Aussiepom
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Find Aussiepom BreedersGet to Know Aussiepoms
- Bond Strongly & Can Be Velcro Dogs: Aussiepoms tend to form very strong attachments to their owners. They often follow their humans from room to room and may develop separation anxiety without proper boundaries and training.
- Surprisingly Vocal: With a Pomeranian’s tendency to bark and an Aussie’s alertness, Aussiepoms are often keen watchdogs, quick to let you know when something’s amiss.
- Excel in Trick Training & Agility: Their intelligence and eagerness to please make Aussiepoms standouts in training and dog sports, especially for their size. They pick up tricks quickly and love having mental challenges.
- “Mini Aussie” Work Ethic: Despite their small size, Aussiepoms frequently inherit the high drive and focus of the Australian Shepherd, making them unusually energetic and alert for a toy-sized dog.
- Can Have Striking Merle Coats & Blue Eyes: Thanks to Aussie genetics, many Aussiepoms display merle patterns, blue or mismatched eyes, and unique color combinations not commonly seen in small companion breeds.
Breed History
The Aussiepom is a modern designer breed created by crossing an Australian Shepherd (typically a Miniature or Toy variety) with a Pomeranian. This hybrid likely originated in the early 2000s in North America, part of a trend toward developing small, intelligent companion dogs with unique looks and lively personalities. The Aussiepom combines the herding instincts, intelligence, and energy of the Australian Shepherd with the bold, alert, and affectionate nature of the Pomeranian. While not recognized by major kennel clubs, the Aussiepom has gained a following for its fox-like appearance, trainability, and playful demeanor, making it a popular choice for those seeking a compact yet active companion.
Personality and Behaviour
- Thrive on Human Interaction: They tend to form deep bonds with their families and often become “velcro dogs,” following their owners from room to room. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent cuddle buddies, but they also crave attention and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. Early socialization helps ensure they grow into confident, well-adjusted pets that are comfortable with children, strangers, and other animals.
- Natural Watchdogs: They’re quick to pick up on changes in their environment and won’t hesitate to sound the alarm—sometimes a little too enthusiastically. This trait, combined with their energy and curiosity, makes them always on the lookout for activity or a job to do. While they are small in stature, their personalities are bold and confident, often unaware of their size when interacting with larger dogs or unfamiliar people.
- Intelligent & Eager to Learn: They respond well to positive reinforcement training and enjoy activities that challenge their minds, like puzzle toys, trick training, and agility exercises. Without proper mental and physical stimulation, they can become bored and develop mischievous behaviors. However, with the right structure and engagement, they’re attentive, joyful companions that bring a lot of energy and charm to the home.
Care
- Exercise: Aussiepoms are high-energy little dogs that need regular daily activity to stay happy and well-behaved. Despite their small size, they inherit strong herding and working instincts from the Australian Shepherd, which means short walks won’t always be enough. They benefit from interactive play, agility games, and even short hikes. Without consistent physical and mental stimulation, Aussiepoms may become restless or engage in attention-seeking behaviors like barking or chewing.
- Grooming: This is depending on which parent’s coat they inherit, but most Aussiepoms have medium-length double coats that require brushing several times a week to prevent matting and manage shedding. If they inherit the Pomeranian’s fluffier coat, more frequent grooming may be needed, especially during seasonal shedding periods. Regular ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are also important parts of their routine to keep them healthy and comfortable.
- Training: Aussiepoms are highly trainable and intelligent, making them quick learners—but they can also be a little headstrong. Positive reinforcement methods work best, with short, engaging training sessions that keep them mentally stimulated. Early socialization is crucial to help them adapt well to different environments, people, and pets. Their alertness and desire to please make them great candidates for learning tricks, obedience commands, and even participating in small-dog agility or rally competitions.
Aussiepom Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Australian Shepherd Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation |
| Elbow Dysplasia | OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | (Optional but recommended) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Collie Eye Anomaly | (Optional but recommended) DNA based CEA test from an approved lab |
| Multiple Drug Sensitivity | (Optional but recommended) DNA based MDR1 test from an approved lab; Results registerd with OFA. First Generation Offspring of tested dogs eligible for Clear By Parentage |
Pomeranian Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. |
| Health Elective | One of the following: ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA. |
| Hip Dysplasia | (Optional but recommended) OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation |
| Legg-Calve-Perthes | (Optional but recommended) OFA Legg-Calve-Perthes Radiographic Evaluation |
How Much Does It Cost to Own an Aussiepom Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning an Aussiepom is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Aussiepom
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Aussiepom puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Aussiepom, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether an Aussiepom is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
