You love canines but cramped space is an issue at home. Well, there’s a solution for that: Get a small dog. They may be tiny but they are just as loving and loyal as any other pups. And when it comes to small dog breeds, one of your best bets for a pet is a Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix. So, what is a Pomchi anyway?
A Chihuahua Pomeranian mix is basically a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. Thus, these pups possess the distinct traits of their parents – the thick and fluffy coat of a Pomeranian and the bulging eyes of a Chihuahua. The best way to describe a Pomchi is this: Think of a small, fluffy fox with a Chihuahua’s facial features!
What can you expect from owning a Pomchi? Are they good pets, or are they hard to train? Do they require a special diet? I will answer all of these commonly asked questions about a Pomchi in a bit. But first, let us talk about some basic but valuable facts about this mixed breed.
What Does A Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix Look Like?
As the name suggests, a Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix is what you get when you breed these two types of small dogs. Fondly called a Pomchi or Chipom, this is a popular mixed-breed toy dog. They are bold, alert, and loyal, which makes them excellent pets for any dog lover.
Features Of A Chihuahua Pomeranian
There are certain standards of what a Pomchi looks like, according to the Pomchi Club of America. For instance, these dogs have rounded, wedge-like heads. Their eyes are large and round, yet not protruding. They often have dark eyes while there are Pomchis with blue eyes.
A typical Pomchi has upright, medium-sized ears. Their moderately short muzzles are slightly pointed with a distinct stop. Oftentimes, there is black pigmentation on their noses with the exception of light cream and white dogs. The tail is average in length and comes with a loop instead of being tucked between its legs.
Pomchis are quite active and energetic dogs. However, they can be prone to certain ailments, which I will cover in the next section.
How Big Will A Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix Get?
Not too big, that’s for sure.
As both parents are small breeds, a Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix barely grows taller than 9 inches. In fact, many full-grown Pomchis stand at 6 inches and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. Indeed, these are pocket-sized, designer breeds that are ideal for apartment or condo dwellers.
How Long Do Chihuahua Pomeranians Live? Common Health Problems Of A Pomchi
The lifespan of a Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix is relatively long. In fact, many healthy Pomchis can live up to 17 years. Some, unfortunately, do not reach over 7 years of age. The wide interval in the lifespan depends on how well owners take care of their pooch and address any inherited ailments.
Pomchis are susceptible to common health problems among small dog breeds. Here are some of the common ones.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation refers to a dislocation of the kneecap, which involves pain, discomfort, and lameness. This joint problem plagues both small and large dog breeds. The most common treatment is an anti-inflammatory medicine (more on that in the next section) or surgery for more serious cases.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a disease associated with a low sugar level in the bloodstream. Pomchis inherit this condition from one of their Chihuahua’s parents. This is a health issue characterized by lethargy, weakness, and shivering due to the lack of energy that is provided by the sugar in the blood. Regular feedings with high-quality dog food help prevent this concern.
Legg Calve Perthes
Legg Calve Perthes is a degenerative and genetic condition that affects the hip bone. It can often progress to arthritis and lameness when left unaddressed over a period of time.
Any responsible Pomchi owner should understand the importance of providing the best nutrition to their pets. This is why by choosing carefully the food and supplements you give to your pooch, you can prevent these health issues while prolonging your beloved pet’s lifespan.
How To Take Care Of A Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix?
Pomchis are highly active, playful, and energetic dogs. They like to learn new tricks and bond with their owners. Moreover, these pups thrive when given ample time to play and explore. A daily walk and spending some time outdoors help these canines to thrive physically and socially.
However, there are conditions that can limit their physical abilities. These include patellar luxation and hip dysplasia, which are common concerns among Pomchis due to their small limbs and delicate bodies. This is why it is essential to give the right supplements to help them manage these conditions.
Best Joint Health Support For Pomchis
The Doggie Dailies Glucosamine provides pain relief while strengthening your pet’s hips and joints. It contains MSM, turmeric, chondroitin, and glucosamine, which are anti-inflammatory ingredients that relieve stiff joints and boost your Pomchi’s mobility.
Interestingly, this supplement comes in a natural duck flavor. So, it is palatable for your canine’s delicate taste buds. These soft chews are almost like treats because of their delectable taste while at the same time supporting the health and integrity of your pet’s joints, coat, and skin.
Excellent Dog Food For Proper Nutrition
In addition to a good supplement, the right nutrition can support your Pomchi’s health and well-being. Table food is not ideal if you want your four-legged friend to thrive and not become overweight.
This is why I recommend high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s nutritional needs perfectly well.
What I found to be the best for Pomchis is the Ketona Ketogenic Dog Food. Keto diets have revolutionized nutrition and health for both humans and canines by preventing weight gain. By nature, dogs are designed to consume more protein and fewer carbs. This is what this dog food is all about.
With over 46% protein and reduced carb content, this dog food is ideal for your Pomchi. It also has the right balance of vitamins and minerals for healthy nerves, the digestive system, the skin, and the brain. This low-carb food helps to reduce weight gain, thus eliminating the risks of any joint problem.
Can Pomchis Be Left Alone? Temperaments Of A Pomchi
Pomeranians have a tendency to bark often. As a result, this is another trait inherited by their offspring. How do you stop your Pomchi from barking?
Why Pomchis Bark Frequently?
A possible reason Pomchis bark frequently is due to their territorial aggression behavior. We often term this the small dog syndrome, the overwhelming and objective need, and instinct to protect itself due to its petite size.
However, more often than not, Pomchis bark because they are anxious or afraid. In fact, separation anxiety is a big deal among Pomchis. This is why it is not advisable to leave them alone for an extended period. Anxiety is what triggers them to bark too often.
Pomchis enjoy spending quality time with their owners. They are people-oriented, yet they need to be handled well to prevent aggression. Ample playtime and daily interaction can help resolve a Pomchi’s poor temperament.
Fun And Enjoyable Games For Pomchis
In addition to a game of fetch and teaching new tricks, it is good to try out new games with your pet. For instance, the Cooway Interactive Laser Toy offers hours of fun to your furbaby. This laser pointer offers a challenging hunt for Pomchis, which appeals to their active nature.
There are two game modes, slow and quick, that rotate the laser pointer in random patterns to challenge and entertain your pooch. The device turns itself off automatically after 5 minutes to prevent overstimulation of your pooch and is motion-activated if your pooch decides to have another go.
Best of all, it is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. If you need to leave your pooch for a short period, this toy will definitely provide some activity and beat the anxiety and boredom away.
Do Pomchi Shed? Grooming Tips Of A Pomchi
If you suffer from allergies, you may be wondering if Pomchis shed or whether or not it is a challenge to groom this dog.
Pomchis do shed but in moderate amounts. This is the case among this breed with longer and thicker coats. But with proper grooming techniques, shedding should not be an issue at all.
If your furbaby has long hair, you need to brush and groom it more often. I particularly prefer the Andis Premium Pin Brush for grooming as this works for both short and long hair (and anything in between).
What I like about this brush is that it not only removes tangles and loose hair but it also works on the hair follicles and skin. As a result, it spreads your pet’s natural oils to keep the hair soft, smooth, and healthy. It also comes with a soft and comfortable handle, so it is easy on the hands.
Keep in mind that Pomchis have sensitive skin. You should steer clear of using a metal bristle brush that causes skin irritation and redness. The pinhead bristles in the Andis brush work great in providing comfort to your pet during grooming while doing the job of eliminating mats and tangles.
Related Questions
What Can Pomchis Eat? Pomchis are fussy eaters. They can be very picky, which is why you need to know what food to feed them. The best foods for your Pomchi include high-quality protein sources such as chicken and fish, as well as vegetables. Feed them minimal amounts of carbs such as pasta and rice to prevent weight gain.
Are Pomchis Hard To Train? They may be small and cuddly but Pomchis can be tricky to train. They are full of spunk and energy, which they need to release through exercise. Otherwise, your dog can be very anxious and fidgety. You need to train them at a young age to overcome aggression and excessive barking.
Which Is Better? Chihuahua Or Pomeranian? Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have similar temperaments. Both are also very affectionate and loyal to their owners. In terms of health, Chihuahuas do better in that department as they live just a tad longer than Pomeranians. If you cannot decide between these two breeds, however, you can get the best of both worlds by choosing a Pomchi!
