Meta: Loyal, loving, protective, and adorably small are the sought-after traits most dog parents would want in their dogs. As such, the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix is a package of those characteristics for people who are living in apartment houses, and in need of a canine friend to become their long-life buddy.
Like any designer dog, the Pomchi doesn’t get to be acknowledged by the AKC and CKC, but other registries (i.e., the Pom-Chi Club of America, the ACHC, DBR DDKC, and the IDCR) still accept them.
The Pomchi’s supporters are striving to develop this hybrid until it reaches the 7th generation. This is for the ultimate purpose of widening the path for the Pomchi to be acknowledged as an official dog breed.
Until such a time comes, the lovely little mix is still lowly considered. Their information and records are therefore still limited. That’s why no one really knows for how long they have been bouncing this Earth or where exactly their origin was (rumors has it that the United States was where the first Pomchis born in).
Prominent Traits of Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix
Longevity
Small dogs are known to live longer than their big cousins. As such, a Pom can live for 12-16 years while a Chi can live for 12-18 years.
So, naturally, their tiny offspring’s lifespan can be anywhere between 12-18 years. Even longer, if your Pomchi is nurtured in much love and proper care.
Ever since they were first introduced, the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix has gained the love and attention of anyone around them. And it’s not only because of their portable size and sweet-looking appearance, for the hybrid is also known for their compatibility with families of all kinds – those with children, single adult, seniors, small apartments or big houses with or without gardens.
What Kind of Dog Is This?
This designer dog is a successful result from crossbreeding two companion breeds: the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua. Both of these parent breeds are small dogs, so this trait is passed on to their hybrid pups as well.
Aside from Pomchi, around the world, people often lovingly call them by names like Pomachi, Chipom, Chiapom, Pomahuahua, and Chiapom.
Body Measurements
Averagely, a Pomchi can weigh anywhere between 2-10 pounds and can reach 6-9 inches tall when fully grown. The male individuals are usually a little taller than their female counterparts. Compared to another crossbreed of the Pomeranian, which is Pomsky, Pomchi is just about a half.
Because of their convenient size, the Pomchi is an ideal choice for people living in small house or apartment.
Outer Appearance
The Pomchi pups can borrow certain traits equally from each parent, or fully take on the entire set of one parent only. No one can tell for sure about this aspect.
But it is commonly remarked that a Pomchi is “a small Pomeranian with a Chihuahua’s face”. To be more specific, this hybrid has a round head, beady eyes, and pointy medium-sized ears. The latter trait is what contributes to their famous “foxlike” appearance.
Also, Pomchis have a long body propped up by four short, sturdy legs on rounded paws.
Coat
As a crossbreed, Pomchis can take after the short coat like their Chi parent or long coat like their Pompom parent. And this leads to the topic of the nature of said coat – whether it’d be a dense, fluffy double coat, or a sparse, sleek single coat.
From which type of coat you can infer how often you’ll need to groom your dog.
Colors and Patterns
The dominant genes carried in each mixed pup will decide what colors your future Pomchi pup will have. But you can refer to the color charts that are their parents’ respective hair colors.
Most commonly seen are Pomchis of uni-color, light-brown specifically. But they can come in various colors too, ranging from red, orange, tan, fawn, gray, cream, to less common shades like black and sable. And it’s not unheard of Pomchis who have mixed colors coat.
Characteristics
Loving Nature
This hybrid exceptionally loves humans and forms very strong bonds with their human caregivers. But there’s always one particular family member the dog like best. Once she finds her “true master”, she becomes quickly attached to them. This bond lasts for as long as she lives.
Vocal
Since Pompoms are chatty dogs, expect this trait from your Pomchi, too. Whenever your yappy pup is annoyed, nervous, or alert, she’ll let you know with her insistent barking.
Oh, and when she’s separated with her “true master” for a long time (i.e., more than a few hours), she’ll get separation anxiety and will bark very loudly. Finding a way to train your dog stop barking in this case is necessary.
Brave Little Guard
Chihuahuas are curious little dogs, so naturally, their mixed offspring will get this trait from them. Your little furry ball will make outstanding watchdog as she’ll go check the slightest strange noise out, and if she thinks something’s off, she’ll bark to alert you (and possibly your neighbors as well).
Small though these little buddies may be, they won’t hesitate to fiercely attack and protect their families.
High Adaptation
With most small, active dogs, you’re required to take them out daily for exercises. Pomchis are small, lively dogs too. But if you’re too busy to workout with your dog, then fine, she’ll do it by herself.
This is one of Pomchis’ specialties – the ability to entertain and exercise by themselves (as long as there’re toys and some space available). This is why the Pomchi makes a good apartment dog regardless of the living condition.
Ideal Buddy
Except small children under 8 years old, Pomchis can be anyone’s playmates. In fact, the Pomchi quite likes to be around older kids.
The over-8 youngsters already know how to handle small dogs and they also possess equal reservoirs of energy to play with them. That’s why you can see a kid and his Pomchi racing and chasing each other around the house from time to time.
Habits and Training
Overconfident
Some small dogs – Pomchis included, seem to believe their body sizes are as big as their huge personalities. So your Pomeranian Chihuahua mix can get aggressive and hostile towards much bigger dogs because she’s confident they’re equal – at least in sizes. This can eventually lead to Small Dog Syndrome (SDS).
That’s why socializing and firm training is a must in every puppy’s life. Don’t coddle or spoil your tiny pup overmuch, instead treat her equally as you do other dogs.
Stubborn
As much as teaching a Pomchi is a pleasure because she’s a quick learner, your Pomchi can be stubborn at times. Most of the time she’s eager to please, but when the mood strikes, she won’t hesitate to be disobedient even to her “true master’s” orders.
So, to successfully train her, you must be very patient and persistent. Let her know that she is loved – within reason and that there’ll be yummy treats for her if she obeys.
Insistent
Once your Pomchi has her mind on something, she won’t stop until she gets what she wants. At times, she’ll even make her frustration clear to you with her sassy behaviors (e.g., staring, pawing, biting, howling, whining, etc.)
This may happen when the dog is spoiled too much that she thinks she is the alpha of the household. This time, a behavioral training class may be of help.
Mouthing
This includes licking and nibbling. The former sometimes happens because the little pup is changing her teeth and the whole process irritates her gums. The nibbling may occur if your pup was separated from her Momma too early, or that it’s high time for her to wean but it’s just that she hasn’t come out of the shock of being weaned yet.
Or it may just be a behavioral problem your dog happens to adopt. Either way, you can stop her by firmly telling her off then flick her mouth. Also, carry one her chew toys with you at all time so that you can pop it into her mouth each time she licks or nibbles you.
General Care for a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix
Grooming
Pomchis are moderate shedders. This means regardless of the coat type; you’ll need to groom your dog at least twice a week. However, the frequency of grooming increases significantly if:
You own a long-haired Pomchi,
You own a female Pomchi, who’s just given birth or who are in estrus.
The latter is to emphasize your responsibility in comparison with having a male Pomchi, who only sheds once every year.
Note that Pomchis have sensitive skin, so when carrying out the brushing routine, you should use soft bristled brushes instead of the metal ones.
Bathing and Trimming
A monthly bath or whenever your pooch gets dirty is sufficient. If you can afford it, send her to a professional groomer. Otherwise, you can bath her at home with the use of mild dog shampoo.
While you’re at it, remember to trim her nails and hair too, if they grow too long. Oh, and brush her teeth weekly as well! Since small dogs are more susceptible to dental problems than large dogs.
Exercise
As much as this is a dynamic hybrid, Pomchis don’t need high-intensity exercises. In fact, you don’t really have to workout with your fuzzy princess either. Provided that she has her favorite toys and things to play with, she will scurry about the house on her own – this is a way for her to burn off the excess energy herself.
That said, you should try to make some time to take her out. She’ll be happier and healthier with some fresh air, walkies, and a chance to properly socialize with her dog fellows. However, you must keep a close eye on her when she is with other dogs. Due to her small size, larger dogs may hurt her, unintentionally or otherwise.
Feeding
Now, the owner should pay heed to their Pomchi’s oral health, as this toy-sized dog is vulnerable to dental problems like bad breath, tooth decay, and gum diseases.
It’s highly recommended that the hybrid is fed high-quality food designed for small dogs. Or dry kibble, for wet food only worsen the aforesaid oral health issues.
Healthcare
Usually, the negative outcomes are certain genetic health problems. A Pomeranian Chihuahua mix can have issues mini dogs often have like heart, nerve, respiratory, or skeletal diseases.
Collapsing trachea is not uncommon in this hybrid. That’s why all small dogs, Pomchis included, should have the leash connect to their harness only, not directly to the collar. The dog is small, everything about her is fragile. A strong tug from the leash can break both her neck bones and her trachea.
Sometimes, your Pomchi can have backward sneezing (a.k.a. reverse sneezing) as well. This is no cause for alarm, for it happens in dogs with brachycephalic. When this happens, just gently put your hand over her nose – it makes her swallow, and so stops the sneezing.
How Much for a Pomchi?
As always, consider taking a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix that needs to be rehomed from your relatives, friends, or neighbors first. Also, give one at the shelters a chance too, if possible. It’d be much more economical this way.
Else, you can think of purchasing one – but only from a reputable breeder, and never at any puppy mill. The price can range from some-hundred dollar ($700 at a start) up to well over $1,500.
And if you have the chance, meet the parent dogs directly to make sure that they’re friendly. This is to decrease the risk of your future Pomchi pup inheriting SDS or aggressive trait.
Conclusion
All things considered, and once you get to know one another, you’ll understand why a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix makes an amazing addition to you and your family.
Whenever you’re ready, take her home, let her lighten your house and fill your heart with her sweetness and dynamic love.
