What Is A Pomchi And Is This The Right Dog For You?

If you are a lover of the small, the fluffy, the adorable, then you are definitely going to be a fan of the Pomchi.

This hybrid pup is a cross between two tiny and beloved purebred dogs and is quickly growing in popularity all across the United States.

But while there’s a lot to love about this little lap dog, there are also a number of things a potential owner should consider before deciding to call a Pomchi dog their own.

Are you looking at the Pomchi and considering adding one of these spritely little pooches to your home or family?

But how do you know if the Pomchi dog is the right dog for you? Well, by learning as much as you can about the Pomchi dog, of course!

If this is your mission then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we are going to cover all things Pomchi and help you decide if this adorable little crossbreed would be the right dog for you and your family.

Let’s get started!

What Is A Pomchi?

The Pomchi is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian

The Pomchi is a dog who goes by many names. You may know him as the Chimeranian, the Chi-Pom, the Pom-Chi, or even the Pomahuahua! Alas, all these names lead to the same dog – the Pomchi dog.

But what exactly is the Pomchi?

The Pomchi is not a purebred dog. He is what is known as a crossbreed, and he is a mix between two purebred dogs: The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua.

Pomchis are small dogs known for their big personalities, fluffy coats, and devoted dispositions.

Many Pomchi breeders claim that their Pomchi pups blend the best qualities of their purebred parents, but, unfortunately, this is not always true.

There is some controversy surrounding crossbreeding and the idea of what a crossbreed really is, how healthy it is, and the temperamental traits of a crossbreed dog like the Pomchi.

So, what should you know about the crossbreed controversy? Join us as we explore some of the biggest issues surrounding the topic.

The Truth About Hybrids, Crossbreeds, And Designer Dogs

Crossbreeding is an ancient practice, but it’s also controversial. 

Crossbreeding is the practice of breeding two purebred dogs with the hopes of creating an offspring with a combination of desired traits from both parent breeds.

The practice of crossbreeding has been around for centuries now and is in fact responsible for many of the purebred dogs we know and love today. However, in the last two decades, the breeding and selling of first, second, and third generation crossbreeds has become quite popular.

Today, many crossbreeds are referred to as “designer dogs” or “hybrids” which seems like odes to celebrities who tote around small, toy-sized dogs in purses and flaunt these dogs like fashion accessories on red carpets.

Does this mean that crossbreeding is bad? Of course not. There are many pros to crossbreeding, but there are also some cons. And this, my friends, is why there is controversy.

You see, it takes generations of breeding and a number of qualifications for a dog to be officially recognized as a purebred by the majority of major breed clubs, which is why you cannot simply cross two purebred dogs and call their offspring a purebred as well.

One of the benefits of raising a purebred dog is that their temperament, physical appearance, and genetic health issues are, for the most part, going to be predictable.

Crossbreed dogs, however, are unpredictable in these traits as they can inherit any number of traits from each of their purebred parents. This means your Pomchi could inherit the bossiness of the Chihuahua and the yappy bark of the Pomeranian; two traits that are not the most desirable in the dogs.

Or, your Pomchi could inherit the devotedness of the Pomeranian and the intelligence of the Chihuahua, which are some of the breeds’ best qualities!

Of course, the Pomchi could inherit traits that are somewhere in between as well. It will all be left up to chance and genetics.

Another controversy surrounding crossbreeds like the Pomchi has to do with health. While some advocates of crossbreeding insist that crossbreeds are actually healthier than purebreds, naysayers disagree.

Why are crossbreeds sometimes considered healthier than purebreds? Well, those who support the practice claim that crossbreed dogs have a wider genepoll than their purebred counterparts, who have been so meticulously overbred throughout generations that their gene pool has been reduced to problematic genes that get passed on to liters in double doses.

However, some experts point out that a crossbreed is just as likely to inherit unhealthy genes as a purebred, which is why the issue is still up for debate.

Another issue is the term “crossbreed”. Some consider crossbreeds nothing more than mutts who are being bred and sold by breeders at a premium price, while others point out that crossbreed dogs are the purposefully created offspring of two carefully selected purebred dogs.

Who is right and who is wrong? It depends on who you ask. The only thing we know for certain is that dog enthusiasts, experts, and breeders alike have their own passionate opinions on the matter, and we are just here to learn more about the Pomchi.

But to do that, we’ll need to take a closer look at the Pomchi parent breeds. So, without further ado, let’s begin by digging a little deeper into the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua.

Let’s Take A Quick Look At The Purebred Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is an ancient dog known for his bold personality and relation to arctic sled dogs. 

Pomeranian Origin: Germany/Poland

Pomeranian Weight: 3 – 7 Pounds

Pomeranian Height: 6 – 7 Inches

Pomeranian Lifespan: 12 – 16 Years

Pomeranian Coat Type: Double coated, long, thick, shedding

Pomeranian Health Issues: Dental issues, hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse,chronic valvular disease, distichiasis, luxating patella, entropion,alopecia, hypothyroidism, and patent ductus arteriosus.

Let’s learn more about the Pomeranian!

The Pomeranian may be small, but this mighty dog is a close relative to ancient sled dogs of the Arctic! It’s no wonder this pooch presents such a fluffy and luxurious coat!

Pomeranians were popular and beloved dogs by both royals and regulars, and makes for a wonderful, lively, and loving little lapdog.

The Pom belongs in the Spitz group and is considered the smallest of the Spitz dogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Let’s Take A Quick Look At The Purebred Chihuahua

There are two types of Chihuahuas including the Apple Headed Chihuahua and the Deer Head Chihuahua, which is pictured above.

Chihuahua Origin: Mexico

Chihuahua Weight: 6 Pounds and Under

Chihuahua Height: 5 – 8 Inches

Chihuahua Lifespan: 14 – 16 Years

Chihuahua Coat Type: Smooth or longhaired, shedding.

Chihuahua Health Issues: Dental issues, hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, chronic valvular disease, luxating patella, shivering, and hydrocephalus.

Let’s learn more about the Chihuahua!

The Chihuahua is a famous dog with a history as big as he is small! The national dog of Mexico, the Chihuahua comes in two types including the Appleheaded Chihuahua and the Deerhead Chihuahua.

The Applehead Chihuahua is the only type of Chihuahua accepted by most major breed clubs and the only Chihuahua accepted in show.

Chihuahua dogs are known for their big personalities and almost human-like sass. They can demand a lot of time, work, and attention, but have managed to build a fanbase of devoted humans who agree that there is no dog quite like the tiny Chihuahua dog.

So, mix the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua together and what do you get? That’s right! A Pomchi!

Let’s continue to learn more about the Pomchi and find out what he looks like, what his temperament might be, and if he is the right dog for you.

What Might A Pomchi Look Like?

A Pomchi could look more like a Pomeranian or more like a Chihuahua, or he could like a perfect mix of both parents. 

Possible Appearance Of the Pomchi

Possible Coat Colors – White, black, grey, tan, brown, orange, fawn, cream, chocolate, and gold or a combination of some or all.

Possible Coat Type –  Typically dense and fluffy like the Pomeranian coat, but may be smooth or waiver, like the Chihuahua

Possible Weight: 5 – 8 Inches

Possible Height: 3 – 7 Pounds

Let’s learn more about the Possible Appearance Of The Pomchi

Because the Pomchi is a cross between two purebreds, his appearance is going to be left up to chance and genetics. It will also depend on whichever parent breed he takes after most.

The good news is that the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua have similar builds and are typically the same size and weight, so your Pomchi’s weight, height, and overall appearance will be pretty predictable for the most part.

A Pomchi could look more like a Pomeranian or more like a Chihuahua, or he could like a perfect mix of both parents.

It will all be left up to chance and genetics. To get a better idea of what your Pomchi may look like, you’ll need to look at the physical traits of his parent breeds.

Let’s start with the Pomaranian.

General Appearance of the Pomeranian 

Coat Colors – White, black, grey, tan, brown, orange, or a combination of some or all.

Coat Type –. Poms have double layered coats that are long, thick, and which shed.

Height –  6 – 7 inches

Weight – 3 – 7 Pounds

Let’s learn more about the Pomeranian’s overall appearance

The tiny Pomeranian looks almost like a stuffed animal. It’s body is proportioned and it has erect ears, round, inquisitive eyes, a pointed muzzle and a long tail that curls up the back.

The Pomeranian’s coat is thick and double layered just like its arctic sled dog ancestors, with the undercoat being soft and dense and the outer coat being harsher and long.

Pomeranians also come in a number of colors and color combinations, which are listed above.

General Appearance of the Chihuahua 

Coat Color – Black, white, fawn, cream, chocolate, and gold.

Coat Type –  Chihuahuas have either sleek, smooth coats that lay flat to their bodies or are longhaired with feathering at their ears and legs. Both short and long-haired Chihuahuas shed moderately.

Height: 6 Pounds and Under

Weight: 5 – 8 Inches

Let’s learn more about the Chihuahua’s overall appearance

As we mentioned briefly above, Chihuahuas come in two types including Applehead Chihuahuas and Deerhead Chihuahua.

Their names leave no room for mystery as Applehead Chihuahuas have heads that are shaped like apples and Deerhead Chihuahuas look like baby deer. Once you know that, you’ll forever be able to tell the two apart!

Regardless of their head shape, both types have relatively the same body, which is petit, proportionate, and graceful. They have long tails and very large ears and eyes, and pointed muzzles.

What Are The Basic Temperamental Traits Of The Pomchi Dog?

Pomchi dogs are said to have bold, bright personalities and be devoted companions to their families. 

Because your Pomchi is a crossbreed, his temperament, like everything else, is going to be left up to genetics and chance.

Of course, along with nature, there is some nurture that will play a role in your Pomchi dog’s overall temperament.

For the most part, Pomchi owners claim their Pomchis are intelligent, loyal, funny, and sensitive. These are family-oriented dogs who prefer to be around their people and will enjoy being the apple of their families’ eyes.

Since Pomchi dogs are so family-oriented, they can be prone to separation anxiety which can lead to destructive or bothersome behaviors like chewing and barking.

Furthermore, Pomchis are known to be vocal dogs who like to bark. They can also be stubborn from time to time.

Pomchi dogs are devoted lap dogs and do well in apartments as they need only moderate exercise.

We should also note that the Pomchi may be stubborn, especially if he inherits his Chihuahua parent breed’s temperament.

Do Pomchi Dogs Make Good Pets For Families With Children and Other Pets?

When properly trained and socialized, Pomchi dogs do well with older, gentle children. 

Pomchis are friendly, outgoing dogs who enjoy their families and love to play and snuggle. Still, because of their very small size, they can be prone to injury, especially if played with or handled too roughly by young children or rambunctious pets.

With that being said, Pomchis also have Chihuahua in them, and Chihuahuas can be nippy or snappy from time to time if they feel threatened or are fearful.

Be sure to properly train and socialize your Pomchi dog at an early age to ensure they grow up happy, healthy, and well rounded in all situations and make sure to always supervise children around the dog to ensure that playtime is safe and everyone is being gentle and having fun.

And while Pomchis can get along with other household pets like cats and dogs, make sure you supervise them during playtime to ensure other, larger dogs don’t get too rough.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Pomchi And What About Health Concerns?

With proper diet, exercise, and care, Pomchis can live a long and healthy life.

One of the great things about small dogs is that they tend to live longer, healthier lives than many of their larger canine counterparts and the Pomchi is no exception to this rule!

Based on the average life expectancies of the Pomchi’s parent breeds, a healthy Pomchi can live from 12 – 16 years.

And even though there is some debate over whether or not mixed breeds like the Pomchi are healthier than purebred dogs, experts still suggest having your Pomchi health screened at an early age.

You should also keep in mind that a Pomchi can be susceptible to any of the same health concerns his parent breeds are prone to, and unfortunately the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua suffer from a number of of the same health concerns, putting the Pomchi more at risk.

Some of the most common health issues to watch out for in a Pomchi include:

• Dental issues
• Heart issues
• Patellar luxation
• Allergies
• Hair loss
• Hip dysplasia
• Hydrocephalus
• Collapsing trachea
• Legg-Perthes
• Epilepsy
• Open Fontanel
• Eye issues
• Shivering

To ensure you get the healthiest Pomchi possible, make sure you go through responsible sources you trust and that you have your Pomchi health screened as early as possible so you can build a health plan and prepare for any future health problems your Pomchi encounters.

We also suggest that you keep up on routine veterinary visits, make sure your Pomchi is adequately exercised, and is on a quality dog food that is specified for his age, weight, and activity level.

Other ways you can help keep your Pomchi healthy is by making sure he is properly groomed. Keep reading to learn more.

9.How Do You Groom A Pomchi?

Grooming your Pomchi will require daily brushing.

Pomchi dogs’ coats tend to be on the longer, fluffier side and they do shed. For this reason, they will need daily brushing or, at the very least, brushing a few times a week with the proper grooming tools.

Luckily, Pomchis are overall clean dogs with weather resistant coats and they even produce natural oils that help to keep their skin and coats healthy, so they only need occasional bathing with a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner.

Like all dogs, the Pomchi will need his ears checked and cleaned regularly to help protect them from infection and his nails will need to be kept trimmed or ground down to keep them from breaking. And since Pomchis are so prone to dental problems, we highly recommend keeping up a tooth brushing routine with a quality dog-safe toothpaste.

Grooming your Pomchi may be time consuming, and we do understand that grooming can be tedious, but remember that grooming your Pomchi will be a great bonding opportunity for you, so try and make sure it is done with love and patience so that the process is fun for the both of you.

What Are The Training And Exercise Needs Of A Pomchi?

Pomchi dogs are small, it’s true, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. The good news is that their exercise needs are rather moderate and a good, brisk walk through the neighborhood every day will keep them in shape.

They will also need some off leash playtime and will love running around in the backyard or at the dog park in the small dog play area, of course.

When it comes to training, remember that Pomchis can be stubborn, especially if they take after their Chihuahua side. Still, these are sensitive little dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and will enjoy intermittent training sessions that are short and feel like games.

Unfortunately, small dogs can be somewhat more difficult to housebreak, so try and build a good routine with your Pomchi right away.

You may also opt to purchase potty pads for your Pomchi to help reduce accidents on rugs and carpets.

Is A Pomchi The Right Dog For Me?

The Pomchi will make a wonderful companion for the right person, but is that person you? If you like small dogs and want a fluffy cutie who enjoys being on your lap or at your side, then chances are you will love the Pomchi!

However, if you aren’t a fan of barking and would prefer a dog with a more independent nature than the Pomchi mix may not be the right dog for you.

Pomchis do best in homes with older children and with pets who are calm and won’t accidentally harm them.

They will need lots of time and attention when it comes to training and especially when it comes to housebreaking, and will require an owner who is home often and won’t leave them home alone for too long, as they can be prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors like chewing.

12.Worried About Finding A Healthy Pomchi Puppy Or Rescue Dog? We Have Some Tips.

Have you decided that the Pomchi dog is right for you? Congratulations! We want to help you find the healthiest Pomchi puppy or rescue dog possible.

When going through a breeder, make sure you do plenty of research and that you trust the source you are buying from.

On average, Pomchi puppies cost around $200 – $1,000 depending on the breeder and the quality of the parent breeds. And while it may be tempting to cut costs by going through other, less reputable sources, experts warn against buying puppies from backyard breeders, online sellers, and pet stores.

Remember, while buying a puppy from one of these sources may cost you less upfront, it could wind up costing you much more both emotionally and financially in the long run.

So, how do you know if you’ve found a responsible breeder? Responsible breeders will have health screened their puppies and will be able to provide you with a certification of health proving that your Pomchi puppy is healthy and cleared of any major health issues.

Of course, going through a breeder is not the only way to get your hands on a Pomchi. Keep in mind that adopting a Pomchi mix from a shelter or rescue is not only a great way to help keep the cost down, but also gives a dog in need of a good and loving home a home with you!

Many shelters will offer a free vet exam and may even ensure your Pomchi is up to date on his vaccines. Furthermore, lots of reputable shelters will have done a temperamental test on their dogs and help place them in the homes they think will suit them best.

Are you considering getting a Pomchi dog? If so, we would love to hear from you! Tell us all about your journey into Pomchi parenthood in the comment section below.