How Cold is Too Cold for a Pomsky?

The Pomsky is a stunning mixed breed or designer dog that is achieved by crossing a Pomeranian with a Siberian Husky. Like their parents, that both originate from the Arctic region, Pomskies have a thick, fluffy, and luxurious double coat that protects them from harsh weather. They can withstand pretty cold temperatures but how cold is too cold for a Pomsky?  

The cold Arctic weather that is at an average –40 degrees all year round, was never an inconvenience for the Pomeranian ancestors or for the Siberian Husky. The Pomeranian, who is a toy dog, comes for a large sled-pulling Spitz dog from the Arctic. Centuries ago, before the breed was defined into the lapdog we know and love today, the Pom was a big dog that worked in the snow for a living.

Things are a bit different now given that Pomeranian dogs went through generations of change. Their coats are not as thick nor as insulating as they once were for the Spitz dogs. Huskies on the other hand, despite moving to warmer climates, still retain their perfectly insulating fur coats.  

How Cold is Too Cold for Dogs in general? 

Below 32 degrees Fahrenheit is usually too cold for most dog breeds and temperatures below 20 degrees pose high risks for hypothermia and frost bite. All dogs handle cold weather differently. Some are comfortable rolling around in the snow during freezing weather, while others shiver during chilly summer nights. How active they are, what they are fed, if they are always kept outdoors or inside, or what type of fur they have, all play an important role in determining how cold is too cold for them.

Their size and weight are also a key factor to consider. The Chihuahua for example, is a tiny, toy dog that has a very short coat and a very thin build. Chihuahuas can’t stand any type of freezing weather. Bernese Mountain dogs on the other hand, are large dogs that have a fluffy double coat that provides the perfect insulation for freezing weather. Simply put, toy dog breeds with short coats don’t usually take well to cold temperatures.  

Another key factor that can help you understand how cold is too cold for your dog is the seasonal coat changes. A dog that lives outdoors all year round will most likely develop a very thick coat during the winter season. For an outdoor dog, wintry weather is just as comfortable as sunny weather. A dog that lives indoors will develop a thicker coat during the cold season, but not as thick or as protective/insulating as the dog that lives outside.  

How Cold is Too Cold for a Pomsky depends on: 

Where you raise a Pomsky puppy 

Dogs adapt well to any type of weather as long as they are raised in the same climate for their entire lives. So, if you live in Alaska, and you’ve raised your Pomsky puppy there since early puppyhood, your dog will be comfortable in any type of Alaskan weather. As we mentioned before, the Pomeranian puppy and Siberian Husky both come from Arctic ancestors.

They have double coats that help keep them protected from harsh weather. If you’ve lived and raised your Pomsky puppy in Florida for two years and are considering moving to a colder climate, your dog will need some time to get adjusted to new temperatures. In this case, your Pomsky will adjust to its colder surrounding environment in a few seasons.

Its coat will change to a thicker texture that will become more insulating over time. Keep in mind that the Pomsky is a small dog breed that should not be kept outside at night, especially during winter. Leaving a Pomsky outside during freezing weather can cause the dog to suffer from hypothermia. 

What type of Pomsky you have 

Pomskies are small to medium sized dogs. They are sometimes bred through multiple generations to achieve a smaller size or certain physical characteristics. Their breed generation is their genetic make-up. They can be more Pomeranian than Husky in their genes or half and half. In some cases, they can be more Husky than Pomeranian when it comes to their genetic make-up. For example: 

• An F1 Pomsky puppy that is a first-generation mix, is 50% Pomeranian and 50% Siberian Husky. This puppy can inherit looks and coat qualities from both parents. An F1 Pomsky puppy is much like the Siberian Husky when it comes to cold temperatures. It has a thick, double-layered coat that provides ideal insulation for wintry weather.  
• An F1b Pomsky puppy that is a first-generation backcross, is 25% Siberian Husky and 75% Pomeranian. This puppy takes after the Pomeranian in most aspects. It has some gorgeous Husky features like coat patterns and colors, but it inherits the Pomeranian size and coat thickness. The F1b Pomsky is not as winter-friendly as the F1, but it does like the snow nonetheless.  

How Cold is Too Cold for a Pomsky: Conclusion 

Pomskies are cold-friendly dogs that love winter and snow with a passion. They adore playing in snow and taking part in any winter activity they can. And thanks to their thick, double coats, cold weather isn’t an issue for them. That being said, a Pomsky adult should not spend more than a few hours playing in weather below 32 degrees. They might be comfortable in weather below 32 degrees but only if they are active while outdoors and only for a limited time. 

Scroll down to see FAQs about Pomskies in cold and hot weather!