If you are looking for a dog that is attentive but not aggressive, the Aussie Pom is an excellent option for you. This mixed breed dog results from the cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Pomeranian.
Despite being a new designer breed, the Aussie Pom is quickly gaining popularity in the United States due to its charming, fox-like appearance. It also has a fantastic personality, making it an excellent companion dog.
But what does it take to own an Aussie Pom? Where can you get one? Is the Aussie Pom the right breed for you? Find out the answers to these questions and more as you continue reading this guide.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 12 – 17 inches |
| Weight: | 10 – 30 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, blue, red, white, cream, gray, tan, orange, brown, tricolor, merle |
| Temperament: | Playful, intelligent, loyal, loving |
| Suitable for: | Active families; families with children; being a watchdog |
What Is an Aussie Pom?
The Aussie Pom is a hybrid dog that results from crossing an Australian Shepherd and a Pomeranian. Like their parent breeds, Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mixes have dense coats that come in different colors and patterns. Aussie Poms are typically playful, intelligent, and loyal dogs.
For starters, Aussie Poms come in a few variations based on their generation. First-generation crosses, or F1 Aussie Poms, are produced from a purebred Pomeranian and an Australian Shepherd.
Meanwhile, second-generation crosses or F2 Aussie Poms are produced by breeding two F1 Aussie Poms.
True to other Pomeranian mixes, like Corgi Poms and Yorkie Poms, Aussie Poms sport a wolfish, fox-like, or spitz appearance.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not acknowledge the Aussie Pom as a separate breed. However, the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Dog Registry of America (DRA) recognize it as a designer dog.
Aussie Pom Origin and History
Aussie Pom dogs are a relatively new breed whose exact date and place of origin are currently unknown. Some breeders believe that they were first developed in the early 2000s.
Despite this uncertainty, the history of the Aussie Pom’s parent dog breeds can be used to determine the origin of the breed’s behavior.
For starters, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in California in the 19th century as working and herding dogs. But today, they are also used as service and therapy dogs.
Another parent dog breed of the Aussie Pom is the Pomeranian. This fluffy toy dog was first bred in Germany in the 1800s. Despite being a toy breed, Pomeranians served as herding, guarding, and sled dogs.
Today, they serve not only as companion dogs but also as herding, working, and guard dogs, just like their parent breeds.
This may also be true for other Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian mixes, like German Pomeranians, Catahoula Aussies, and Aussie Pyrenees.
Aussie Pom Appearance
As a hybrid dog, the Aussie Pom exhibits Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian features.
Generally, this dog breed has a medium-length coat that comes in various colors possible for Australian Shepherds and Pomeranians. These include black, blue, red, white, cream, gray, tan, orange, and brown.
However, most Aussie Poms exhibit Australian Shepherd markings and color patterns like tricolor, blue merle, and red merle. In Aussie Poms, blue merle is relatively more common than red merle.
Like its Pomeranian parent, the Aussie Pom mix bears a fox-like face and triangular, erect ears. Its almond-shaped eyes come in brown, amber, or blue, following the AKC’s purebred standard for Australian Shepherds.
Aussie Pom Size and Weight
The Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix stands around 12 to 17 inches tall. Meanwhile, its weight ranges between 10 and 30 pounds, which is significantly lower than that of a standard Australian Shepherd.
Yet, these measurements may still vary based on the size of the Australian Shepherd parent. In general, Pomeranians bred with a toy or miniature Australian Shepherds will produce miniature Aussie Poms.
That said, mini Aussie Poms may be as small as Pomeranians. Hence, these dogs may follow the feeding frequency of Pomeranians.
Sex can also influence the size of an Aussie Pom. Like Pomeranians and Australian Shepherds, this dog breed is sexually dimorphic.
This means that males and females will have slight physical differences, one of them being their size.
Aussie Pom Temperament and Personality
The Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix is a social breed of dog. True to its parent breeds, the Aussie Pom is highly intelligent, active, playful, and trainable. It is loyal and affectionate to all family members.
Like the Australian Shepherd, it is generally good with other dogs. This dog breed can also get along well with children, making them great family pets.
Some Aussie Poms are clingy to their owners and cannot be left alone for long periods. However, Aussie Poms that exhibit more Pomeranian traits may be more independent and less attached to their owners.
Likewise, Aussie Poms that inherit more of the Pomeranian’s temperament may be moderately reserved to strangers. Although it is rare in Aussie Poms, territorial behavior may manifest, especially without proper training.
Aussie Pom Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix has a long lifespan ranging between 12 and 16 years. This dog breed can live longer with proper care, diet, and exercise.
Despite their longevity, Aussie Poms may still encounter the following health problems, which may affect their life expectancy:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is among the orthopedic diseases that can affect Australian Shepherds and their mixes, like Aussie Poms. This condition occurs when the dog’s hip joints grow unevenly. Aussie Poms with hip dysplasia may experience hip pain and lameness. Sometimes, hip dysplasia may lead to arthritis.
- Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a joint problem that primarily affects small dogs. Hence, an Aussie Pom with a mini or toy Australian Shepherd parent is more likely to develop this condition. Dogs with luxating patella have dislocated kneecaps. Pain, skipping gait, and lameness are among the signs of this issue.
- Congenital Deafness: Congenital deafness is partial or total hearing loss in dogs. Merle dogs, like red and blue merle Aussie Poms, have a higher chance of developing this condition due to the merle gene, which can negatively impact their hearing and vision. For instance, double-merle Aussie Poms have more severe cases of deafness.
If your Aussie Pom seems to develop any of these health concerns, it is advisable to bring it to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately.
In addition, having pet insurance could help you with your dog’s vet expenses, especially during medical emergencies.
How to Take Care of Your Australian Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Taking care of your Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix means taking into account its diet, hygiene, and daily activity. This protects your dog against nutritional, infectious, parasitic, and lifestyle-related diseases.
So, to assist you in taking care of your Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mix, check out the following subsections below.
Food and Diet
Dog foods with high calories are essential in Aussie Poms’ diet due to their high energy level. However, they require fewer cups of food daily than their Australian Shepherd parents — about 0.4 to 1.2 cups daily.
Alternatively, you can feed your Aussie Pom with human food. Plain crackers, eggs, meat, and strawberries are among the human foods that are safe for Australian Shepherds, Pomeranians, and Aussie Poms.
Meanwhile, some foods that are toxic for Aussie Poms and other dogs include chocolate, coffee, onion, garlic, grapes, xylitol, and macadamia nuts.
Cleaning and Grooming
Like its parent breeds, the Aussie Pom has thick fur that needs to be bathed not more than once every six weeks. However, those who always play outside need more frequent baths, especially if they get dirty often.
Regular coat brushing helps prevent the growth of loose hair, eventually leading to matted fur in Aussie Poms. Dogs with skin allergies may also benefit from taking omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids may keep Aussie Poms’ fluffy coats healthy and also benefit the dog’s heart, kidneys, and brain.
Daily toothbrushing and monthly ear cleaning are vital to avoid tooth decay and ear infections. Lastly, you should trim your dog’s nails every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent them from breaking and getting infections.
Training and Exercise
Early socialization is critical for Aussie Pom puppies, especially if you have children or other pets in your home. Positive reinforcement and obedience training can also help your Aussie Pom puppy be well-mannered.
Like its Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian parents, the Aussie Pom mix is a high-energy dog that requires daily physical exercise to stay healthy. Specifically, it needs at least one to two hours of exercise every day.
Lastly, before you take your Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix for a stroll, make sure that it is well-trained to walk on a leash. This keeps your dog from escaping and prevents it from easily dragging you somewhere.
Watch the video below to see a one-year-old Aussie Pom dog having obedience training:
How Much Does an Aussie Pom Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of an Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mix from a reputable breeder ranges between $500 and $1,200. This is slightly lower than the price of a purebred Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian.
However, aside from the selling price, you should also consider the upkeep expenses for your dog. This will enable you to provide the best life possible for your Aussie Pom puppy.
To give you an idea, check out the table below for an overview of the initial cost associated with owning an Aussie Pom:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $30 – $80 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Beds | $30 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $30 – $200 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $150 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $495 – $2,470 |
The table above shows that the entire initial expenses of owning an Aussie Pom puppy may cost between $495 to $2,470.
The exact maintenance cost for your Aussiepom dog will depend on its size. Generally, medium-sized Aussie Poms have higher upkeep expenses than their small and miniature counterparts.
In addition, services like vaccine shots, neutering or spaying, dog licensing, and microchipping are non-recurring expenses. Hence, you won’t have to spend on these items again for the next few months.
Places to Find Aussie Pom Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a reputable breeder that offers Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mixes in the United States is a bit challenging due to the breed’s novelty.
The significant size difference between Pomeranians and Australian Shepherds also makes crossbreeding even more difficult. Despite these challenges, some breeders still manage to produce Aussie Pom puppies.
To get an idea of where you might be able to purchase a healthy Aussie Pom puppy, check out the following sources listed below:
- AKC Marketplace – This pet marketplace has connections to several dog breeders recognized by the American Kennel Club. Primarily, they only advertise purebred dogs, like Australian Shepherds and Pomeranians. However, some of their affiliated breeders offer hybrid canines, such as the Aussiepom.
- Greenfield Puppies – Since 2000, this Pennsylvania-based puppy advertising website has been helping many pet parents in finding ethical dog breeders. They advertise purebred and some designer dogs, including Australian Shepherd mixes. You may find an Aussie Pom puppy here, as they’ve already sold some of them in the past.
- Keystone Puppies – This is another online pet database from Pennsylvania that advertises both purebred and designer dog breeds. In the past, they’ve already sold several Pomeranian mixes, including the Australian Shepherd Pomeranian dog. Thus, finding a healthy Aussie Pom puppy from this website is highly achievable.
Some puppy farms and puppy mills may offer Aussie Poms at a relatively lower price. However, due to their poor breeding practices, many puppies they sell have various health problems.
Alternatively, you may also find Aussie Pom puppies in the following animal rescues or shelters:
- Petfinder – On this website, you can find more than 375,000 pets available for adoption from over 13,900 adoption organizations in North America. In the past, they’ve already had some adoptable Aussie Shepherds and Pomeranian mixes, including Aussiepom dogs. So, you might be able to see an adoptable Aussiepom dog on Petfinder.
- Aussie Rescue SoCal – Located in Southern California, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing homeless Australian Shepherds and their mixes, including Aussie Poms. All of their adoptable puppies are spayed or neutered and up-to-date on their vaccinations.
- Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes Rescue – RPSR is a Texas-based nonprofit group that rescues homeless or abused Pomeranians, Schipperkes, and other small dog breeds, like mini Aussie Poms. Their adoptable dogs are spayed or neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations, and heartworm-tested.
You may also visit local shelters and breeders near your area to find an adoptable Aussie Pom. Some of them might even give you an adoptable puppy at a discounted price or for free, helping you save time and money.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Owning a Pomeranian Australian Shepherd mix might be a dream come true, especially for those who adore furry and energetic hybrid dogs.
However, like other dogs, Aussie Poms also have some temperament and behavioral tendencies that might not suit other pet parents.
To give you an idea of the pros and cons of owning an Aussie Pom, check out the discussion below, starting with the pros:
- Ideal for active families: Aussie Poms are active dogs. They enjoy playing and running around, especially outside. Hence, they are the perfect option for families with active lifestyles.
- Excellent watchdogs: Like Aussie Shepherds and Pomeranians, Aussie Poms are vigilant dogs. They won’t hesitate to bark loudly and alert you of a threat or a nearby suspicious stranger.
- Can be good with other animals: Despite being barky, an Aussie Pom dog can get along well with other pets, especially those they’ve grown up with. They rarely exhibit aggressive behavior.
Meanwhile, here are the drawbacks of owning an Aussie Pom:
- Stubborn tendencies: The Pomeranian — one of the parent dogs of Aussie Poms — is known for its independent and stubborn streaks. These qualities are also exhibited by Aussie Poms. Early obedience training can effectively keep their stubbornness at bay.
- Prone to separation anxiety: Like the Australian Shepherd, you cannot leave your Aussie Pom dog for long periods as it is highly prone to separation anxiety. Some signs of separation anxiety in Aussie Poms are excessive vocalization and house soiling.
- Can be destructive: As established earlier, Aussie Poms are high-energy dogs that require lots of activities to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may become destructive and chew on your furniture.
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of having an Aussie Pom is critical before purchasing one. By doing so, you can create practical plans and appropriate strategies for raising an Aussie Pom puppy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aussie Poms Good Dogs?
Aussie Poms are generally good companion dogs. They get along well with children, and they rarely show aggressive behavior toward other dogs. Because of these, the Aussie Pom can be a great family pet.
In addition, they are friendly dogs. Like its Australian Shepherd parent, the Aussie Pom rarely bites others out of aggression.
Do Aussie Poms Shed?
As a dog breed with a thick, double coat, the Aussie Pom sheds all year round. In fact, like its parents, the Aussie Pom is known to be a heavy shedder. Hence, it might not also be the ideal dog for neat freaks.
Fortunately, you can reduce the amount of shed fur strewn all over your furniture by brushing your Aussie Pom’s coat regularly.
Are Aussie Poms Hypoallergenic?
Like the Pomeranian and Australian Shepherd dogs, the Aussiepom dog breed is not hypoallergenic. They produce a significant amount of allergens in their saliva, urine, and dander, which causes pet allergies.
Luckily, you may reduce your Aussie Pom’s dander levels through regular brushing and baths. Your Aussie Pom may also benefit from taking fish oil as it is clinically proven to soothe dry and flaky skin in dogs.
Do Aussie Poms Bark a Lot?
Aussie Poms bark a lot. This tendency can be ascribed to the vocal nature of its parent dogs. Particularly, they can be very barky when threatened or in a stressful situation.
Other factors, like excitement, boredom, and socialization with other dogs, can also cause Aussie Poms to bark excessively.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Shepherd Pomeranian mix is among the high-energy designer dogs that are fun to be with. Their amiable, smart, kid-friendly, and playful nature makes them suitable for families with active members.
Yet, Aussie Poms also have the same drawbacks as owning a purebred Australian Shepherd or Pomeranian. They are heavy shedders and are not ideal for people with pet allergies.
In addition, they are very barky, stubborn at times, and can be destructive. However, these unwanted behaviors can be prevented through early obedience training.
After reading this guide, do you think the benefits of owning this mixed-breed dog outweigh its drawbacks? Feel free to share your thoughts about the Aussie Pom in the comments!
