demonstrating the breed's agility and athleticism.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their small stature, Toy Fox Terriers make excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to visitors and unusual sounds with their keen senses. They can be vocal if not trained to moderate barking. The breed's energy level is moderate to high, requiring regular play sessions and short walks to channel their enthusiasm constructively. They typically get along well with other pets when properly socialized, though some may display typical terrier boldness toward larger dogs. Due to their small, somewhat fragile size, they are best suited for families with older, respectful children. Their combination of portability, affection, and lively personality makes them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Congenital hypothyroidism with goiter is a serious condition where affected puppies fail to thrive and typically do not survive beyond a few weeks. Genetic testing identifies carriers, who are themselves healthy but can pass the gene to offspring. Primary lens luxation is an inherited eye condition where the lens becomes displaced, potentially causing glaucoma and blindness if untreated. Spinocerebellar ataxia affects coordination and balance due to nervous system degeneration. Demodectic mange, caused by microscopic mites, can affect some individuals. Dental disease is common in toy breeds, and the small jaw may lead to overcrowding of teeth, making regular dental care essential. Obesity can become problematic if diet and exercise are not properly managed.
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 Terrier 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 Toy Fox Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.