Aussie Pom FAQ: Quick Answers To The Most Common Questions

This page collects the questions people actually ask about Aussie Poms and answers them in a few sentences each, with links to the full guides. The short version of the whole site: an Aussie Pom is an Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian mix, and nearly everything about it varies more than the marketing photos suggest.

Because this is a mixed breed and not a standardized one, read every answer below as “often” or “likely” rather than “always.” Individual dogs differ, and the parents matter more than the label.

What is an Aussie Pom?

An Aussie Pom is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Pomeranian, also written as Aussiepom. It is a mixed breed, so traits vary dog to dog. The overview covers the mix in full.

Is an Aussie Pom recognized by the AKC?

No. The AKC recognizes both parent breeds, but the Aussie Pom is a mixed breed, not a standardized one. No registry defines what an Aussie Pom should look like or how big it should be, which is exactly why its traits are hard to guarantee.

How big do Aussie Poms get?

It varies widely. The parent breeds sit far apart, with Australian Shepherds around 40 to 65 pounds and Pomeranians around 3 to 7, so the mix can land in a wide band between them. Third-party sites often cite roughly 10 to 30 pounds, but that is a soft estimate, not a standard. Parent size is the best clue, and the size and weight page explains how to use it.

Can Aussie Poms be merle?

Yes, merle appears in both parent lines and is common in the mix. The pattern itself is not automatically unhealthy, but merle-to-merle breeding can raise hearing and vision risk, so ask about both parents’ merle status. More on the appearance and colors page.

Do Aussie Poms bark a lot?

Many do. Pomeranians are known for alert barking and Australian Shepherds are watchful, so the mix often comes with a voice. Barking responds to training and management, and the barking guide covers both.

How much exercise does an Aussie Pom need?

Moderate to high, depending on the dog. A daily walk plus play, training, and mental work is the usual starting point, with Aussie-leaning dogs needing more. The exercise page has a realistic daily plan.

Are Aussie Poms easy to train?

Often, yes. Both parents are intelligent, and positive reinforcement in short sessions tends to work well. The same intelligence means bad habits form quickly too. Start with the priorities on the training page.

Do Aussie Poms shed?

Yes. Both parents are double-coated, so expect steady shedding plus heavier seasonal periods, and plan on brushing several times a week. The grooming and shedding guide covers the routine.

Are Aussie Poms hypoallergenic?

No. With two double-coated parent breeds, there is no basis for that claim, and any listing that makes it should lower your trust in the listing. Coat care details are on the grooming page.

What health problems do Aussie Poms get?

They can inherit risks from both parent lines: hips, elbows, eyes, epilepsy, and MDR1 drug sensitivity from the Aussie side, plus luxating patellas, dental disease, coat loss, and tracheal or cardiac concerns from the Pom side. Inheriting a risk is possible, not guaranteed. The health problems page covers symptoms and screening questions.

How long do Aussie Poms live?

Often around 12 to 15 years, sometimes longer. That estimate comes from parent-breed data, since PetMD lists Aussies at 12 to 15 years and Poms at 12 to 16. What moves the odds is covered on the lifespan page.

Are Aussie Poms good with kids?

They can be, with supervision and preparation. Watch for herding behaviors like chasing and heel nipping around running children, and remember that smaller dogs are physically fragile with rough handling. The kids and other pets page covers safe setups.

Are Aussie Poms good apartment dogs?

Sometimes. Square footage matters less than barking, daily exercise, and training, and this mix can be vocal. An under-stimulated Aussie Pom is loud in any floor plan. See the apartment guide for what actually decides it.

How much does an Aussie Pom puppy cost?

Reliable price data for the mix is thin. Some third-party sources cite around $1,000 to $1,200, but treat that loosely, and note that PetMD reports Pomeranian puppies often cost at least $1,500. Judge any price against verifiable health testing rather than against the coat color. The cost page covers ongoing expenses, and the puppy buying guide covers how to vet a breeder.