Question 1

The Arctic Spitz is so beautiful!  But is it the right breed for me?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz is a very beautiful dog and attracts a lot of interest by looks alone.  Please do your research of the breeds that have created the Arctic Spitz, the husky and pomeranian.  Being a breed in development, there is a wide variation of not only looks but temperament and breed traits.  Some are very independent, some are lap dogs.  Some wander, some have no desire to wander.  Some are very affectionate, some are not.  Some are talkers, others rarely bark.  ALL shed.  Most dig.  Most have a prey drive meaning small furry things are fair game.  Some have more intelligence than others.   Some display husky drama, others not so much.  Some climb.  Do your research that the husky and pomeranian mix of breeds fit your wants, needs and lifestyle.  These are not couch potatoes by nature especially during adolescence.  They are rugged little dogs with big personalities and not for everyone.  Ask your breeder if they do puppy temperament evaluations.  These will give you a very basic baseline of the pups temperament.  Keep in mind, a lot depends on how the puppy is raised by you and what exposure to novel stimuli the puppy has had from her breeder.  Ask what breeds are involved in their bloodlines for that litter as some lines do add other breeds to create their own ideal pomsky.  Do research on nordic breeds in general.  If you feel you're up for the challenge, the pomsky may very well be the breed for you!

Question 2

Do you use AI and Chat GPT?

Accepted Answer

In a world of AI and Chat GPT, we will always stay committed to authenticity.  We don't manufacture any of our content including photographs.  We work countless hours with much added expense to capture the real essence of our dogs and puppies.  Our actual beliefs, protocols and experiences are presented to you thoughtfully.  We will always be true and authentic not using any version of AI, Chat GPT, ect to represent our dogs, ourselves and our program.

Question 3

Is the Arctic Spitz easy to toilet train?

Accepted Answer

As with any puppy, toilet training takes time, consistency and patience.  Some puppies, the Arctic Spitz breed included,  are easier to toilet train than others with a lot depending on your routine, method and amount of consistency.  Some dogs connect the dots faster than others.  The rule of thumb is a very minimum of six months up to one year of age to have a fully housetrained dog.  There are exceptions to every rule , but any puppy or even new adult dog added to your household will take time and energy on your part to learn what is appropriate.  Regression will happen as your puppy heads into adolescence.  Regression is a natural part of the maturing and learning process.  It's okay to start from the beginning and treat your adolescent like an eight week old puppy to reinforce the good habits you're building upon.   Crate training can be a very useful tool in the toilet training process as most dogs and puppies do not like to soil where they sleep.  Puppies are babies and accidents will happen.  A new adult dog in the household needs time to adjust to your routine and learn the expectations of the household.  With patience, time, consistency, diligence and a good enzyme cleaner, your new puppy/dog will eventually make the connection that outside is where making potty takes place.  Raising a puppy is  very time consuming and challenging but if you're up for the task you'll be rewarded with a faithful and loyal lifelong companion!

Question 4

Is the Arctic Spitz hyper?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz is a breed in development that will take years to solidify any true standard in type and temperament.  The breeds involved in creating the Arctic Spitz all have basic needs associated with those breeds.  The Siberian Husky is a working breed bred to run and pull and bred to have some independence.  The Pomeranian is generally a busy, higher energy little dog that has been bred down from its' forty pound herding and sled pulling self.  Small but mighty is the ideal description of the Pomeranian breed.  Both breeds are intelligent.  The Pomeranian can definitely temper some of the husky qualities but both breeds were bred to move, as are all dogs.  The Arctic Spitz is no couch potato!  They need both mental and physical activity daily mixed with down time.  Our goal at Foxfire is to produce  balanced energies and drives but stay true to the Nordic heritage of the breed.  Medium energy is what we strive to produce in our puppies and is what we prefer. 
 Any dog needs daily fulfilment to be happy.  That's the commitment we humans make when we add a dog of any breed to our lives.  We are happy to discuss the nature of the Arctic Spitz and our dogs.  This is a Nordic breed through and through and that's why we love them!  Adolescence is a challenging time for Nordic breeds and the people in their lives but if you stick with energy outlets along with rules and boundaries, you'll have a wonderful adult Arctic Spitz that has become a harmonious part of your life and life style.

Question 5

Is an Arctic Spitz and Pomsky the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Pomsky and Arctic Spitz are one in the same.  In 2019 the name Arctic Spitz was chosen as the official name for dogs of the pomsky type.  A requirement for recognition is the breed be given an official name that doesn’t represent a hybrid or designer name.  We think Arctic Spitz represents the breed perfectly and is why we’ve chosen it as the representation of our dogs and program.

Question 6

Do Arctic Spitz shed?

Accepted Answer

YES!  The Arctic Spitz will typically blow its coat twice a year, around late Spring and Fall. The standard coat of the Arctic Spitz will not only blow, but tends to shed year round.  The plush and wooly coats will also blow twice a year, but seem to shed much less year round. Investing in a grooming blower and nice brush will help this process along.

Question 7

How big do they get?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz comes in three different sizes.  Standard, mini and toy. Because of the density of the Arctic Spitz, this breed can be heavier by size than other breeds. The Arctic Spitz is measured by height, at the top of the shoulders, rather than weight.  For example, a dog can be 12 inches tall and weigh 22 pounds.  Density of a dog is a more determining factor than height with this breed.  Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz, we prefer a dense style of dog with a gorgeous head piece and beautiful expression.

Question 8

General Guidelines for Sizes are as follows:

Accepted Answer

Toy: Under ten inches tall at the shoulder and up to fifteen pounds
 
Mini: Up to fourteen inches tall at the shoulder and between twelve and twenty pounds
 
Standard: Fourteen to eighteen inches tall at the shoulder and between twenty and thirty five pounds

Question 9

Are they good with kids and other animals?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz CAN be very good with kids and other animals in the household.  This will depend on a few factors.  Has the puppy been socialized with kids and other pets before you received him/her?  Has the puppy been part of a busy household or raised outside in a kennel? Ask the breeder! This can help determine if the dog is a good fit for you. The Pomsky is a curious, fun loving little dog that likes to be involved in family activities.  Proper socialization with children and other animals accompanied by rules, boundaries and supervision, will help a new Pomsky puppy gain confidence and learn the rules of the household.  Watch your puppy’s body language.  They’ll let you know if they need a break.  And yes, puppies are babies too.  They need naps and quiet alone time to recharge and decompress.  This also teaches the puppy that life isn’t go, go, go 24/7.  Crates and exercise pens are excellent tools when used appropriately.  Children should also learn to respect the puppy. Teasing and handling the puppy roughly can lead to the puppy reacting aggressively in defense.   The Arctic Spitz is part husky, and huskies often have a strong prey drive and independent nature.  Each puppy’s drive will vary.  A knowledgeable and conscientious breeder will assess these drives prior to placing a puppy and will place that puppy accordingly.  Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz, we assess each puppy and place that puppy appropriately.

Question 10

Is the Arctic Spitz a healthy breed?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz can be affected by conditions just as much as any other breed.  Luxating patellas (loose knee caps) are a very common problem.  Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, umbilical hernias, undescended testicles, underbites, heart issues, and temperament issues have all been documented in the breed.  While there are no absolute guarantees for good health, through OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and DNA genetic testing, we can test our breeding dogs for inheritable conditions.  The goal is to produce an overall healthier next generation.  Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz we Embark and OFA test all of our dogs.  Only the dogs that pass these tests will become part of our program.   Ask breeders if they OFA their dogs.  Please refer to the health testing page of our website for a further description of health testing vs. DNA testing. Keep in mind, no dog is perfect.  We try our very best to produce healthy, sound puppies.  The Pomsky is a new breed in development. Health-tested lines have only begun with a few dedicated and educated breeders.  We promote the intelligent and selective breeding of the Arctic Spitz for improvement and development into a legitimate healthy breed.

Question 11

Should I breed my Arctic Spitz?

Accepted Answer

Breeding is not for the faint of heart.  When done right, it is time consuming, expensive, and sometimes heart-breaking.  Not every puppy in a litter is breed quality even though many are sold as such.  Breeding should be left to those that are educated in the process and are truly trying to better the breed through careful evaluation of the quality of the pups they are producing. This job is a huge responsibility and very involved!

Question 12

Does the Arctic Spitz need a lot of exercise?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic Spitz is a lively, intelligent, curious and playful little dog.  Left to their own devices, they can get themselves into trouble.  We describe the Arctic Spitz as an active companion.  Proper socialization, walks, hikes and dog friends are all great activities for an Arctic Spitz.  We have to remember the mind is just as important as the body.  Structured play like tug, can be very beneficial.  Snuffle mats, frozen stuffed kongs, lick mats - even a box - are all great for a puppy’s mind.  For adult dogs, trick training, obedience, barn hunt, agility, rally, etc. are all great sports to engage the bright-minded and athletic pomsky!  Be prepared and able to physically and mentally exercise your Arctic Spitz.  Have fun with them!  They’ll love you for it!

Question 13

Why should I choose you as a breeder?

Accepted Answer

Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz, we take our responsibility to the breed and our puppy people seriously.  Our focus is on quality, not quantity.  We are continually educating ourselves on the latest science behind genetics to help inform our breeding decisions.  We are one of a handful of programs that goes beyond basic DNA testing and tests for other critical health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow, dysplasia, heart, and knee issues.  These are serious conditions that are expensive for owners to treat and heartbreaking to deal with in their furry family companions.  We take pride in our thorough and scientific evaluations of our breeding dogs so that we may produce consistently good health and temperament in our pups.  Having a background in dog training/breeding and having worked with many breeds, we understand how to correctly evaluate temperament in our dogs and pups, which allows us to do an excellent job placing the right pup to the right family!

Question 14

Can I pick out my own puppy?

Accepted Answer

Here at Foxfire Arctic Spitz, we assess each puppy and match each puppy to prospective families.  This ensures a specific puppy meets your needs and you can fulfill theirs.  We evaluate our puppies between six and seven weeks of age to get a baseline and idea of the raw conformation and temperament of each puppy and if it falls within the pomsky standard.  Any puppies that exhibit traits outside of the standard will be placed accordingly.  Almost all puppies in our litters have baseline differences but nothing out of the ordinary.  In this case, if we have multiple puppies available to choose from, we are happy to let you choose the puppy of your liking.  We're happy to make suggestions and give you an idea of personality ect. Our puppies are part of our family and we want to ensure they are an excellent fit for yours!

Question 15

Can I visit the litter?

Accepted Answer

We do not allow home visits.  Allowing strangers into our homes can be potentially dangerous to our families and puppies.  Theft and parvo are real issues. Good communication, photos, videos and Facetime are all ways to track the progress of your puppy.

Question 16

What comes with my puppy?

Accepted Answer

Each of our puppies come with a great start!  We extensively socialize our puppies with children, older dogs, other animals, different people, sights, sounds, smells and surfaces.  We work on basic grooming skills.
Each puppy will be up to date on age appropriate vaccines and dewormings.  They receive a thorough vet exam, health certificate and stool sample check.
We offer lifetime breeder support with each puppy, including an extensive spay/neuter contract. We also send each puppy home with 30 days of Trupanion Medical Coverage.

Question 17

Can I reach out when I have a question?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Please contact us with any questions.

Question 18

Is the Arctic Spitz easy to train?

Accepted Answer

Each dog/puppy is an individual.  Some of our dogs have been a breeze to train and others more of a challenge.  The husky is an intelligent dog, but independent and high-energy by nature.  The Pomeranian is an attentive, intelligent little dog that is eager to please.  Because the breed is young and in development, the Arctic Spitz can favor the husky, the pomeranian, or fall anywhere in between.  As with any dog, clear, consistent rules and boundaries work well for the Arctic Spitz.  Establishing a solid foundation in structured play, management, and basic obedience skills will set you and your puppy up for success, especially during adolescence.  The Arctic Spitz has a very keen nose, and some do like to roam.  Long lines are wonderful tools.  Teach a solid recall.  Play hide and seek games.  Build your value.  Working one on one with a trainer of your choosing is a great place to start!  If you are nervous about how to train your new puppy, working with a good trainer PRIOR to getting your puppy, is an excellent way to prepare for your new bundle of joy and energy!  We are always happy to give our puppy people referrals to good training resources, so please do not hesitate to ask!

Question 19

Will my puppy be potty trained?

Accepted Answer

Potty-training a puppy is a PROCESS - while we start getting our pups into routines prior to leaving for their new homes, it is up to their new families to establish their own routines and training with their pups.

Question 20

Will my Arctic Spitz’s  coat change with age?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  The Arctic Spitz goes through quite a coat change as they grow.  Puppy fluff will shed and the sleek shiny adult coat will start to take its place.  Typically, starting down the spine and tail.  Your Arctic Spitz may look a bit “moth eaten” for a few months until the adult coat starts to become more prominent. By twelve to fourteen months of age, your Arctic Spitz should have most of his/her adult coat.  By eighteen to twenty four months of age, they will be in their full glory!  Coat changes happen when your puppy starts the adolescence phase of their lives.  Puppy masks can also change as a puppy grows.  Once a dark mask as a young puppy, it can lighten around the eyes and end up being more of an open mask.  Warm tones can also come though as a puppy ages.   Eye color can also be tricky to determine.   Eyes that look blue can turn to gold, grey or green.  Coat color can be a basis for some eye colors. 
Some blue eyed pups may even develop some brown in their baby blues as they mature.

Question 21

Do I need to groom my Arctic Spitz?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  The Arctic Spitz does need coat maintenance.  While shedding their puppy coat and undercoat, we recommend thorough brushing to help remove the loose coat.  During their seasonal shedding, brushing and even using a grooming blower to rid the coat of loose hair, can work wonders!  The blower also helps to dry after a bath and to maintain the coat between baths.  Bathing an Arctic Spitz once a month is sufficient.  The Arctic Spitz has an almost self cleaning coat without the oily doggy smell.  Other than the two times a year the pomsky blows his/her coat, this breed has a fairly easy coat to maintain.  A brushing twice a week helps keep the coat mat free. We recommend getting your puppy used to baths, brushing, nail trims and touching their teeth and mouth at an early age.

Question 22

Can I shave my Arctic Spitz?

Accepted Answer

Please do not shave your Arctic Spitz!!  The Arctic Spitz has a double coat that serves to insulate them from the heat and cold.  The coat regulates their body temperature.  If shaved, it exposes their body to the sunlight which can burn and cause skin cancer.  The coat will also not grow back as before and the texture will even change.  A shaved Arctic Spitz may be easier for us but it’s not safe or healthy for them.

Question 23

Do you offer transport for your puppies?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer domestic and international transport for our puppies. Cost of transport varies per location and country. The cost for transport is IN ADDITION TO the price of the puppy. Mode of transportation varies. We will always find the safest and most affordable means of travel for your peace of mind and ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arctic Spitz is so beautiful! But is it the right breed for me?