This designer dog is a mix between the popular and feisty Chihuahua, and the fluffy and soft Pomeranian pups. Historically, Pomchis find their origins in the United States, and were bred specifically to be an alert companion to its owner(s). Because it is a hybrid, you never know what you’re gonna get with this pup, but a closer look at both the physical characteristics and emotional temperament of the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua will give you an idea of what your Pomchi will be like.
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico where it got its slightly Spanish name, and have been companion dogs for decades. They have become one of the most popular dogs worldwide, even starring in big Hollywood films and productions, which has helped to cement their presence in the minds of millions of people. They are naturally a very compassionate pup, who loves to snuggle up with their owner, but if irritated, they can become quite feisty. While there bodies are very small and compact, they have a bark that echoes all confidence and no fear whatsoever.
The Pomeranian on the other hand, is a descendant of the German Spitz dog, found in the region of Pomerania, in northern Germany and Poland from which they were named. They became popular in the 16th century due to their unique appearance, and at this time became the ideal companion for many royals in Europe. From this time to their only historically recorded breeding in 1891 in Britain, these pups continued rising to popularity and to this day, remain one of the most relevant and sought after dogs in the world.
Before you decide to get your new Pomchi, there are a few factors that you should consider to decide if this dog is the ideal pup for you. Here are some characteristics of the Pomchi that will help you to make your decision.
Pomchi Physical Appearance and Characteristics
Pomchis stand out easily among other dogs because of their fox like face, making them one of the most adorable dogs on the market. They have a pointy muzzle paired with a black nose and teeth as sharp as scissors. Their ears are erect, alerting them to any movement and they have large, round eyes that tend to be either brown or amber. Pomchis are very small pups, and despite having a tiny structure, their coats are normally full and shiny. They come in a number of different colours including but not limited to brown, gray, fawn, sable, red and cream.
Most Pomchis are about 6 to 9 inches in height on average, and they normally weigh anywhere from 2 to 10 pounds. Both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are tiny dogs, and in order to determine or at least have an estimate of how big your Pomchi will get, just take a look at its parents and their body measurements. Teacup Pomchis are also available, and will automatically be the smaller size, weighing under 4 pounds.
Grooming and Maintenance
It’s no secret that the Pomchi will need more grooming than your average dog, especially if they inherit the thick double coat from their Pomeranian parent. With a hybrid, you never know which gene will be more dominant, but Pomchis will either have the thick double coat of the Pomeranian, or the softer single coat of the Chihuahua. Despite what coat they have, shedding will be an issue, therefore it is recommended that these dogs be brushed daily to remove any excess buildup, and bathed frequently.
After the coat and bathing, there are other parts of the grooming process including their dental hygiene, ears and their growing nails. Chihuahuas have an increased risk for developing periodontal disease, so it is important that you pay attention to your Pomchi’s pearly whites. It is recommended that you either brush daily or in extreme circumstances, once per week. Ensure that you also keep the ears clean to prevent the occurrence of yeast infections or inflammation. Simply wipe down the ears with a wet cloth weekly.
Finally, the nails of your Pomchi must be kept clean and short at all times. Because these dogs don’t tend to do a lot of physical activity, their nails must be clipped professionally every 4 – 6 weeks. If this sounds like too much work, a trip to the groomer’s every six weeks will keep your Pomchi in tip top shape, as long as he is bathed and his teeth are brushed regularly.
Character and Personality
Pomchis are pleasant and outgoing, and always eager to please their master, but they can get a bit raunchy and irritated if left in the presence of toddlers and other animals. With proper socialisation however, these dogs can be trained to adapt to their environment and get along with whoever they come in contact with. Pomchis are also very intelligent despite their playful personality, and they can become a bi cunning and mischievous so ensure you keep an eye on them most of the time. Conclusively, Pomchis are a great addition to every family, just be sure to supervise their behaviour around young children and other animals, and use reward based training methods to train them effectively.
Health Care, Lifespan and Physical Activity
Pomchis are generally very healthy dogs, and they live an average 12 to 18 years. They don’t require lots of physical activity, but a regular 15 minute walk or a 30 minute play session with their owner will be ideal exercise for them throughout the day. While Pomchis themselves do not have any specific health issues correlated to their cross breed, they are susceptible to health conditions that can be passed down from either the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian. Chihuahuas have quite the list of health issues, as do Pomeranians, and at any time, your dog may suffer from any of the following issues listed below.
From the Pomeranian
- Hydrocephalus
- Sick Sinus Syndrome
- Tracheal Collapse
- Entropion
- Retained Testicles
- Patent ductus arteriosus
From the Chihuahua
- Corneal Dystrophy
- Glaucoma
- Dry Eye
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
Pomchis may be the cutest dog you’ve ever seen, but ensure they fit into your lifestyle before adoption, because once you have him, you’ll never want to let him go.