Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix [what is a Pomchi?]

A Pomchi is a popular mix of two small dog breeds, the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua. It is a hybrid dog breed in the Toy size. The Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix contains the great qualities of each breed and is full of personality, energy, and love!

Remember, each Pomchi will be different and could be more like a Pomeranian or more like a Chihuahua. If you happen to love small breeds this may be the dog for you!

Keep reading to learn all about the Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix. This article will inform you about all the great characteristics of the Pomchi and also how to care for one.

What is a Pomeranian and Chihuahua Mix?

If you love small dogs and mixed-breed dogs, you will go bananas for the adorable Pomchi. The Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix is called a designer dog and is a newer dog breed.

It originated in the later 1990s to early 2000s and is a combination of a purebred Chihuahua and Pomeranian.

What is a Pomchi?

The term Pomchi is simply an abbreviation of the names Pomeranian and Chihuahua.

In these adorable little guys, you will get all the spunk and activity of a large breed dog but in toy breed form!

What Was the Pomchi Bred For?

These little dogs were bred with companionship in the minds and hearts of the breeders.

If you are looking for a friendly, active companion dog, then considering a Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix would be a fantastic idea.

Pomeranian and Chihuahua Hybrid Characteristics

Remember, a Pomchi will be a mix of Chihuahua and Pomeranian characteristics. Below are more details about each individual breed that makes up the Pomchi.

Pomeranian Characteristics

Poms weigh in at 4-8 pounds.
They stand only 6-7 inches tall.
Descended from what is considered to be one of “America’s favorites,” the German Spitz. The German Spitz is a fantastic sled-pulling dog that originated from Pomerania.
Pomeranians were actually originally bred for herding purposes, but after implementing selective breeding, people discovered they could create teeny tiny adorable lap dogs.
Pomeranians are known for being very intelligent, loyal, alert, and having a love of life.
They come in a wide variety of colors.
Pomeranians even make good watchdogs!

Chihuahua Characteristics

Chihuahuas are originally from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This is how they received their name.
These little pooches have a wonderful demeanor that is similar to a medium-sized dog.
They are famous for their small, rounded, apple-shaped heads.
The Chihuahua is only around 5-7 inches tall.
The Chihuahua weighs in at 6 pounds or less.
Best known as an adorable lap dog with a whole lot of personality. They can tend to think that they are the boss of the house.
They are very energetic and alert while still being a fan of your lap and cuddle time.

Pomchi Traits

The Pomchi is a mix of both of these fantastic parent breeds, so you can expect that they will resemble both of their purebred counterparts.

You do need to keep in mind that if you choose a dog that is a crossbreed, it may resemble one parent over the other in characteristics or looks.

History of the Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Hybrid Dog

While these lovable little dogs are a relatively newer dog breed, their parent breeds history dates back a long time.

It is believed that the Pomchi was more than likely bred a long, long time ago by accident. This breed was first recognized in the early 90s, and from that point on it was bred on purpose.

The Pomchi’s Pomeranian descendants originally come from eastern Europe, descending from the German Spitz.

The Chihuahua came from Mexico and is believed to be related to or bred from the Techichi, which was a much larger dog.

The Pomchi has many names, including the Chi-Pom or the Christian.

Pomchi Characteristics

Pomchi dogs are crossbred, which means that they are typically half Pom and half Chi.

While they are mixed-breed dogs, there are still certain qualifications that the dog must meet in order to be considered a true Pomchi.

A Pomchi bred with a purebred Pomeranian or Chihuahua can also be considered a Pomchi.

Also, combining two Pomchis directly descended from both the Chihuahua and Pomeranian.

One of the main reasons that there has been no recognition from the AKC is that there is a wide variation in what you can expect from the puppies in each litter.

It would be fairly difficult to adapt any form of real “breed standards.” Regardless of this, in 1998, the Pomchi Club Of America did accept a standardization for the Pomchi breed.

Pomchi Size

The Pomchi is a stout but lightweight dog with short legs and can range in weight from four to 12 pounds.

Pomchi Appearance

You will notice a Pomchi has a small head that can be either perfectly round or almost oval-shaped.

They will have small, perky little snouts and exhibit small-medium-sized ears. Sometimes, they may even have feathers on their little ears.

When it comes to how their eyes look, they will be small, round, and usually a dark brown or black color. The Pomchi will stand between six to 10 inches tall.

Pomchi Coat

The Pomchi can have either a long or short coat and even have a single or double coat.

This will widely depend on the coat type of the Chihuahua parent, whether they have a long or short coat.

If one of the Pomchis Chihuahua parents had long hair, you would be much more likely to get a Pomchi with a fluffy double coat.

Coat coloration and patterns can vary. Generally, Pomchis will have red, black, fawn, or even merle coats.

Different Types of Pomchis

There are no different types of Pomchis, just simply variations that can occur. Some of these variations are coat coloration, length, and either having a single or double coat.

Additionally, variations can easily include the size and shape of their ears, head, and snout. Genetics are a funny thing, and even purebred puppies can show variations in a litter.

All of these dogs, variations included, are all Chihuahua and Pomeranian mixes.

Did you know that Pomchis are even available in teacup size? Teacup Pomchi puppies are adorable and an even tinier version of the beloved Pomchi.

Pomchi Health Issues

While Chihuahua and Pomeranian mixes tend to be healthy dogs if well taken care of there are some health issues you should be aware of before you bring one home.

Remember, we only provide information. Always contact your local veterinarian when you have questions or concerns about your dog or pet.

How Long Does a Pomchi Live?

The lifespan of a healthy Pomchi can range anywhere from 13 years all the way past 15 years! This is wonderful news since we tend to get very attached to our little companions.

Scientists tend to think that this long lifespan is due to their Chihuahua heritage, as Chis are well known to live extremely long lives.

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix is prone to a few different health issues and medical conditions.

Below we are going to cover them so you can be aware and implement preventative maintenance as needed with your veterinarian.

Dental Issues

Most dog breeds will have tendencies toward dental problems. Chihuahua and Pomeranian mixes are no different. They are prone to gum diseases, tooth decay, and tartar buildup.

The best way to prevent these problems is to brush your dog’s teeth as recommended by your vet and use special teeth improving and cleaning toys or chewies.

Patellar Luxation

This troublesome problem is very common with small dogs. Patellar luxation is when the dog’s kneecap becomes dislocated.

Running strangely, skipping, or generally showing pain are symptoms of patellar luxation. Sometimes surgery is needed or other therapeutic aids.

You will want to bring your dog to the vet immediately if you believe your dog may be dealing with this problem, as it can become painful and uncomfortable.

Collapsing Trachea

Collapsing trachea is very common among small and toy breeds. You will begin to see wheezing and trouble breathing if your dog is dealing with this problem.

Basically, the cartilage becomes weakened and can cause your dog problems when they breathe.

Generally, this condition is more prominent in older dogs, but any dog can have this happen to them.

Weight Problems

Due to the Pomchi’s size, they can be prone to weight gain or malnutrition. Proper feeding is essential for these dogs.

Implementing daily exercise will also help a dog that is dealing with obesity.

Other Health Conditions Known to Affect Pomchis

Eye problems such as cataracts and retinal atrophy
Hyperthyroidism
Heart conditions
Genetic defects

Pomchi Temperament

The temperament and personality of the Pomchi, as with any dog, varies greatly. You can get shy and timid Pomchis or outgoing and active Pomchis.

Chihuahua and Pomeranian mixes are widely known to be great companion dogs but are also energetic and great family dogs.

They love their people and can be more susceptible to separation anxiety when separated from their favorite people.

Is the Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Good With Children?

Even though these dogs are extremely sweet and loving, they are not the best dog to have around young children.

Kids can be rough with dogs, and the Pomchi does not enjoy being manhandled.

Older children who understand treating animals with care and respect would more than likely be ok with a Pomchi, but you should still proceed with caution.

Most small dogs don’t enjoy children very much and have a shorter fuse for rough behavior.

Is a Pomchi Smart?

These fantastic family members are known to also be very intelligent. This makes them great for obedience training or other dog competitions.

Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Diet Requirements

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix doesn’t need a lot of food, which is great if you are looking to stay on a budget.

You should feed your dog two times per day. They will usually only need about half of a cup of food for each feeding.

Make sure to address feeding with a vet or dog nutritionist if you have any questions about food choices, treats, or supplements.

Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Exercise Requirements

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix needs light daily walks to maintain their fitness but does not require a lot of exercise.

They are great apartment pets and do not need a big yard to run around in.

Pomchi Grooming Requirements

Thankfully, Pomchis do not shed too much. With frequent or daily grooming, you can easily maintain these lovely little dogs at home.

They enjoy being brushed and loved on; grooming your dog is a great bonding experience.

Grooming will also prevent shedding, matting, or any other uncomfortable coat-related problem your Pomchi could experience.

Is a Pomeranian and Chihuahua Mix Hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. While some dogs may be better for allergy sufferers the Pomchi is a double-coated dog and they do shed.

If you are looking for a dog that won’t bother your allergies as much you may want to choose a different breed.

A good idea is to find a Pomchi and spend a little time with them and see how you feel afterward.

How to Know If a Pomchi is the Right Dog For You

Determining if a Pomchi is a breed for you can feel a little daunting. Below I am going to include a list of questions and answers to help aid in your decision.

These dogs are a great breed, but not every dog is right for everyone!

1. Is the Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix right for me?

Chihuahua and Pomeranian mixes are among the best small dog breeds available today to me.

They are awesome dogs for people who do not have a lot of space available and want a low-maintenance dog.

The one downside to small living areas is that they tend to be fairly vocal in nature. If you are living in an apartment, check with your landlord and neighbors to see if this would bother them.

While you can train these dogs to be respectful and less vocal, this will take time and consistency.

2. Are Pomchis prone to aggression?

I’m sure you have heard that little dogs are more prone to aggression than larger dogs. In some instances, this can be very true.

With proper and efficient training, these little dogs can be just as friendly, if not more so, than many large dogs. Sometimes, Chihuahuas and Poms have been known to be aggressive.

This is usually more the owner’s fault than the dogs. They are small dogs and act out occasionally when they feel threatened or scared.

If you remove these problems, they will be friendly and loving.

Many small dogs, especially rescue dogs, have had to endure some form of abuse or aggression from human hands, which can lead them to be defensive.

Proper training and socialization can help eradicate these problems, but you will need to judge each dog individually.

You may want to seek professional help if you have an aggressive dog or are worried about potential aggression.

3. Can I leave my Pomchi at home alone?

As with any pet, you want to try and limit the amount of time they are left alone. Being alone for long periods of time can cause phycological stress and destructive behavior.

Having said that, a Pomchi should be ok for short periods of time if you make sure to prepare their environment to include water, food, and shelter.

You should call your veterinarian and ask them questions concerning leaving them alone for periods of time. Your vet will give you tips on how to best care for your particular Pomchi.

How to Train Your Pomchi

Since these dogs are so intelligent, training them should be fairly easy. Most small dogs get a bad reputation for not being able or competent in training, but this is a false assumption.

If you are committed to having a well-trained Pomchi, this is a very attainable goal.

The best methods for training your Pomchi include rewarding them with treats and lots of positive reinforcement. Good training will result in good behavior from your dog.

One thing to keep in mind is that these friendly companions can be stubborn at times, so that is something you will need to deal with patiently.

Socialization

Socialization is important for ANY dog breed, especially small dogs. They can be prone to being resentful of strangers or even nippy if not properly socialized.

Make sure you get your dog out and about in order to experience people, things, places, and life itself. Taking them to puppy classes is a great idea and can help you learn how to train your dog.

Ways To Get a Pomci

Rescuing a Pomchi

Rescuing a Pomchi is a great idea and also a way to help save a life. These dogs may be more difficult to find at shelters as they are a designer dog breed.

But make sure to check with local shelters anyway or even get put on a watch list for a Pomchi if you are set on adopting one.

How to Find a Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Breeder

Finding a reputable breeder is really important in ensuring that you will have a healthy dog. Many designer dog breeds are sold by puppy mills.

Puppy mills are awful places that disregard the health and well-being of their dogs and are in it for the money.

A good breeder does so because they care about dogs and about the breed itself. Make sure to always ask for papers and licenses when shopping for a breeder.

If you are not able to find a breeder, you can always seek some advice from your vet or check with a Pomchi organization.

Popular Pomchi Names

If you have a Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix dog you need to make sure you give it a great name! Here is a short list of some popular Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix names.

Angel
Amos
Bailey
Bear
Bella
Casper
Ewok
Fluffy
Fozzie
Kai
Lucy
Rosie
Taupy

A Chihuahua and Pomeranian Mix Makes a Great Pet

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix is a loveable, adorable little dog that would be a great addition to your family.

They make great long-term companions that are energetic but still like to sit on your lap in the evening while watching a movie.

Considering they are low maintenance dogs and easy to take places due to their small size, they make excellent family members.