Poshies

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Poshies comes from two lines with herding ancestry, the Pomeranian and the Shetland Sheepdaog, or Sheltie.

The Pomeranian, named after an old region between Germany and Poland, is best known for its luxuriant fur and popularity as a companion dog. Delicate, lively and extroverted, the Pomeranian is a double coated bundle of energy, suited for indoor living and often bruited to be extremely clever at getting its owner to do its bidding.

The Sheltie is a small-to-medium sized herding dog that traces its ancestry to the Scottish highlands, where Spitz-type dogs were crossed with working Collie breeds, then brought over to the mainland Great Britain. A highly agile and alert breed, the Sheltie registers high on the Coren's Intelligence Scale, and does well as family dog constantly surrounded by people and stimulated by activity.

Color

The Poshies, being of parent breeds that can come in a wide variety of coat colors, can be in almost any color or pattern. The Sheltie heritage is commonly expressed in black and sable, with a merling gene sometimes showing up as a blue merel coat. The Pomeranian will most probably express cream and white, black, and orange. But patterns such as brindle or tri-color will also be possible.

Coat

A double coated Poshies has a soft, plush, short-haired undercoat, overlaid by a topcoat that can grow considerably long, and which is often the Poshies' protection against adverse weather.

Personality

With parents ranked among the brightest and excellent working dogs in Stanley Coren's list of the Intelligence of Dogs, it is only expected that the Poshies be an alert, clever, and tractable dog. With the proper training and socialization at the earliest time possible, the Poshies lives up to its breed as a toy and companion dog. It is very affectionate with and loyal to its family, such that it is happiest when at play or being the center of attention. It will also raise a furious alarm at strangers, its herding instincts identifying that which does not belong and might possibly be a source of harm. Its cleverness, however, should be curtailed when it seeks to have its way at times. Behavior of this sort, once permitted, will only escalate until the Poshies feels that it is dominant to its owner, and will develop bad behavior.

Care

The double coat will require extra work, especially during shedding, which happens at least twice a year. Brushing often will help get rid of dirt and dust, as well as mats and dead hair. Grooming and trimming at least once a month is best to keep the coat pristine-looking and healthy.

Training

The Poshies is a high-energy dog that requires daily activity. An under-exercised Poshies means one that isn't mentally and physically stimulated, and this could result in excessive barking, destroying household items or furniture, and disobedience. A half-hour session of vigorous play, or a brisk (leashed) walk around the neighborhood, will usually satisfy dogs the size of the Poshies.

Activity

The Poshies is a high-energy dog that requires daily activity. An under-exercised Poshies means one that isn't mentally and physically stimulated, and this could result in excessive barking, destroying household items or furniture, and disobedience. A half-hour session of vigorous play, or a brisk (leashed) walk around the neighborhood, will usually satisfy dogs the size of the Poshies.