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Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are two of the most loved small breeds around the globe. Why not combine the two together? Well, some dog enthusiasts have, the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix results in the Pomchi. If you live in an apartment but want a dog that is playful, long-lived, and beautiful, the Pomchi may be right for you. Like their parents, they live a long time and are highly intelligent. At the same time, they are usually more easygoing than the standard Chihuahua.
Breed Overview
Height:
6–9 inches
Weight:
4–10 pounds
Lifespan:
13–18 years
Colors:
Black, brown, cream, gray, red
Suitable for:
Apartment dwellers, seniors, and singles; first-time dog owners
Temperament:
Feisty, bold, and brave but affectionate and sweet to owners
Nevertheless, the Pomchi isn’t right for all homes and families. To learn more about the Pomchi and determine if this powerful pint is ideal for you, read on. Our guide will explain everything you need to know about the Pomchi before adoption.
Pomchi Characteristics
Pomchi Puppies
Pomchi puppies are energetic and lovable pets. They have a healthy lifespan but require a lot of training since they can be stubborn but are also very intelligent. These small and adorable dogs are very active, requiring a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from getting bored.
They’re ideal for families without small children since they can get snappy and annoyed easily. Take a good look at their care guide below so you’re prepared when welcoming a Pomchi into your home. With the right food, exercise, and mental stimulation, your Pomchi puppy should grow into a happy and healthy dog.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Pomchi
Pomchis are highly intelligent, but they are stubborn. Unlike most Chihuahuas, Pomchis are more affectionate and may take after their Pomeranian parent. This isn’t true of all Pomchi puppies, but it is relatively common.
Overall, Pomchis make good dogs for families with older children or no children. Singles and seniors will especially appreciate their small size and devoted nature. However, they aren’t suitable for multi-pet homes simply because they prefer to be at the center of attention at all times.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🧑🧑🧒
Even though Pomchis take after the Pomeranian parents, they aren’t the best family pets. Especially if you have young children, the dog may get snappy if annoyed. For this reason, we only recommend Pomchis to families with older children.
If you have younger children and still decide to get a Pomchi, monitor their interactions with the kids carefully. Also, take the time to teach your children how to behave around the dog to ensure they don’t scare or accidentally hurt it.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
Interestingly, Pomchis get along with other pets, but we don’t recommend keeping them in a multi-pet home. Because of the Pomeranian’s more laid-back nature, Pomchis don’t often fight other dogs, but they love to be at the center of attention. Your attention will be divided if you have other pets in the household.
Even though it’s uncommon for Pomchis to be outright aggressive, some individuals may favor their Chihuahua parent, which tends to be less welcoming to other pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Pomchi
One reason many people like Pomchis is that there isn’t much to owning one, at least not in comparison to larger breeds. Although they still need a lot of attention and care, they aren’t nearly as difficult to care for as some pups.
In terms of food, diet, and health, Pomchis are relatively easy to care for. However, grooming and training may be more extensive because of their long coat and stubborn streak.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
Pomchis are small and don’t eat as much food as some dogs, but they still eat a decent amount because of their high metabolism and activity levels. We recommend feeding your Pomchi 2 cups of food daily and splitting the portion into a morning and evening meal.
Exercise 🐕
Although the Pomchi may look like royalty, they love getting their paws dirty and running around. Pomchis are highly energetic and can be little powerhouses. It’s important to provide your Pomchi with enough exercise to help them release their energy.
We recommend taking your Pomchi on a walk for 30 minutes every day. Other than that, you can play games inside and provide several toys and games to keep their mind occupied.
Training 🎾
Training a Pomchi can be unpredictable. Even though they are highly intelligent, they can be stubborn. If you do not establish yourself as the alpha early on, it is unlikely for the dog to listen to you. However, you won’t have much difficulty teaching your Pomchi tricks if you are firm and consistent.
Grooming ✂️
The most challenging part of owning a Pomchi is their daily grooming requirements. Although some Pomchis inherit the single coat from their Chihuahua parents, most get the Pomeranian coat, complete with long, dense fur.
You will likely need to brush your Pomchi once a day to minimize shedding and mats. Depending on the length of their coat, you may need to take the dog to the groomer. You will likely need to clean out the Pomchi’s ears because they’re vulnerable to ear infections. You can use a soft and damp cloth to clean their ears once a week. As with any other dog, make sure to trim their nails when needed and brush their teeth twice a week.
Health and Conditions 🏥
One significant benefit of a Pomchi is their long lifespan. Both parents often live several years, resulting in one of the healthiest designer dogs. If you want a dog to stay with you for 13 to 18 years, a Pomchi is perfect.
- Allergies
- Ear infections
- Shivering
- Epilepsy
- Hypoglycemia
- Legg-Calve Perthes disease
- Patellar luxation
Male vs Female
The differences between male and female Pomchis mimic the differences between the genders of other breeds. Most notably, the males are slightly bigger and heavier. Likewise, they are often more outgoing, friendly, and playful, whereas females like to be independent and are wary of strangers.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pomchi
1. There Are Different Types of Pomchis.
Most people don’t realize that there are different types of Pomchis. For example, the Teacup Chi is technically a Pomchi, but they are pint-sized and cost thousands more. You can expect nearly any Teacup Chi to be around $5,000.
2. They Are Surprisingly Active.
Because Pomchis have small bodies, most people assume that they are not very active. Although they are ideal for apartment dwellers, they are actually very energetic. Despite their size, Pomeranians were initially bred as sled pullers. Pomeranians are very active, and so are Chihuahuas.
Even if you live in an apartment, most Pomchis can burn off their energy without leaving your home just by running around and playing with their toys.
3. They Are a New Species.
Although the Pomeranian and Chihuahua have long histories, the Pomchi is a relatively new dog. Like most designer dogs, the Pomchi only dates to the 1990s.
Conclusion
Pomchis make great pets for singles and seniors because they are small, affectionate, and quirky. Families may like the Pomchi but must be careful before adopting one if they have young children. The most challenging part of caring for a Pomchi is the grooming. After all, the Pomchi is primarily known for their luscious locks that take after the Pomeranian. However, you will get a dog that can fit into nearly any home and is highly intelligent.
Featured Image Credit: Photohunter, Shutterstock