Also known as the Pomchi, the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is a beautiful bundle of joy and love that comes out as a super cute little fluffy dog.
A cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua, this stunning designer dog has grown in popularity in recent times.
Pomchis are small dogs with a big personality. They are a great choice for active singles, couples and homes with older children.
However, there are many things you need to know about the Pomchi before you bring one home.
If you’re interested in owning a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix, then you should continue reading to view pictures and discover everything you need to know about these feisty little pups.
Table of Contents
What is a Pomchi?
As we’ve mentioned above, the Pomchi is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. This designer dog was first bred in the last 20 or 30 years when mixed breed dogs began to grow in popularity.
Once other breeds began to grow in popularity, breeders decided to cross the two parent breeds to create a small, cute companion dog. As the demand for the dog grew, they continued to create more and more of these pups.
Although the Pomchi is a designer dog, some have sadly ended up in rescue centers or shelters around the world. So, consider adopting one if you think this is the right breed for you.
Since there isn’t much information available about the history of the Pomchi, we need to study the histories of both parent breeds to get a better understanding of where this crossbreed came from.
[thrive_leads id=’7777′]The Origin of the Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is named after the zone between Germany and Poland known as Pomerania where they were originally bred.
However, their antecedents are the spitz-type dogs that originated from far-flung arctic regions such as Siberia and Russia. Back then, spitz dogs were typically larger than the modern-day Pomeranians with artifacts from the 1700’s and 1800’s depicting their ancestors as being much bigger.
The exact origins of the different breeds that were used to create the modern-day Pomeranian remains a mystery.
However, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne, these dogs become popular in England and beyond. Queen Victoria kept some of these dogs, which as a result increased their popularity even further.
It is said that during Queen Victoria’s era, the Pom reduced in size, resulting in the Pomeranian we know as a companion dog today.
Today, the Pom is still one of the most popular companion dogs due to their small size, their cute looks and their loving, affectionate natures.
The Origin of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is named after the state in Mexico where they came from: Chihuahua.
However, its history dates back to prehistoric times, and they are said to be closely reacted to the Techichi dogs that were commonly used for rituals and as food when the Aztecs occupied the region.
Some experts claim that the Chihuahua is a result of breeding between native Mexican dogs and hairless terriers that were imported from China.
Regardless of their ancestry, it is clear that the modern-day Chihuahua originated from Mexico in the 19th century. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
The Chihuahua is considered to be the smallest dog breed in the world. There are actually two versions of the Chihuahua: the shorthaired (smooth coat) type and the longhaired (long coat) type. This disparity will influence the overall appearance of a Pomchi.
Interesting Facts about the Pomchi
Pomchis are famous teddy bear dogs.
They are known by several other names, including PomChi, Pom-Chi, Chipom, Chi-Pom, Pomahuahua and the Chiranian. Other less commonly used nicknames for the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix include Chiapom, Pomachi and Pomahuahua.
Despite their small size, Pomchis are very alert dogs and hence, make excellent watchdogs.
They enjoy playing interactive dog games.
The mix has not been officially recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) since it is a crossbreed, but both parent breeds are.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]I’ve written a Complete Guide on How To Identify Your Dog’s Breed, you can check it here. [/thrive_text_block]The General Appearance of the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix
There is never an accurate prediction to how an individual Pomchi dog will look like as they could inherit physical characteristics from either parent breed or be a combination of both.
However, the Pomeranian and Chihuahua Mix will undoubtedly be a cute, lovable dog.
Even puppies from the same litter might look different from each other. They can resemble the Pomeranian parent or could lean more towards a Chihuahua look. Of course, some of the puppies could have a combination of both parents’ physical traits.
What Does a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is known for its fox-like characteristics. Most Pomchis look like a small Pomeranian with the face of a Chihuahua.
Considering the appearance of both parent breeds, the Pomchi should have pointed ears, and a fox-like nose.
The Chihuahua parent has large eyes, so chances are the Pomchi will have slightly large eyes in relation to his body. They also have short but strong legs, and puffed semi-curled tails.
As we’ve already mentioned, there are no guarantees with crossbreeds. Your Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix puppy could end up resembling a Pomeranian or leaning more towards the Chihuahua in appearance.
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But how big will a Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix get?
Since the Chihuahua and Pomeranian cross is a relatively new designer dog, their size may vary.
Since both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are toy dogs, however, their offspring will be a toy dog, as well.
Most full-grown Pomchis weigh in at 4 to 12 pounds and stand anywhere between 6 and 10 inches tall. That said, some of these dogs can be larger or smaller in size.
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Coat and Coat Color
The Pomchi’s coat is usually a mix of the parent breeds’ coats and colors.
These dogs can have a long or short coat, but it is usually soft and shiny.
Their coats come in different colors, including black, light brown, white, gray, tan, fawn, cream, merle and sable. Regardless of its coat color, however, the Pomchi will certainly be a very cute pup.
Pomchi Temperament and Personality
As far as personality traits go, there is never an accurate prediction to how your Pomchi puppy will act since these dogs could inherit traits from either parent breed.
The personality traits will vary depending on the puppy and the generation. No matter the generation, however, each puppy will also have their own individual traits.
Choosing a specific generation of a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix may help you find a puppy with certain characteristics and mannerisms. However, it is impossible to predict every personality trait with 100 percent accuracy.
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To get a good understanding of how your Pomchi will act, you should study the traits of each parent breed.
Both the Chihuahua and Pomeranian are alert and lively dogs, so these traits will also be passed on to a Pomchi.
The Pomeranian is a sociable dog who enjoys being around people. Intelligent and curious, the Pom is very vigilant and full of life.
Despite his small size, the Pomeranian considers himself to be larger than he actually is and tends to bark at anything unusual. However, proper training and socialization can help nip his bossy behavior in the bud.
The Chihuahua, on the other hand, is bold and spirited. The Chihuahua is also alert and will watch over you. They can also be shy and frightened if not socialized well, which makes early socialization extremely important.
So what can you expect from your Pomchi?
Is a Pomchi a good dog? Any dog can make a wonderful pet, but not all families are a good match for this hybrid.
Given his small size, the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is a good match for families with older children who know how to interact with toy dogs. The Pomchi doesn’t tolerate rough play, having his tail pulled, or getting his food taken away when eating.
With early socialization, the Pomchi won’t be aggressive towards children. However, they will react by biting or nipping if they feel threatened. Therefore, you should not leave your small Pomchi pup unsupervised with small children during playtime.
However, the Pomchi is a great companion dog and would be a great choice for singles, couples and seniors. This little dog will love getting plenty of attention and affection from their owner and family.
The Pomchi is also very adaptable, but they are best suited to an urban or suburban lifestyle. They thrive in apartments and small homes.
Pomchis are also an excellent choice for first-time dog owners since they are very delightful and eager to please. These dogs are loyal companions and curious family pets that are perfect for families with older children.
The Pomchi as a Watchdog
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is a great watchdog because he is very alert and will bark to alert you whenever a stranger is close.
And since the Pomchi considers himself to be larger than he actually is, he will do everything in his power to prevent any kind of danger from happening.
Although this might not end up well for such a small dog, it simply shows how loving and protective this hybrid dog is.
[thrive_leads id=’12402′]Behavior with Children and Other Pets
Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes make great family dogs and they enjoy playing with older children and being the center of attention.
Since this is a very tiny dog, however, they can be easily hurt by excitable kids. Pomchi dogs enjoy being around older children or adults who know how to handle them gently.
Both the Pomeranian and Chihuahua parent breeds get along well with older children, but of course, all dogs should be well socialized with small kids to be comfortable around them.
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Introducing a 5-year old dog to small kids is more difficult than introducing a new puppy. When introduced to each other at a very early stage, Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes and children get along amazingly well.
As with all dogs, you should teach your kids how to treat dogs, and supersize any interactions between young children and dogs to prevent unnecessary bites or teasing on the part of either party.
You child should learn not to approach your dog when he is sleeping or eating or to try to snatch the dog’s food. You should never leave your dog unsupervised with a young child, regardless of how friendly he is.
That said, Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes have a feisty personality, and they may like being the only dog of the house. However, many Pomchis will get along well with cats and others dogs, so it all boils down to proper training and early socialization.
Timely socialization can make a big difference in your dog’s behavior towards people and other animals.
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Training is required early on for the Pomchi to keep barking under control and to show them that you’re in charge. Keep in mind that Pomeranians enjoy their own sounds, so training your Pomchi early is important to control excessive barking.
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Although the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is intelligent, he can also be quite stubborn.
Housetraining can be a challenging task, so training these dogs requires a confident and a firm hand.
Puppies should also be taught basic commands at a young age, so they know the rules and limits. It would be a great mistake to postpone training simply because Pomchis are so adorable since it could lead to the so-called ‘small dog syndrome’ – which could make them more difficult to handle and live with.
The first commands you should teach your Pomchi puppy are “Sit”, “Stay”, “Come”, “Down”, “Leave It” and “Bed”.
To prevent boredom, make sure to combine different training techniques. It’s strongly recommended to use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your puppy what’s acceptable and what’s not.
You should praise him and give him a treat when he does something right or when he stops an unacceptable behavior.
As with every breed, Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes also need timely socialization. They should be exposed to different kinds of people, sounds, sights and experiences at a young age.
Socialization will help ensure that your Pomchi puppy grows up to be a confident and well-mannered dog.
Enrolling your Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix in puppy training classes is a good start. You should also invite guests over from time to time, and also take him to a nearby dog parks where he can meet many different people and other dogs to help him improve his social skills.
Exercise Needs
Since the Pomchi’s parents have high energy levels, your hybrid dog will also be energetic as well. Like their parents, Pomchis also have a tendency to get fat, so you need to meet their exercise needs.
Without adequate exercise, these dogs can become bored and frustrated. Since they are very small dogs, though, they don’t require strenuous exercise.
At least 30 minutes of playtime and exercise is enough for this hybrid dog. Short walks and a few play sessions are recommended for this mix.
Bringing your pup outside will help ensure he enjoys fresh air and allows them to learn vital socialization skills.
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? However, never leave them off leash and watch over your dog when you are out and about, particularly when he is around larger dogs. Your Pomchi might not be able to cope with being knocked down by bigger dogs and they can be injured in such situations.
Be careful when walking your Pomchi and make sure he keeps a reasonable distance from bigger and aggressive dogs. Make sure he always walks close to you.
Also, keep in mind that small dogs like the Pomchi do not have the same tolerance to heat/tolerance to cold as large dogs do. They have a long coat, but since they are so small, they do not do well in extreme heat or cold.
They can tolerate some heat, but as with all dogs, you should not leave them outside in extreme temperatures.
When playing or exercising outside, take care of your little dog. A happy dog will pant softly and at regular intervals. If you notice irregular panting or excessive drool, it implies that your Pomchi risks overheating. In such cases, you should stop playing or exercising immediately and allow your pup to rest.
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There are actually a lot of exercise options with an energetic breed like this. Provided you and your dog are enjoying it, they should be fine.
Pomchis are also very intelligent, due to their parent breeds. Therefore, they will also require mental stimulation. Provide them with plenty of interactive dog toys or let them play a game of fetch to keep them mentally fit.
Shedding and Grooming
Pomchis typically have long coats, so they are a tough choice for allergy sufferers. These dogs have a double coat, which makes them so fluffy and cute. This also means that they need regular grooming.
Pomchis shed only once per year, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning after your dog every other time. Despite being low shedding dogs, Pomchis are not hypoallergenic.
Make sure to brush your Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix dog’s coat at least twice per week. This will help keep their coat free from mats and tangles.
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Invest in a soft-bristled brush and brush up your Pomchi’s coat with extreme care. Remember that this hybrid has sensitive skin, so do not use metal brushes that might end up causing skin irritation or discomfort.
Pomchis will need baths at least once per month or as necessary. Remember they have sensitive skin, so be sure to use specially formulated doggie shampoos. Clean your pup’s ears at least once a week to avoid infections.
As with humans, proper dental hygiene is vital for dogs. Dental issues are common among Chihuahuas. This implies that your Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is also at risk of developing dental issues.
Therefore, you should brush your dog’s teeth at least once a day. You should also consider giving your pup dental chews to help clean their teeth.
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix will need their eyes cleaned regularly to prevent infections. As with other dogs, their nails should also be clipped to prevent overgrowth. This should be done at least once every 4 weeks.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]LEARN ABOUT IT: How To Minimize Dog Shedding (8 Tips) [/thrive_text_block]Feeding and Diet Info
The best Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix diet is one that is formulated for a small yet energetic dog breed.
? Keep in mind that Pomchis have a tendency to get fat when they are overfed. Therefore, you should follow a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving any food near them at all times. Also, be sure to limit the amount of food treats you feed to your dog.
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How much food you feed your Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix will depend on his age, size and activity levels.
Generally, Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes will need around ½ to 1 cup of high quality kibble each day. Keep your pup in good shape by feeding him the correct amount of food twice per day instead of leaving his food out at all times.
Ideally, you should select dry kibble since the thick texture of the food will help keep their teeth clean. The food must also be small in size to ensure your Chipom is able to chew and digest his food easily.
If you decide to feed your Pomchi dry food, make sure it is high quality dog food, with natural ingredients and without any fillers or artificial ingredients. Kibble with fillers has high carb content, which can be unsafe for your dog.
As with every dog, fish oil supplements are also recommended for this pup. The key ingredient in fish oil – omega 3 fatty acids – will help improve their coat and skin while preventing major health problems at the same time.
What you decide to feed your pooch is a matter of choice, but make sure to consult your vet if you need to change your pet’s diet.
You should also ensure your Chi-Pom has plenty of fresh water whenever you leave in order to help keep him hydrated.
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Hybrid dogs are generally believed to be heather than their purebred counterparts. Cross breeds are less likely to suffer from genetic conditions, since new genes are introduced into their DNA.
Crossbreeds enjoy more genetic diversity, but purebreds are subjected to inbreeding procedures whose aim is to maintain their unique looks and traits.
Nonetheless, hybrid dogs can still inherit certain health issues. Generally, smaller breeds are more vulnerable to genetic conditions, particularly if they’re a result of disreputable breeding practices. That’s why you should do your homework when searching for Pomchi breeders.
Some of the common health problems that you should watch out for include:
• Collapsed trachea
• Gum and dental disease
• Epilepsy
• Eye problems like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
• Heart problems
• Hydrocephalus
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Open fontanel
• Patellar Luxation
Other minor or less common health concerns among Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes are allergies, skin issues, hip dysplasia, shivering and seizures.
Not all Pomchis will develop all or any of these health problems, but learning more about them can help you keep your dog healthy.
As with all breeds, regular vet checkups can help detect any health issues early. Your vet will help you create a proper healthcare schedule that will help keep your Pomchi healthy.
Pomchi Life Expectancy
The Pomeranian has an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years while Chihuahuas live an average of 12 to 20 years.
With these figures in mind, your Pomchi is likely to have a very long life. This mix has an average lifespan of around 12 to 18 years, with some living even longer than that.
Dog lovers who buy a puppy from health-screened parents can expect their Pomchis to live to a good old age.
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=””]ALSO READ: How To Make Your Dog Live Longer (5 Tips) [/thrive_text_block]Pomchi Living conditions
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is an indoors dog and thanks to his small size, he is a suitable choice for apartment dwellers since he doesn’t require much exercise.
Pomchis do not do well in hot or cold conditions and they are very sensitive to extreme weather changes.
The PomChi can be a good choice for you if you have plenty of time to dedicate to him as he doesn’t tolerate being left alone for long periods.
It is a great hybrid for families, but owners should ensure their kids do not play too rough with the pup as they can be easily injured due to their tiny and fragile size.
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Pomchi
Advantages
– Pomchis are even-tempered dogs.
– They are loyal and playful dogs who love their owners unconditionally.
– They enjoy being around human people.
– They are very adaptable dogs who will do just as well in an apartment or a small house.
– They don’t have excessive grooming demands.
– Though not hypoallergenic, Pomchis are low shedding dogs.
– They are a great choice for first-time dog owners
– Although small in size, Pomchis make great watchdogs.
Disadvantages
– Pomchis are best suited to families with older children.
– They do not tolerate being alone and are prone to separation anxiety. They are also likely to develop small dog syndrome.
– They end to bark a lot and enjoy their own voices.
– They are likely to develop small dog syndrome.
– They may have sensitive skin
– Some are willful, making housetraining a difficult task.
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Rescuing a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix
It is always recommended to consider rescuing a dog rather than going through a breeder.
This offers several benefits, both to the dog and to the potential owner. In many cases, these dogs require much less effort when it comes to housetraining and obedience training.
Most of the dogs in rescue centers are there due to neglect or family relocations, and are already used to living in a family environment.
Lastly, rescuing a dog is less expensive than purchasing and training a puppy. Most animal shelters will cover the cost of initial vaccinations and neuter/spay procedures.
Adoption fees are quite low at most rescue centers and some organizations may even be willing to waive them altogether in certain cases.
While there aren’t many shelters that are dedicated to Pomeranian Chihuahua Mixes, that doesn’t mean that there are no Pomchi dogs in need of adoption.
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So where can you adopt a Pomchi?
You can check with some shelters for the parent breeds, situated in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia. All of these are great places to start your search for a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix for adoption.
Finding Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix Puppies for Sale
Before you buy a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix for sale, make sure you research Pomchi breeders so you can get a healthy puppy.
You should also ask for evidence of health testing of the parent dogs to minimize the risk of health conditions.
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix puppies and the parent dogs should also be kept at a healthy weight and in hygienic conditions. Reputable breeders are honest and will provide you with all the necessary health records.
If a breeder is unwilling to show you all around their premises, look elsewhere. They may be raising their puppies in deplorable conditions. Similarly, make sure to avoid puppy mills and pet stores.
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Hybrid dogs like these may be difficult to find, but they are growing in popularity. The average price of a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix puppy is around $350 to $1,200.
However, Pomchi puppy prices will vary depending on the puppy’s generation, their characteristics, the number of puppies available, and how valuable the parent stock is to the breeder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Pomchis Smart?
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix is a smart little dog who picks up new things quickly simply because they enjoy it. The problem with this is that they can be just as fast to learn bad habits as they are fast to learn the good ones.
2. How Long Do Pomeranian Chihuahuas Live?
The average Pomchi life expectancy is about 12 to 18 years. This impressive lifespan means that your Pomchi will most likely be a loyal family pet and companion for many years to come.
3. Are Pomchis Aggressive?
A full grown Pom Chi cross can be quite aggressive towards unfamiliar people but might not attack. They will usually alert you when they see strangers.
If they feel threatened or are teased, Pomchis may snap or bite, so it is advisable to supervise small children when they are playing with these dogs.
This dog is ideal for those who are looking for a small dog that is protective. The Pomchi is alert and wary of strangers. These dogs will never run up to unknown characters to greet them with a smile and a wagging tail.
These dogs will not allow you to subdue them easily, regardless of how small and lovable they seem, as they take their caring and watchdog duties seriously.
4. Do Pomchi Dogs Bark A Lot?
Thanks to their Pomeranian genes, some Chipoms enjoy their own sounds or voices, so this is something that you should keep under control when they are still young. However, you should take care not to scare your puppy, or else, you could end up making him shy and timid.
As we’ve mentioned, they are very alert and will notify you when they see strangers or when something out of the ordinary is happening.
However, many Pomchis enjoy barking and therefore, early training is a must.
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Pomchis are tiny dogs and you should take care when they are near water. That said, these dogs enjoy the waters and are great swimmers.
However, dog owners should never force their Pomchis to swim as this can make them shy or timid. If your dog is afraid of water, you should not force him as this can make them more frightened.
6. Are Pomchis Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are not hypoallergenic. Therefore, the Pomchi will not be a hypoallergenic dog, either. Therefore, the Pomchi is not suitable for individuals with allergies.
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7. Do Pomchis Shed a Lot?
The Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix sheds just once per year. Therefore , you don’t have to worry about coping with dander in your house.
However, regular grooming and brushing is important to help keep their coat clean and smooth.
8. How Often Should I Bathe My Pomchi?
Pomchis are generally clean pups, and bathing is only necessary once a month or when they get particularly dirty.
9. How Much Is A Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix?
You can expect to pay around $350 to $1,200 USD for a healthy Pomchi puppy from a reputable breeder. Otherwise, you may want to consider adopting a Pomchi dog from an animal shelter.
10. Is The Pomchi The Right Dog For You?
If you live in a small house or apartment and want a small, active and sassy little dog with a huge personality, then the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix might be the right dog for you.
Just make sure you can give them plenty of attention and that you are comfortable with their grooming requirements.
While they are not the easiest dogs to own, they will suit a family that is ready to put in the effort to train them. The Pomchi is an excellent dog for first-time dog owners and a lovable pet for the whole family!