‘I’m a dog lover but would never own 1 unpredictable breed’

Choosing the right dog for your household is no easy task. Owners need to not only consider which breed they’d like to own based on their own preferences for size and temperament, but also what would be suitable for their current living situation and the environment the animal would be coming into.

Households with young children need to consider breeds suitable for families, while those living in small houses or flats need to think about the size and energy levels of their dog. And if you’ve already got pets, you’ll need to make sure you’re not choosing one that’s going to feel anxious or be aggressive around other animals. There’s a breed to suit almost any dog lover out there, but one woman on social media has said she would discourage anyone from getting one particular type – because they’re unpredictable pets and she believes it’s “unethical” to breed them.

Tea regularly shares videos on TikTok talking about various dog breeds and sharing her own experience with her pet, Momo. She shares educational clips on the pros and cons of dog breeds, as well as advice on how to train and control certain behaviours your pet might exhibit.

But in a recent video, Tea shared a dog breed that she would never own, and that she would encourage other people to stay away from too – the Pomsky. A Pomsky is a mix between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, and they’re usually bred together to create a smaller version of a Husky. They’ve only been around since 2012, according to Pet MD, and they have skyrocketed in popularity because of their adorable looks.

However, Tea noted that because they are a mix of two breeds of dog, they can often be “unpredictable”. There is no guarantee that they’ll stay small, as they could still grow to the size of a Husky with Pomeranian features, and their personalities can be wildly different from one dog to the next.

She said: “[You could] want a cute little fluffy house pet, but instead you get something that’s extremely stubborn with a very high prey drive, [that’s] very vocal and that sheds like crazy. And since no one is taking their well-bred Pomeranian or their well-bred Husky to make these dogs, there will be a ton of unpredictability and variety in their temperament.”

Tea also pointed out that there can be “dangers” with breeding two vastly different-sized dogs together. While first-generation Pomsky puppies are always born to Husky mothers and Pomeranian sires via artificial insemination, having the mother be the Pomeranian, or breeding second-generation Pomskies, can be a huge risk if the puppies are too large for her to give birth safely.

What’s more, Pomskies are prone to some health conditions and “structural problems”. Tea insisted they are “not ethical” dogs to own, and she would rather see more pet owners do their research into finding the “chill pet” they really want instead of getting a dog based solely on looks.

What to consider before getting a Pomsky

According to Pet MD, Pomskies are highly intelligent breeds with moderate to high energy levels, so you’ll need to make sure you’re able to provide your dog with enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the day to keep it content.

Pomskies are generally considered healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years, but they can be prone to some health conditions that are common in their parent breeds. These can include patellar luxation, which is a common knee condition in Pomeranians, and hip dysplasia, which can lead to permanent joint damage.

Pet MD states that Pomskies thrive in settings where they receive constant attention, direction, and exercise. Daily walks or runs, training sessions, and food puzzles are all great ways to engage your pet’s mind and body, and this should be considered before committing to owning one of these dogs.

Proper research should always be conducted before getting any breed of dog. It is also highly recommended that you consider adopting a dog rather than buying one, as there are always dogs in shelters in need of a forever home.