Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix: Appearance, How Much are Pomchi Puppies? Temperament and FAQs

The pomchi is a mixed breed from a Pomeranian purebred and a chihuahua purebred. As the offspring of two feisty and sassy breeds, you are bound to get a dog with an attitude that remains loving and affectionate to its owner.

It can be quite easy to decide if the pomchi is your type or not, based on looks alone. Although it is a small dog and therefore looks like a small responsibility, this may not be the case if you are not yet used to handling dogs.

If you’re interested in owning a pomchi, the rest of this post can help you decide whether this hybrid is a good fit for you!

Brief History of the Pomchi

The pomchi is relatively new in the world of designer dogs, but the first of its kind is believed to have been born in the 1980’s. The original purpose of breeding pomchis also remains unknown.

Maybe the original breeders wanted a more fluffy version of the chihuahua, which most pomchis seems to be. Since both parent breeds are about the same size, there is no problem of a deliberate and accidental mating.

Nowadays, breeders tend to be inspired to breed pomchis due to the rising demand for small designer dogs from dog lovers. For instance, the Yorkipoo, maltipoo, or cavapoo were all bred for the sake of creating little “hypoallergenic” companions— though we understand that no dog can ever be fully hypoallergenic.

In any case, some pomchi enthusiasts are actually working to develop it into a completely separate line that can be eventually be registered as a purebred.

The aim is to meticulously breed it until good breed standards can be developed within 7 generations. Two purebred parents will be the first generation pomchi, while a hybrid between two pomchis or a cross between a pomchi with a Pomeranian or chihuahua may be included in the second generation.

This is done by breeders to make a little more predictable of the appearance and temperament of the dogs. The pomchi will remain a designer dog that comes in a variety of fluffy appearances until these factors are consistent!

General Appearance

Pomchi Vital Stats

• Height: 6 to 9 in.
• Weight: 5 to 12 lbs.
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years

While the Pomeranian-chihuahua hybrid is popularly referred to as the pomchi, it is also known with other names like chiranian, chipom, and funny-sounding pomahuahua. The appearance of pomchi can be quite varied, especially because chihuahuas normally come in two types of coat (smooth hair and long hair).

Most pomchis appear to inherit the Pomeranian parent’s coat’s thickness and fluffiness, especially if their other parent is a long-haired chihuahua. As far as the face is concerned, most look more like a chihuahua than a Pomeranian. Since both parents have erect ears, the pomchi will also have that erect ears as well.

Generally speaking, pomchis look like fluffy foxes with eyes and face of chihuahua. While they certainly look like a mixed breed, you would have no trouble finding in them the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua traits. If you like that specific look, probability is you ‘re going to get exactly what you ‘re asking for with a pomchi.

Pomchi Coat

The coat length of the pomchi can vary from puppy to puppy. It also depends on the type used for breeding of chihuahua. The coat of the pomchi will always be straight in any case and can be either a single or double coat.

The most common pomchi color is light brown. They also come in chocolate, cream, dark brown, fawn, gray, merle, sable, tan, and white. It also comes in combinations such as blue & tan as well as black & tan.

How Much are Pomchi Puppies?

Generally, the cost of pomchi puppies can be as low as $150 or as high as $950. On average, you can get one for about $500.

If you’re speaking to a reputable breeder, who really makes sure that their dogs are genetically stable and well within the norms of the breeds, they can charge a lot more. They usually cost at least $1,400, and may even go up to $5,500.

Another way to get a pomchi is through adoption. Because they are a relatively new breed, the issue is that there may not be many shelters that specifically cater to them. Nevertheless, shelters are specializing in the rescue of Pomeranians and chihuahuas, so there is a possibility that pomchis can also be taken care of.

Personality and Temperament

The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are two vibrant, sensitive, and clingy dogs. Definitely, their personalities can surpass their small sizes. Therefore, you can expect the pomchi to inherit these kinds of personalities, while early training and socialization will help to change their tendency to act bigger than they are.

Small Dog, Big Personality!

Pomchis are generally outgoing and lively, who can act really extroverted when they feel comfortable. They love to meet new people and they expect to get other’s attention when they think they’re cute.

Intelligent, inquisitive, and always curious, pomchis will always explore their surroundings with restless wonder. They tend to be very protective of their owners, which can look really funny because since they aren’t built to fight at all.

Now, of course, encouraging them to be aggressive is not right, just because they look sweet when they’re all worked up. They must know their boundaries so they don’t fight anybody they shouldn’t have to fight.

Little Watchdogs

Although a small package, the great personality of the pomchi makes it a great and reliable watchdog. Their protectiveness makes them alert and always wary of people with whom they are unfamiliar. Even when they feel that real danger in the air, they will take matters into their own paws.

Because there’re very sweet, sensitive, and loyal to their owner, they make perfect companions. But since they’re also very clingy, you need to make sure that you give them lots of love and attention throughout the day.

After all, they ‘re not the types of hybrid that you can abandon alone when you’ll be gone for a long time. That said, they don’t manage the fear of separation very well. And it will undoubtedly be a major behavioral issue if it is not taken care of immediately. This is the reason pomchis may not be a great choice for inexperienced owners.

Make sure that when you’re not home, your pomchi is always with someone. Otherwise, you can end up with damaged furniture because the fear of separation will cause some dogs to behave too destructively. Despite being little dogs, they are still able to destroy items.

Training

Because pomchis are high-energy, attention-loving dogs, they have a huge desire to make their owners happy. However, some pomchi puppies tend to have very stubborn streaks — something that is common in both Pomeranians and chihuahuas.

Their bossiness can make training difficult for some owners, especially for those who aren’t patient enough to see results. Fortunately, there are ways to train them that won’t wear your patience out.

For example, dog training courses can help tame the seemingly chaotic nature of your pooch as trained experts are managing them. This also allows owners to know how to interact more effectively with their dogs. Of course, these classes aren’t going to be a success overnight, but after the first day, you may see some changes.

Housetraining and Socialization

If you got your pomchi as a puppy, training her should start as early as 12 weeks old. Housetraining is a great place to start. When a dog becomes potty-trained, it can be a bit easier to proceed to other forms of training.

You should also start introducing your puppy at around 5 months to new people and other dogs. When the time comes, this will help her grow into a well-behaved, well-rounded pooch. You want to let her know as soon as possible that she can’t bully anyone around as she like.

When it comes to small dogs, it can be pretty easy to take for granted socialization learning when you think they are “harmless,” but that’s not the case. They may not be able to do as much harm as big dogs, but they may be as hard to tame if they are allowed to act big

The key is to apply firm and consistent training with them. Always learn how to maintain your pack leader status, and you won’t have much of a problem.

You should only go for positive reinforcement or reward-based training as with all types of learning. This will help you to maintain a good relationship between the doggy-owner and will encourage lots of love between you two.

Caring for Your Pomchi

Pomchis aren’t for owners who aren’t prepared to carry a huge doggy responsibility. These little dogs require considerable energy to take care of and more trips to the groomer. They need constant supervision until you’re sure that they can behave well in the presence of others.

Exercise Requirements

If you would rather have a lazy companion who would be content to be a simple lapdog, then you might find another breed a better fit. This high-energy dog needs regular exercise, although they don’t need as many runs or jogs as a big dog because of their small size.

Typically, pomchis would do well with 30 minutes of exercise per day. It could be in the form of vigorous playtime in the backyard or 1 to 2 dog walks. They’d be fine with 15 to 20 minutes per walk.

They don’t need long walks because they can tire out pretty fast, though you can go for something a bit longer if your pooch’s endurance has already improved.

Feeding Requirements

Pomchis do best when they are fed around 40 calories per pound of bodyweight daily. This approximately equates to ½ cup to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day.

The parent breeds tend to be picky eaters, so there is a risk that your pomchi may also be. When you find it hard to get a quality kibble that your pooch really likes, your veterinarian can recommend a good choice.

Grooming

Because most pomchis have Pomeranian-like fur, they need to be regularly groomed — it is best every 6 to 8 weeks. In order to prevent mattes and tangles, their fur always needs to be brushed regularly.

Bathing frequency can be twice a month or as needed, using vet-approved shampoo.

Pomchi Health Issues

The issues listed below are common to Pomeranians and chihuahuas, which your pomchi may inherit:

• Cataracts
• Dental problems
• Epilepsy
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypothyroidism
• Patellar luxation
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Tracheal collapse

To make sure you have a good pomchi, make sure you get your puppy from breeders who care about keeping the pedigree quality of their dogs.

Pomchi FAQs

Does the pomchi shed?

Typically, pomchis shed only once a year, though it would mostly depend on the coat type that they’ve inherited from their parents.

Are pomchis hypoallergenic?

Chihuahua and Pomeranian are not hypoallergenic, so the pomchi is not hypoallergenic as well. You may therefore need to look for another breed of toys that would not easily trigger your allergies.

Are pomchis good for families?

Yes, pomchis are generally good family dogs. Though they definitely love the whole family, there will be that one person that she will be closer to compared to the rest.

Are pomchis good with kids or other pets?

Both the Pomeranian and the chihuahua are feisty, and particularly if it is not properly socialized, the pomchi can also be like that. Do not leave her alone with children or other pets until you have trained your pet. But if they get socialized, you don’t have to worry about anything.

Are pomchis good apartment dogs?

Yes, pomchis can be great apartment dogs. They’d be all right in homes with no backyards, provided that you housetrain them and exercise them well.

Conclusion: Are You Ready to be a Pomchi Parent?

Being a pomchi parent entails several tasks, but in exchange, you will certainly have a lot of affection. You’d definitely not be disappointed with the pomchi if you’re into sassy-looking dogs that are fun to be with.