Pomchi Mix: a Cross Between Two of the Smallest and Most Adorable Breeds
We are seeing an uptick in mixed-breed designer dogs, and one of the adorable results is the Pomchi! Mixed breeds are said to be healthier than a lot of purebreds and more unpredictable in terms of appearance and temperament. So, what exactly is the Pomchi and what are the parent breeds? Well, Pomchis can also go by the name Pomhuahua, Chimeranian, and Chipom – do any of things give you a clue? If not, we’ll dive right into the introduction of this cute breed.
What is a Pomchi Mix?
In case you haven’t guessed, a Pomchi is a mix of the two breeds Pomeranian and Chihuahua! There are certain degrees of mixes. In hybrid dog breeds, this is classified by F1, F2, F1b, F2b, and F3. Which classification your dog falls under depends on the degree of the mix, which can be determined by genetic testing.
F1 generations are a perfect 50-50 mix of both parents. This means that one parent is a Chihuahua and the other is a Pom. F1b is a mix of an F1 and a purebred of either a Pom or Chihuahua.
F2 generations are developed from breeding two F1s. F2b is a mix of an F1 and F1b. Lastly, an F3 happens with two F2 parents. It’s pretty complicated, but when you’re looking for a Pomchi or any other mixed breed, these are terms that are useful to know.
Where Did the Pomchi Mix Originate From?
It’s sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact beginnings of mixed breeds as a lot of them just come to be gradually over time. The origins of mixed breeds happened rather recently, in the late 90s to the early 2000s, a time when it became more popular.
We assume that the prevalence happened after breeders figured out what pet parents usually look for and tried to cross the best characteristics of two breeds to get the desired result. Enter the Pomchi, with the poofiness of a Pomeranian and the even smaller stature of a Chihuahua.
What Was the Pomchi Mix Bred For?
The Pomeranian was actually a working dog that was around 30 pounds but was bred to become the small household companions we see today that barely exceed 10 pounds. As for the Chihuahua, it was bred for exactly the same reason we have then today – companionship.
When you put the two breeds together and you see the endearing faces of the Pomchis we have today, it will become clearer than ever that these fur babies were meant to be our best friends.
What Does a Pomchi Mix Look Like?
In our honest opinion, Pomchis look either like a Pomeranian but smaller, or a slightly larger chihuahua with long puffy fur. Depending on what your dog ends up looking like, some people may not even be able to tell the Pomchi mix from a smaller Pom or Chihuahua.
Color
What colors can cross-breeds come in? As we briefly mentioned, mixed breeds are very unpredictable. They can have fur color similar to either parent or bring forth a recessive gene and have a coat color/pattern that completely surprises you.
You can find solid-colored coats that are black, white, brown, sable, grey, blue, tan, cream, and rust, oh the combinations are endless. Or you can find Pomchis with patterns and mixes of the above colors.
Unique Physical Characteristics
The Pomchi can have a face that isn’t quite a Pom or Chihuahua and be a perfect mix of both or lean towards one breed.
1. Eyes
In general, Pomchis have large round eyes that are dark or sometimes blue or bi-eyed (meaning two eyes of different colors). It all depends on their genetics.
2. Tail
Your Pomchi will most likely have a curled tail due to Pomeranian genes but it is possible that they just have a long-hanging tail as well. What you can bet on is your Pomchi will most likely be fluffy!
3. Ears
Both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians have perky ears, so you can expect that trait in your Pomchi.
4. Snout
It is most likely that your Pomchi will have a shorter snout due to both parent breeds and they will have a fox or teddy bear-like look.
How Big Does a Full-Grown Pomchi Mix Get?
You can probably guess that there is a good chance your Pomchi will remain very small. After all, both parent breeds are known to be small lapdogs.
1. Height
A Pomchi can grow to be anywhere between 6 to 10 inches at full size. This means you have to be careful where you step, especially when they are still puppies!
2. Weight
Their height gives away their body size. Most Pomchis are only around 5 to 10 pounds, but of course, there are some that can be lighter than 5 pounds and exceed 10 pounds.
3. Male vs Female
As with most animals, the female Pomchis are smaller and lighter than the males, usually around the lower end of the height and weight scale. The males are the ones that can exceed 10 pounds and 10 inches in height.
How to Take Care of a Pomchi Mix?
Some people may question how to take care of a mixed breed dog because, well, their needs are still not entirely known! You will find that the unpredictability of genetics can also play a factor in their insurance costs, appearance, and of course, care. Let’s take a look at what the parents would generally need, as this is a great benchmark.
Exercise
Due to their small stature, Pomchis don’t require as much exercise as larger breeds but don’t get us wrong, they are full of energy! So, if you are looking for a dog that doesn’t require as many daily walks but has enough energy to play and train, then the Pomchi is a great option!
Don’t forget about mental stimulation, as that is just as important as physical activity. Mental stimulation in the form of training sessions and puzzle toys is great to keep your fur baby occupied. Not to mention, training is a necessity to have a well-behaved and polite canine.
Grooming
Pomchis don’t drool, so that really takes a lot of the wiping and cleanup out of grooming. However, most Pomchis have long and luxurious double coats, which will require a lot of brushing. Daily brushing is ideal and this can also minimize the mess from shedding.
Some Pomchis may shed year-round, while others may have seasonal blowouts. It all depends on the dog. Regardless of how much your dog sheds, a double-coated breed will need daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats.
As for baths, you can assess on a case-by-case basis. If your dog got a little dirtier this month from a camping trip, then by all means give it a bath. In general, Pomchis can do just fine with a bath a month. Just be sure not to overdo it as cleaning products such as dog shampoos can strip your pooch’s skin of natural oils that make the coat glisten and shin.
Diet
1. How Much to Feed
Most small dogs don’t require a lot of food, and the Pomchi is the same. We would ideally suggest feeding a brand that makes small-breed kibble. If you choose to go the B.A.R.F or fresh food route, then make sure the amount is formulated appropriately for your dog’s size, weight, energy levels, and age.
How much you feed and increase and decrease as time goes on. For example, a puppy won’t require as much food as a full-grown adult, but they do need more nutrition as they develop. When in doubt, just consult with your vet or refer to the feeding guide on the back of the food packaging.
2. How Often to Feed
How often you feed your dog will depend greatly on the routine you have established and your schedule. Some pet parents are available to feed their dogs during the day, so they may opt for 3 meals per day for adults. If you are someone who can’t make it home for lunch, then feed your dog two meals (once in the morning and once at night) with larger portions.
Puppies will require less food more frequently throughout the day. Vets recommend 3 to 4 meals a day for pups, but some pet parents may even opt for 5! Do what works for you, but know that more frequent meals are required for developing puppies because their digestive system has not completely matured. Feeding them less will help with digestion.
3. Common Food Allergies
A Pomchi’s allergies will depend on each dog and its genetics. However, when it comes to food allergies, the most common cause is the protein source, namely, chicken and beef. If you know you have a more allergic pup, then we suggest sticking to lamb, pork, and other main sources of protein.
It may also not be the protein, as dogs can sometimes be allergic to eggs and dairy. When it comes to food-related irritants, the best thing you can do to figure out what the culprit is with an elimination diet. Slowly cut out each ingredient one at a time until it becomes clear which it is.
There are tests you can rely on if the allergy cause is environmental. Make sure to ask your vet what you can do to determine what your dog is allergic to.
Are Pomchi Mixes Easy to Train?
Pomchis rank above average on the trainability scale, but know that some could bear a stubborn streak! We say they are easy to train because Pomchis are intelligent and can associate a command or hand gesture with action more easily than some other dog breeds.
One thing you should be aware of is their tendency to “talk back”. That’s right, just when you thought you could avoid mouthiness with dogs compared to kids, you were wrong! They are more likely to vocalize their discontent and to let you know what they want with a quick bark.
Are they Easy to Potty Train?
As for potty training, Pomchis fall somewhere in the middle of the difficulty scale. In general, they shouldn’t be too difficult but crate training along with potty training will make things a lot easier on you and your pooch.
What is the Pomchi Mix Temperament?
These fur babies are very affectionate and playful, however, they can sometimes be more guarded towards strangers.
Does this breed do well with children?
As for kids, Pomchis can do fine, but because they have the tendency to be more vocal and sometimes nippy (all can be trained), we wouldn’t suggest a Pomchi for a family with newborn or very young children. As the kids age, it’s perfectly fine. Keep in mind that this suggestion is only for your consideration as some Pomchis are great with babies. It really has a lot to do with the personality, so make sure you take the time to get to know your dog!
Does it do well with other pets?
Pomchis are pretty dog-friendly, especially if you socialize them well during their early years. A well-socialized Pomchi will be very adaptable, accepting, and less aggressive. Socialization encompasses not only new introductions to people and other animals, but also includes new experiences! So, start thinking of all the fun things you can do with your dog!
Bringing a new pet into the fam with an existing Pomchi or the other way around should be done slowly and gradually. You can have the animals bond during a fun activity such as hiking in a park before bringing the new pet home.
Are Pomchi mixes aggressive?
No, Pomchi mixes are not generally aggressive, but again, this all depends on the individual dog. Each dog has a different personality so while Pomeranians and Chihuahuas aren’t generally aggressive, there are some dogs that are. This is why it is important to get to know your dog.
Remember, aggression can be largely avoided if the dog is well socialized. A part of aggression is due to fear, and most dogs react to new circumstances and environments that are new to them with fear, hence the aggression.
What Environment is Ideal for the Pomchi Mix?
Chihuahuas are known to tremble and shiver and not handle the cold very well. Pomeranians, on the other hand, are naturally equipped with thick coats to handle cold climates. So, where does that leave the Pomchi? Pomchis tend to be fluffier and take after Poms, but there are some that are more similar to Chihuahuas.
Smaller dogs need some protection against cold weather in general, so if your Pomchi has a short coat, make sure to keep it warm with a sturdy sweater. Even if your Pomchi has long and luxurious locks, it wouldn’t hurt to have the heating on.
As for the heat, the opposite is true. Chihuahuas originate from Mexico, which can see some very high temperatures. If your Pomchi takes after a Chihuahua, then it can probably handle warm weather better than thick-coated Pomchis. It never hurts to create a comfortable environment though, with the help of AC or a fan.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Pomchi Mix?
Small dogs generally live longer, and you can expect your pooch to be around for anywhere between 10 to 15 years, with an average life span of around 12. How long your dog lives has a lot to do with genetics, but the care you provide as well. If you keep up with routine vet care, feed the best quality food your budget will allow, and keep your pooch active, then we’re sure your Pomchi will be around for quite some time.
Pomchi Mix Common Health Issues
Speaking of living a long life, what are some common health issues that plague the Pomchi?
Some mixed breeds are unfortunately the result of poor breeding practices that result in health issues. We have a whole list below that will help you weed out inhumane breeders and find yourself a healthy puppy.
Some health issues Pomchis can suffer from include patella luxation, collapsed trachea, and heart and eye issues. You can diagnose potential issues early by conducting routine checkups every half a year to a year. Your vet will have the best picture of your dog’s overall health.
How Much Does a Pomchi Mix Cost?
A Pomchi is considered a designer mixed breed, which can really command a high price tag in some cases. We haven’t seen any Pomchis that cost less than $500, with most of them around the average of $1,500. However, teacup sizes (which are very small) can run up to $5,000 and over!
We must remind our readers that the incredibly small size of teacup breeds is due to breeding, and some breeders may prize appearance and size over health.
Other Similar Dog Breeds
If you’re not too sure if a Pomchi is for you but like both breeds, we have some other options for you that are a mix of both the Pom and Chihuahua.
Pomsky
The Pomsky is a pretty famous designer dog that is a cross between Pomeranians and Huskies. They can be pretty expensive with the average Pomsky costing around $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the breeder. If the Pomsky has a famous lineage, say, if their ancestors ran the Iditarod, then you are looking at much higher prices.
Chiweenie
The Chiweenie is also a pretty popular Chihuahua mix. Can you guess the other parent breed? If you guessed the wiener dog or Dachshund, then you’d be correct! You can get yourself a small and elongated little cutie that’s full of energy just like the Pomchi! There are many more mixes out there if the Chiweenie is not too appealing. Other examples include the Chizer, Chipaniel, the French Bullhuahua, and more! We’ll leave the decoding of those names to you.
Finding the Right Breeder
We mentioned that we had some tips to help you weed out untrustworthy breeders and here are the questions to ask that can prevent you from supporting a puppy mill.
- Is the breeder shifty and won’t answer questions or reveal to you the kennel environment?
- How many litters do they produce a year? Do they use the same parents? If yes, stay away! Those are puppy mills that should be shut down and the poor dog parents need to be rescued right away.
- Do they have a waiting list? If so, it’s less likely they are a puppy mill and only breed at optimum times to give the moms and dads a break.
- What do they know about the breed? The breeder should be able to answer all your questions about the breed and more.
- How does the breeder treat the pups before sending them off to you? They should be socialized and some even do early potty training.
- When do they let you take them home? No dog should be taken away from its mother before 8 weeks at the very least.
- Do they have a reputable vet they work with?
- Do they engage in responsible mating?
- What does the internet say? Look for references, reviews, etc.
- Are they asking you the right questions? A good breeder should be concerned about where their puppies end up. They should ask you questions too.
- Do they keep in constant contact with you and are always available for advice and help for the duration of your pup’s life?
- Is there a contract? Does it stipulate returning the pup rather than giving it up to a shelter? Is there a health guarantee?
- Does your pet come with necessary papers stating the pedigree, etc., if applicable?
- What does your gut say? If you’re not comfortable and something feels off, trust your instinct!
Conclusion: Is the Pomchi Right For You?
Pomchis are small and very adaptable dogs. It doesn’t matter if you’re living in the countryside on a big piece of land or if you’re smack dab in the middle of a metropolitan city in a small apartment, these dogs can handle it. They’re the perfect companions for a small space but semi-active family that love devotion, affection, and lots of kisses!
