As dog breeds continue to rise in popularity, dog owners are increasingly turning to designer mixes like the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. This crossbreed combines two extremely popular purebreds – the German Shepherd and the Pomeranian.
While it may seem like an unlikely pairing at first glance, the German Shepherd and Pomeranian actually complement each other quite well when it comes to temperament. The result is a friendly, lively, loyal companion that thrive in families.
However, there are some important factors to consider before bringing one of these mixes home. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this unique crossbreed dog.
Overview of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is a cross between two purebred dogs – the German Shepherd and the Pomeranian.
German Shepherds are large, athletic dogs originally bred for herding sheep in Germany. Today they are popular working dogs used in police forces, the military, and as service animals. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, they make excellent family companions.
Pomeranians are tiny toy dogs that get their name from the Pomerania region in Poland and Germany. They were bred down from larger Spitz-type dogs to be small household pets. Poms are intelligent and sociable dogs with big personalities.
Crossing these two breeds results in a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix that exhibits traits from both parent breeds. They tend to be small-to-medium sized dogs with a friendly, lively temperament.
While there is variance in mixes, German Shepherd Pomeranian puppies generally have a thick double coat, erect ears, and a fox-like face. Their color can range widely. They usually measure 12-16 inches tall and weigh 25-50 pounds as adults.
The History of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is one of many new designer dog breeds that have been intentionally crossbred over the past couple decades.
By breeding two purebreds like the German Shepherd and Pomeranian together, breeders aim to produce a dog with the best traits of each parent breed.
For the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix, the goal was likely to create a smaller watchdog that maintains the intelligence and loyalty of the German Shepherd along with the outgoing personality of the Pomeranian.
The result seems to be a success – the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is growing in popularity thanks to their fun-loving nature and suitability for urban life. However, the exact origins of this hybrid are unclear.
German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Temperament
Fortunately, both the German Shepherd and Pomeranian have wonderful temperaments on their own. This makes the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix predisposed to being an excellent family companion.
You can expect this crossbreed dog to be:
- Affectionate
- Loyal
- Playful
- Intelligent
- Alert
- Confident
They love being with their family and will be eager to please you. Proper socialization is important to prevent any wariness around strangers. But with early socialization and training, these dogs should get along well with everyone.
Their energy level is moderately high – they enjoy brisk walks or play sessions daily. German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes tend to be excellent watchdogs, letting you know of any perceived threats while reserving judgment for their owner’s cue.
Overall, these little dogs have big personalities! They thrive when they can be close to their favorite people.
Are German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes Good Family Dogs?
The friendly temperament of the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix makes them an excellent choice for families with kids or other pets.
However, proper socialization and training is vital starting from a young age to nurture a well-rounded, obedient dog.
Always supervise young children and dogs together. Make sure kids know how to politely interact with the new pup. With early training, you can minimize the likelihood of small dog syndrome where tiny dogs think they rule the roost!
In general, this crossbreed loves being part of the family unit. They’ll enjoy playing with kids, cuddling on the couch, and being everyone’s loyal companion.
German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Size, Appearance and Coat
Since crossbreeds can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, appearance can vary quite a bit among individual dogs – even within the same litter!
However, there are some generalizations that can be made about the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix in terms of size, coat, color and overall look.
Size
This crossbreed is a small-to-medium sized dog, usually measuring 12-16 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 25-50 pounds at maturity.
Of course, if a particular dog favors the tiny Pomeranian parent, they may stay on the very small end of that range.
Coat & Color
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix typically has a thick double coat that can be long, medium or short length. The undercoat is soft and the outer coat is straight and dense.
Coat colors include:
- Black
- Gray
- Tan
- Brown
- White
- Cream
Merle or brindle colors are also possible but not accepted by breed standards.
Appearance
In terms of features, many German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes have:
- Pointed, erect ears (though they may tip over at the top)
- An elongated muzzle and nose
- Alert, intelligent eyes
- A fox-like facial appearance
- A slope-shaped body instead of blocky
- A long, plumed tail
The overall look can lean more towards either parental breed, but most German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are distinctly their own unique crossbreed in appearance.
Exercise & Activity Levels of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Despite their small size, German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes are lively dogs that need a moderate amount of daily activity.
Plan on providing at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. These pups particularly enjoy brisk walks and playing games of fetch or frisbee.
Going on adventurous hikes together is also a great bonding experience for you and your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. Just be cautious about overexertion in hot weather.
Mentally stimulating games such as obedience training, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek will also help wear out their energetic minds.
Without proper outlets for their enthusiasm, these hybrid dogs are prone to nuisance barking or chewing. However, with enough daily activity, they will happily settle down at home afterwards.
Most German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes do well in apartments or homes with a small yard. They are not overly demanding in terms of exercise needs. Just be sure to meet their activity requirements each day.
Training Tips for German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes
Thanks to intelligence inherited from both parent breeds, the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix tends to be highly trainable.
Starting training early and using positive reinforcement techniques will yield the best results with this crossbreed.
Socialization is also imperative from puppyhood onward. Get your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix used to meeting new people, dogs, places, sights and sounds starting as young as 8 weeks old.
Here are some key training tips for your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix puppy:
- Attend puppy obedience classes for socialization and basic commands
- Use reward-based methods like treats and praise
- Keep training sessions short and upbeat
- Practice basic manners like sit, stay, come, down
- Discourage jumping or nipping right away
- Leash train your puppy early on
- Get your puppy comfortable grooming from a young age
- Crate train your puppy to enjoy their crate as a safe space
With their eagerness to please, German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes generally excel at obedience skills like agility. Training activities are a great way to bond with your pup!
Grooming Requirements for German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes
The grooming needs of German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes depends on whether their coat skews more towards the Pomeranian or German Shepherd side.
Poms have thick double coats that require extensive grooming to prevent matting and tangles. German Shepherds have shorter coats that only need brushing once or twice a week.
For most German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes, you can expect a medium grooming requirement:
- Brush 3-4 times per week using a slicker brush or undercoat rake
- Bathe monthly or when dirty using dog-safe shampoo
- Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
- Brush teeth 2-3 times per week
- Clean ears once a week
- See a groomer every 6-8 weeks for a trim if needed
Owners may want to invest in a grooming table to make brushing and bathing easier. Proper grooming will minimize shedding and keep your pup’s skin and coat healthy.
Dietary Needs of the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Since the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is a small-to-medium sized crossbreed, they have fairly modest dietary requirements.
Feeding your German Shepherd Pomeranian mix a high-quality dry dog food formulated for active breeds is best. Split into two meals per day.
These pups only need 1.5 to 2 cups of food per day. This may vary depending on your individual dog’s age, metabolism and activity level.
Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and health problems. Monitor your dog’s diet over time, adjusting amounts as needed.
Food tailored to small or medium-sized breeds with more protein and fat will help fuel your energetic German Shepherd Pomeranian mix.
Staying Healthy: Health Issues Facing German Shepherd Pomeranian Mixes
Crossbreeds are thought to be healthier overall than purebreds since genetic diversity helps reduce inherited disorders. However, German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes can still be prone to certain health issues.
Being aware of potential health problems lets owners get their dog preventative care and catch issues early on. Here are some common health concerns to look out for:
- Hip dysplasia – Malformation of hip joints causing arthritis. More prevalent in larger dogs.
- Patellar luxation – Dislocated kneecaps, causing lameness or skipping gait.
- Epilepsy – Seizure disorder that may be genetic.
- Eye problems like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.
- Allergies that cause skin irritation.
- Obesity if overfed and underexercised.
Avoid overexertion and jumping from heights to prevent orthopedic injury. Schedule annual vet visits to monitor for disease.
With attentive care, the typical life expectancy of a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is 10-15 years.
Finding a German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Puppy
Demand continues to rise for designer dogs like the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix. Be prepared to get on a waitlist with breeders.
Avoid pet stores and online sellers. Work with reputable breeders who health test their breeding dogs. Expect to pay $500-1500 USD for a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix puppy.
Rescuing a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is also a great option if you want to adopt an older dog. Be sure any rescue is fostered in a home, not kennel.
Whether purchasing or adopting, see the pup’s living conditions and meet their mom (if possible) firsthand. This will help ensure an ethical source.
Here are some options to find German Shepherd Pomeranian mix puppies:
- AKC Marketplace – Search their online database for breeders near you.
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club – Registry of U.S. and Canada breeders.
- Breed-specific rescues like Shepherd rescues or Pomeranian rescues that sometimes take in mixes.
- PetFinder – Adoptable dogs listed by local shelters and rescues.
Be patient and selective in your search to find the perfect German Shepherd Pomeranian mix pup for your home!
Frequently Asked Questions about the German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix
Looking into adding a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix to your home? Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this hybrid dog.
Are German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes good family pets?
Yes! With their affectionate, loyal temperament, German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes make excellent family companions. They bond closely with all members of the household and do great living with kids and pets. Early socialization is key.
How big do German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes get?
These designer dogs are considered a small-medium breed, usually reaching 12-16 inches tall and 25-50 lbs at maturity. There is variance depending on whether they take after the larger German Shepherd or smaller Pomeranian parent.
Do Pomeranian German Shepherd mixes bark a lot?
Moderate barking is expected with this vocal hybrid. They will readily alert you of anything suspicious but shouldn’t bark excessively if exercised adequately. Monitor barking and discourage nuisance barking.
Are German Shepherd crosses hypoallergenic?
No, German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes have moderate-to-high shedding and are not hypoallergenic. Their thick double coat requires regular brushing.
How long do German Shepherd Pomeranian mixes live?
With good care, the average lifespan of a German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is 10-15 years. Make sure to keep up with vet visits, exercise, training and diet.
What is the temperament of a German Shepherd mixed with Pomeranian?
This crossbreed tends to be lively, affectionate, loyal and eager to please. With socialization, they are friendly towards new people and pets. Moderate barking instincts make them excellent watchdogs.
Final Thought
The German Shepherd Pomeranian mix is a unique crossbreed gaining popularity for good reason. By combining the best qualities of the intelligent, energetic German Shepherd and the outgoing, compact Pomeranian, these hybrid dogs make for delightful family companions.
However, their high energy means they require an active household committed to exercise, training and grooming. If you’re seeking a loyal little watchdog with plenty of personality, the German Shepherd Pomeranian mix could make the perfect pet for your lifestyle. Be sure to find a responsible breeder and properly socialize these mixes from a young age to nurture the ideal temperament.
