Aussiepom

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Get 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 iconWeight
10-25 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
12-15 years
exercise iconExercise
High
temperament iconTemperament
Energetic
Intelligent
Affectionate
trainability iconTrainability
Difficult
grooming iconGrooming
Moderate

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

Australian Shepherd Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation
Elbow DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
ACVO Eye ExamACVO 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

ScreeningConsiderations
Cardiac EvaluationOne of the following: Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam
Patellar LuxationVeterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.
Health ElectiveOne 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.

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