Judy Taylor
The Pomchi will make the hearts of all lovers of smaller dogs soft! Here you can find out what the mixed-breed dog is all about.
What is a Pomchi?
The Pomchi is a hybrid dog that results from the crossbreeding of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Thus, it is not an independent dog breed. As with many designer dogs, the pomchi’s country of origin is the United States. The Pom-Chi Club of America (PCA) started breeding there in the late 1990s.
In this country, the breed of the Chiranian – another name – is not yet too widespread. Accordingly, a standard of its own is a long way off. This means that the little four-legged friends sometimes vary greatly from one another in terms of their appearance and character. But what is considered safe with the mixed breed: The Pomchi is blessed with a well-proportioned body and belongs to the small dogs.
The Pomeranian
The dwarf spitz is not an independent breed of dog, but a variety of the German Spitz. The FCI lists him in group 5 “Spitz and primitive dogs”. With his small stature of approx. 20 cm and a weight of 2-3.5 kg, today’s Spitz have little in common with his relatives, the sled dog, at least in stature.
He is a lovable four-legged friend who is very attached to his people. The human-centered four-legged friend does not get along well with being left alone.
The Chihuahua
Small but mighty: The Chihuahua may seem tiny to some, but it has a big personality. Confident, protective, and vigilant as he is, you might think that he is actually a Rottweiler.
The little Mexican is by nature an affectionate and thoroughly obedient fellow. As with all four-legged friends, the upbringing must not be too loose. It is an old breed of dog – even Aztec princesses were taken with the Chihuahua.
The Pomchi: Size and Coat
Since both dog breeds are among the smallest in the world, the Pomchi is also a miniature charmer. Differences of several centimeters can arise depending on the size of the parent animals and gender.
The average size of a Pomchi is
- Males between 15-25 cm
- And in females between 15-23 cm.
The weight levels off between 1.8 kg and 5 kg.
If one of the parents is a short-haired Chihuahua, Pomchis with short fur may well result. However, Pomchis tend to have a lush, smooth coat or at least a “mane” on the neck. This is especially true when a long-haired Chihuahua is involved in mating.
The mixed-breed dog is usually equipped with an undercoat. However, caution should be exercised in icy temperatures. Small dog breeds freeze quickly and usually need a warming dog coat when the temperature is below zero.
There is a wonderful variety of colors. Most Pomchis come in one color, but two-color mixed-breed dogs can also be created. The coat colors include:
- creamy white
- beige
- orange
- tan
- brown
- gray
- black
The Pomchi: Temperament
As with any hybrid dog breed, no uniform characteristics are defined. His essence could be 100% that of the Chihuahuas or exactly the other way around that of the Pomeranians. A 50/50 division of character traits is unrealistic. Since both dog breeds have something in common, nature and temperament can be described as follows:
The Pomchi is a cuddly guy who not only enjoys being close to his people but expressly needs it. The mixed-breed dog tends to develop a particularly close bond with a caregiver.
He is the prime example of an extroverted dog. With his family, he likes to be the center of attention and provides entertainment.
He is docile and cooperative as long as he enjoys the training. Occasionally, his stubborn side can also come to the fore. His attentive nature lets him not miss any events on his doorstep or at the garden fence. The bold and bold four-legged friend is therefore ideally suited to sound the alarm.
Even if it is difficult with the charming button eyes: His people must not make the mistake of wrapping him in cotton. The Pomchi is a dog that registers signs of weakness immediately. For him, it is an invitation to question the existing order of the pack.
The Pomchi: Diseases and Life Expectancy
Especially among the Chihuahuas, there are extremely small representatives, which are unfortunately also more prone to health problems. Therefore, when choosing a Pomchi, it is important to pay attention to parent animals whose size is not below the respective breed standard.
With this mix, in which both Pomeranians and Chihuahuas suffer from breed-related diseases, a health certificate is important. The following health risks exist for the Pomchi:
- Patellar luxation
- Epilepsy
- Hypoglycemia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Ear infections
- Allergies
Pomchi: Life Expectancy
Like many small dogs, the Pomchis are way ahead in terms of life expectancy. Despite a certain susceptibility to certain diseases, he can live between 13 and 15 years. Some Pomchis even reach a proud dog age of 18 years.
Pomchi: Care
The mixed-breed dog is prone to moderate hair loss. At the time of the change of fur, however, its humans find extremely many tufts in the apartment. Regular brushing and combing go hand in hand with keeping a Pomchi. Chiranians with particularly lush fur is also in good hands with a dog hairdresser once or twice a year.
Small dogs – especially Chihuahuas and Pomeranians – are prone to dental problems. Regular dental care and a healthy diet are therefore particularly important when it comes to a Pomchi. In this way, owners avoid pain for their dog and tartar removal at the vet under anesthesia.
The Pomchi: How Much Exercise Does He Need?
The Chiranian is not an overly athletic dog. And yet his dynamic nature must be taken into account when living together. Because a couch potato by no means moves into the house with a Pomchi.
He will take great pleasure in long, long walks in nature. Additional training and play sessions in the fresh air offer a happy change for the lively fur nose.
Does a Pomchi Suit Me?
The Pomchi is a companion dog through and through. In other words, he would like to be with his caregiver all the time. Therefore, it is ideally suited for people who are not too busy at work. He can find his way around in many households, such as senior citizens, single people, or families. When coming into contact with children, care must be taken that the adolescents treat them with respect.
In addition, it works well with novice dog lovers who understand that like any other dog, they need good training. As a four-legged friend in a mini format, it is also in good hands with people who love to travel. Its small size makes it easy to get around and accommodate.
Buy Pomsky: Price
The prices for a Pomchi vary depending on the grower. Those interested can find Chiranian puppies for $1000, with many of them being offered for $1700 and up. However, the price should never be decisive for the purchase of a Pomchi puppy. His future family should always rely on seriousness when choosing the breeder.
