Pom-Silk -- German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian X Australian Silky Terrier

		Pom-Silk
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Australia -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Pom-Silk

The Pom-Silk is the result of crossing an Australian Silky Terrier with a German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian, producing a small dog with a huge personality. Feisty, fun-loving and full of affection, this little dog will stay by your side whenever he can. He's an intelligent dog with a docile temperament and a desire to please. Their attractive appearance and long, soft, almost fluffy hair make them very appealing. Curious and energetic, these little dogs need exercise and, above all, mental stimulation to bring out their best qualities. They love the challenge of solving a problem, finding someone hiding or agility tasks. This keeps their minds focused and out of trouble. Although they are affectionate dogs, if spoiled they can become demanding and possessive, believing they are the best dog in the family. This little dynamo needs a firm but fair hand, they need an owner they respect or they'll become bossy. They need to be supervised with young children unless they've been raised with them, and they need to know the house rules and what's acceptable behavior. Once they know their place, they become adorable and affectionate pets, full of ways to win and can entertain you for hours.

History of the Pom-Silk

The Pom-Silk's parents can tell us a lot about this little dog, they are the Australian Silky Terrier and the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian.

	A little of the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian
	The German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian was originally a working dog, its roots coming from the Pomerania region, which is now the area known as Germany and Poland. The German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian was then much larger, weighing up to 14 kilos, and was used to herd and raise sheep. Willing and alert, they made ideal working dogs. Their attractive appearance intrigued many, and they became the companions of many famous people, including Marie-Antoinette, Mozart and Queen Victoria. It was in 1888 that Queen Victoria began to downsize them, increasing their popularity as affectionate companion dogs. The German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and became known for its talent for agility and learning tricks. They learn fast, want to please and like to be the center of attention.

	Standard of the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian


	A little of the Australian Silky Terrier
	The Australian Silky Terrier is one of the parent breeds, a tough little character of small stature but big attitude. Australian Silky Terriers are descended from small Terriers that were used to hunt vermin in Europe and later in Australia. In the late 1800s in Australia, the breed was created by crossing the Yorkshire Terrier with the Australian Terrier, with the aim of creating a dog that combined the sturdier body of the Australian Terrier with the unique coat quality of the Yorkshire Terrier. In just a few generations, the breeders achieved their goal and the breed was established, earning the name Australian Silky Terrier. While breeders disputed the proper name and weight requirements, they finally compromised on the weight issue in 1926, but the name argument took much longer to agree. Starting with the name Sydney Silky Terrier, it then became the Australian Silky Terrier and they finally agreed on Silky Terrier. The American Kennel Club recognized this beautiful little terrier in 1955.

	Standard of the Australian Silky Terrier

Appearance of the Pom-Silk

The appearance of the Pom-Silk can vary considerably, depending on which of the parents' genetics is most dominant. A small dog, its body is slightly longer than it is tall, and it has short but strong, slender legs with delicate paws. A delicate, elegant head is wedge-shaped, with a short, pointed muzzle, the teeth coming together in a scissor-shape. Almond-shaped black eyes that twinkle with mischief and small, high-set ears are a typical feature. It's the coat that can differ in appearance, either the soft, thick, fluffy double coat of the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian, or it can err on the side of the Australian Silky Terrier by being straight, silky and glossy. Either way, the Pom-Silk is distinctive and attractive in appearance. Color can also vary, from red, white, blue, brown, black and tan, wolf sable, grindle to parti-color, which is white with colored markings.

Temperament of the Pom-Silk

Pom-Silks are energetic, lively and affectionate little dogs. They make excellent companions and are intensely loyal. Intelligent and quick to learn, they are curious, independent dogs that are endearing to many. Always ready to play, they enjoy the challenge of learning new tricks or competing in agility. As a family dog, they adapt well to apartment life and consider themselves part of your family. They are affectionate and friendly with children if raised with them and thoroughly socialized. As puppies, they are very small and can easily be unintentionally injured by boisterous youngsters, so supervision is important. These feisty little dogs don't always adapt well to other pets unless they're raised with them. They can be a little pushy with other dogs, with an attitude twice their actual size. Pom-Silks will respect a strong owner who guides them, otherwise the Terrier in them will take over and they can become demanding and expect you to meet all their requests. This can lead to excessive barking, but can be avoided by proper training and the dog learning the rules of the house. With a strong owner and an active, confident family, this little dog is a winner who collects hearts wherever he goes.

Needs and activities of the Pom-Silk

The Pom-Silk is a high-energy dog and will get most of its activity just by following you around the house or yard. But they still need a daily walk to stimulate their minds and allow them to socialize with other animals and people. They'll be happy to accompany you on any outing you choose, but keep them on a leash as they can be prone to take off after any small, fast-moving creature that catches their eye. These dogs are intelligent and quick learners, and respond to training that is both fun and stimulating. Their quick thinking and alert nature make agility tasks a welcome activity. Ideal for house or apartment living, these adaptable little dogs are ideal companions.

Maintenance of the Pom-Silk

Depending on the coat your Pom-Silk inherits from its parents, maintenance can vary from daily brushing to just two or three times a week. Long, thick coats can mat or tangle easily, so regular combing or brushing will keep them in perfect condition. Your dog should only be bathed once a month or more, depending on how much dirt your inquisitive pet gets in. Because of the dense fur around the ears, they need to be checked regularly for infection. Gently clean this area and take care not to push anything into the sensitive ear to avoid damage. Dog teeth should be brushed to avoid cavities and dog breath, making sure you use a special dog product to do so. The final touch is to check the toenails and gently trim them if they become too long. This regular grooming practice will become the highlight of your Pom-Silk week.