The Toy Pom Terrier, also known as the Pom Terrier, is a designer dog that one would easily mistake for a plush toy. However, it will be quick to let you know that it is not, thanks to its rambunctious personality. Despite its small size, the Pom Terrier will try to dominate anything and anyone around it, which is why it is important to teach it obedience from a young age.

Breed Overview

This designer breed comes from crossing a Pomeranian with a Toy Fox Terrier, which are both toy dogs, thus the small stature of the Pom Terrier. However, thanks to the complex science of genetics, rarely do pups receive an equal percentage of their parents’ genetic makeup. Even in pups from the same litter, some can be more Pomeranian and others more Toy Fox Terrier.

Therefore, before you adopt a Pom Terrier, it is important that you are comfortable with the dog displaying characteristics of either parent. This is why we shall discuss both Pomeranians and Fox Terriers as well in this article.

Here is everything you need to know about the marvelously adorable and feisty Pom Terrier.

Pom Terrier Characteristics

Pom Terrier Puppies

As mentioned, the most important factor to consider before you adopt a Pom Terrier pup is whether you are capable of handling its nature or inherent traits. For example, due to their small stature, they can be especially vulnerable to rough play. Therefore, if you have small kids, it wouldn’t be wise to get a Pom Terrier unless you will be available to supervise their interactions at all times.

Moreover, they are high-energy dogs that require constant stimulation; otherwise, they might become overweight or develop negative behaviors. More importantly, you must ensure that what you get is, in fact, a Pom Terrier. There are many disingenuous breeders out there who will sell you anything that resembles a small Pomeranian and call it whatever it is that you are looking for.

From its attributes, you can tell that Pom Terriers make excellent companions. But there must be a concerted effort on your part to ensure they lead a fulfilling life in their relatively long lifespan.

Pom Terrier Breed History

The Pom Terrier a relatively new hybrid, meaning that it has a limited history. Therefore, the best way of knowing what to expect from this dog is by looking at its parents. As mentioned, hybrids will display the traits of either parent. Let us look at each of the Pom Terrier’s parents briefly.

Pomeranian

By looking at the tiny Pomeranian, one would not believe that it is a descendant of large sled dogs. Nonetheless, this dog knows its heritage and is always challenging everyone for dominance.

The Pomeranian gets its name from the German province of Pomerania, which is where it originates and is the smallest member of the Spitz family.

In the late 19^th Century, it was love at first sight when Queen Victoria – an avid dog breeder – laid her eyes on the Pomeranian. She loved them so much that she had one – named Turi – brought to her deathbed for company.

Thanks to the queen, the Pomeranian became one of the most popular breeds in Europe, and later on, in the United States.

Poms are high-energy dogs, meaning that they require a lot of exercises. They can also be quite assertive, which means that you must establish yourself as its pack leader to get their respect; otherwise, you will have a pint-sized tyrant on your hands.

Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier is one of the few pure breeds that can lay claim to the “All American Title.” Bred from the Smooth Fox Terrier and other toy breeds such as the Manchester Terrier and Chihuahua, this doggo is a Terrier through and through.

They were bred to help in hunting rodents and other small game in and around the farm. However, thanks to the eager-to-please nature of the Toy Fox Terrier, it makes for an excellent pet.

These dogs are incredibly intelligent, too, and were famous for performing mindboggling stunts in circuses.

The Toy Fox Terrier is loyal to the bone, making for a great animal to have around. Unlike the Pomeranian, it is not too bothered about being the top dog in the yard. However, much like the Pomeranian, it is a dog that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Pom Terrier

Considering that both its parents are smart and extroverted, the Pom Terrier is as well. However, it can also be as curious as their Toy Fox Terrier parent is, or as stubborn as the Pomeranian. Therefore, training is necessary from an early age.

This will allow you to prevent unnecessary fights that a Pom Terrier might pick with other dogs, most of which are usually unwinnable. The great thing about this character trait is that they will always be on high alert for strangers, which is why they make excellent guard dogs.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Pom Terriers make good family dogs under certain conditions. While aloof towards people they do not know, Pom Terriers can be extremely charming once they get to know them.

Nonetheless, their high-energy nature and small children are not a good mix. This is because small kids might injure the small dog during play resulting in the animal biting out of fear or pain. Therefore, if you have small kids, you should govern their interactions.

Do These Dogs Get Along With Other Pets?

When it comes to other pets, Pom Terriers will get along with them just fine, as long as you train them properly. Part of the training involves socializing them with their pet brothers and sisters at an early age.

Things to Know When Owning a Pom Terrier:

Food & Diet Requirements

To fulfill the dietary requirements of your small pooch, you must provide it with high quality, high-calorie dog food. Moreover, the food should contain above-average levels of protein. Again, unlike larger dogs, miniature dogs require high-calorie foods, thanks to their high metabolic rates and require more calories per pound compared to larger breeds

However, due to the high-calorie nature of the food, you must be strict when it comes to servings. Give them between a ¼ and ½ cup twice a day. This will prevent them from becoming overweight.

Also, make sure that you are giving your pooch the essential vitamins and minerals it needs for a good immune system. The omega fatty acid oils are particularly essential for a Pom Terrier to help protect its skin and coat.

Exercise

If you thought that your days with a Pom Terrier involve cuddling on the sofa all day long with bathroom breaks in between, we are sorry to tell you that you are mistaken. The Pom Terrier is a highly energetic dog, and it is your duty to help them dispense that energy through exercise. If you do not give them exercise, they might develop destructive habits in a bid to entertain themselves.

Fortunately, long walks are usually enough to meet their exercise needs. You can also play with them while being careful not to hurt them.

These dogs should get 45-60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day.

Training

Thanks to their high intelligence, Pom Terriers are highly receptive to training. However, you must be careful about your training methods. Reward-based training works best, as Pom Terriers will be eager to please you. Being harsh or assertive will only cause the naturally lively dog to be withdrawn.

Grooming ✂️

As mentioned, Pom Terriers have varying coat styles. It usually depends on which parent it takes after the most. The coat on your pooch is what determines its grooming requirements. If it has a long and fluffy coat like the Pomeranian, you will have to brush it regularly to prevent tangling and matting. If it has a short coat like the Toy Fox Terrier, it will not require a lot of maintenance.

When it comes to bathing, do it occasionally, as regular bathing can destroy the natural oils in the skin and coat.

Considering that smaller dogs are predisposed to teeth problems, ensure that you brush their teeth two to three times per week to keep those risks at bay. Make sure that you clean out their ears regularly as well since Pom Terriers are prone to ear infections. Cut their nails occasionally too.

Health and Conditions

As with all hybrids, Pom Terriers are averse to many health conditions. Nonetheless, they can inherit certain conditions from their parents, including the following:

Male vs Female

There is very little discernible difference between male and female Pom Terriers per se. Even among puppies from the same litter, Pom Terriers can vary significantly in appearance. It all depends on which parent they take after the most. If Pomeranian, they will spot a dense and fluffy coat. If they take after their Toy Fox Terrier parent more, they will spot short hair.

Outside of coat style, Pom Terriers do not differ that much. They come with a slightly round head, dark sparkling eyes, wide-set ears, long thin muzzle, black nose, and a happy grin. Needless to say, these dogs are absolute stunners.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Pom Terrier

Here are a few fun facts about the Pom Terrier:

1. They’ve Got the Small Dog Syndrome in Loads

Small dogs are renowned for being rather domineering in a bid to make up for their stature. The Pom Terrier takes this attitude to the next level. They will not hesitate to keep everyone around them in check, much larger dogs included. As you would expect, this can land them in trouble, which means you have to be watchful of its interactions with strangers or unknown dogs.

2. They’ve Got Your Back

Thanks to its keen ears, a Pom Terrier will pick up sounds much quicker than a larger dog. As such, they are excellent for keeping an eye or ear out for intruders.

3. They are Highly Trainable

While most people get poms as lap dogs, these munchkins have a passion for learning. Their high intelligence allows them to pick up skills, tricks, and behaviors at an incredibly fast rate.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an intelligent, inquisitive, highly trainable, and fun-loving dog that resembles a plush toy, you cannot go wrong with the Pom Terrier.

However, getting an authentic Pom Terrier can be difficult, which is why you should only work with trustworthy breeders. Whether you prefer male or female, it is all up to you, as they are identical in size and weight.

While Pom Terriers are incredibly feisty when younger, they do tone it down significantly with age to make a great pet.

See also:

• • Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter? Is It Good for Them? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts
  • 20 Pomeranian Mixes

Featured Image Credit: Michelle Raponi, Pixabay