Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix: Is It More Shih Tzu or More Pom, or Both?
We’re seeing a trend here, that Poms are basically great mixes with many other small breed dogs! The latest one we’re going to explore is the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix, or Shiranian or Pom Tzu (we think Pom Tzu sounds cuter. Other names for this adorable mix include Pom Shi, Shih Pom, and even Shi-A- Pom.
There is no doubt that this breed is super adorable, and you never know what you are going to get because crossbreeds are such a mixed bag. Are you looking for a Shih Pom? You will need to find a responsible breeder, but don’t forget to check in shelters first because, unfortunately, even designer breeds get given up 🙁
What is a Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix?
A Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is the offspring of a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian. They are generally very adaptable and friendly dogs that have tons of affection to go around. These adorable creatures are very sensitive and can be great for first-time owners (depending on the temperament, but more on that later).
These dogs are also very smart and are typically a small breed because both parent breeds are considered small breeds. What about the coat type and color? Well, it can really be a pleasant surprise. We’ll take a look at that and lots more below.
Where Did the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Originate From?
It can be really tough to pinpoint the exact origins of designer mixed breeds, as most of them gradually occur over time. According to many sources, the popularity of this particular mix occurred around the late 90s to early 2000s and it is still going strong now.
What Was the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Bred For?
The Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian breeds are mostly for companionship in the modern day, but did you know that the Pom was actually used for sledding, herding, and protection? Yeah! But that was back when they were larger at around 30 pounds, but Poms were working dogs before they were bred to become smaller and smaller lapdogs.
As for the Shih Tzu, its history is a little less colorful and the breed was bred for companionship.
What Does a Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Look Like?
As we said, any mixed breed can be a big surprise. Not only can your puppy look one way during puppyhood, but it could look very different after it sheds the puppy coat and enters adulthood. Let’s look at some of the possible combinations that you could get.
Color
Although it’s tough to predict what your puppy will look like, you can be sure that it will get its genes from its parents, so the result won’t be entirely out of the realm of estimation. Shiranians usually have black, brown, brindle, sable, red, and white. You can have solid-colored pups or ones with mixed fur.
They are not hypoallergenic and can end up with longer silkier fur like the Shih Tzu, a poofier double-coat like the Pom, or even somewhere in between.
Unique Physical Characteristics
1. Eyes
Poms and Shih Tzus usually have dark eyes, so you can expect that your Pom Tzu will too. They can have larger eyes or slightly smaller ones depending on which parent they take after.
2. Tail
There is a very high chance that your Shiranian will have a perky curled tail that arches over the lower back because both parents have this trait. It’s very adorable and if you take care of the tail and brush it out often, it will have a luxurious feathery appearance.
3. Ears
The ears are an aspect that is very different between both parent breeds The ears on a Pom are small, triangular, and erect, while the Shih Tzu has floppier ears that hang down. You may get either one or little erect triangles that fold over.
4. Snout
Shih Tzus have very short snouts and the Pomeranian has a very small one, so you can bet that your cute little Pom Tzu will have a small button nose and mouth too!
How Big Does a Full-Grown Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Get?
They’re small dogs, we know this much, but exactly how big can a full-grown Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix get, and why is it important? Making sure your dog has good quality of life means giving it enough space. Luckily, the Shiranian is a small pooch that doesn’t require much room.
Height
Out of a lot of the other Pomeranian mixes we have covered, the Shih Pom is actually a little larger. You can expect them to be around 7 to 12 inches at standing height (from paw to shoulder). Of course, some exceptions are shorter or slightly taller.
Weight
These dogs are also a little heavier compared to some other Pom mixes but the Pom Tzu has quite a wide range from around 4 to 15 pounds. It really all depends on the size of the parents, which will give you a clearer picture of the pup’s stature.
Male vs Female
Like most (if not all) dog breeds, the males are larger than the females. There is a good chance that your male dog will be closer to the upper weight and height limits, and your female pup will be somewhere in between.
How to Take Care of a Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix?
Proper care is needed In order for any pet to live a long and healthy life, and that includes your Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix.
Exercise
As far as exercise goes, these dogs don’t need that much, which makes the Pom Tzu a great choice for families, couples, and individuals who don’t go on frequent outdoor adventures. All they require is a nice walk around the neighborhood once a day or just some fun playtime at home.
Although these dogs don’t need much physically, it’s still crucial to meet their requirements or pent-up energy could be released in other ways such as mischievous behavior.
Grooming
Dogs shed, and that’s true for all breeds. You can bet that you’ll find it all over your home, but the degree of shedding is what varies from breed to breed. The Shiranian can shed moderately and blow their coat once or twice a year or shed all year round, it depends on the type of coat they have.
What you can do is brush your pup out daily with a suitable pet brush to minimize the shedding, collect loose hairs to keep them from gathering all around the house, and to maintain a healthy coat.
Dogs with longer coats usually don’t need frequent baths, so the average Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix will only need monthly baths. However, it’s important to keep the fur and nails trimmed.
Diet
Aside from physical care, a dog’s diet is also vital to its health. Choosing what you feed can make a great difference in your dog’s vitality.
1. How Much to Feed
How much should you feed a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix? First off, you should feed food tailored for small breeds. These special formulas will be created in a way to meet their energy needs without overdoing it, and also have smaller kibble for their tinier mouths. On average, they need about a cup a day of food.
If you have a larger Shiranian that is more active, it will definitely need more food compared to a smaller Pom Tzu that isn’t a fan of walks. Aside from the size and energy level, your dog’s life stage will also impact how much it eats.
Puppies will need to have more calories since they are developing, compared to seniors which should be one senior dog food.
2. How Often to Feed
It is widely agreed upon that puppies need more frequent meals throughout the day (3-5) and adults eat anywhere from 1-3 meals a day. There is a range because sometimes our lifestyles get in the way. If you don’t have time to come home at lunch and feed your adult dog lunch, then you can opt to feed your pooch two times a day.
3. Common Food Allergies
Like humans, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Unlike humans, there aren’t decisive tests that pinpoint exactly what the allergens are. There may be some tests for environmental allergens for canines, but the same can’t be said about food.
If you suspect your dog is allergic to an ingredient in its food, it is most likely chicken, beef, or some other type of protein. It’s also possible that your Shiranian is allergic to grains. The only real way to isolate the cause is with an elimination diet.
Are Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mixes Easy to Train?
Shiranians are very intelligent, which can make them easy to train or it can make them difficult since they can be a bit stubborn. The smarter breeds can be quite frustrating because they would want something in return for their efforts.
This is a reason why positive reinforcement training is so important. Some may view the treats to be “bribes”, but we don’t agree. For smarter dogs, the treats are needed and surely get the job done.
Are they Easy to Potty Train?
The earlier you train and socialize your puppy the better, puppies learn best before they are 6 months old. Doing so will also make potty training your Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix much easier. The ease of potty training comes down to each dog individually. Your dog may get the hang of things within a week, or you may have a dog that requires much more patience.
The key is to be consistent with your routine and training and also use plenty of positive reinforcement!
What is The Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Temperament?
If we could only pick one word, to sum up, the temperament of this designer dog breed, it would be “friendly”. They are super friendly to family, kids, friends, and even strangers! This may not make them the best watchdog!
Does this breed do well with children?
While the Pom Tzu may attach to one person more than others, they are still extremely loving towards all members of the family. However, because of their smaller size, we suggest bringing a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix into a home with older children because young kids may not know their own strength and are too rough with the dog.
Does it do well with other pets?
Shih Tzu Pomeranians are pretty good with other pets, but there could still be spats (animals will be animals). You can minimize the potential of arguments if you start socialization very early on.
Are Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mixes Aggressive?
No, Shih Tzu Pomeranians are not generally aggressive. Again, it has a lot to do with your dog’s personality rather than the breed, but most of these mixed breeds do not have aggression. In fact, they may be the friendliest dog on the block!
What Environment is Ideal for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix?
Apartment living is perfect for your little Pom Tzu. These dogs don’t need a ton of space and are a great choice for city life. Because they are adaptable little creatures, your Shih Tzu can thrive in almost any environment after an adjustment period.
Shih Tzu Pomeranian mixes are not dogs that do well alone, which means it is easier for them to develop separation anxiety. There is a topic of debate within the dog community with some that say separation anxiety can be prevented with proper training, but others believe it is attributed to the dog’s breed and personality, and if they tend to be anxious, the separation anxiety or isolation distress cannot be completely helped.
Aside from that, these dogs don’t do well in particularly cold or hot climates. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a Pom Tzu if you live in a desert climate or closer to the North Pole, it just means you have to take extra care to make the environment comfortable for your Shiranian.
What Is the Average Life Span of a Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix?
Small dogs generally live longer, and you can expect the companionship of your Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix to last for 12 to 16 years! With proper care, it is possible that your pooch could exceed this range.
Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Common Health Issues
Mixed breeds can be predisposed to health conditions that plague either or both parent breeds. Poms are quite healthy and Shih Tzus can suffer from brachycephalic, which means more respiratory issues. In general, health issues to look out for include:
- Brachycephaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Cataracts
How Much Does a Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Cost?
Designer dog breeds can cost an arm and a leg, and the Shih Tzu Pomeranian can range from a few hundred dollars to over $1300. That is much more than some other more common breeds cost and definitely more than if you looked in a shelter.
If you are set on going with a breeder, then make sure to do your due diligence on the breeder’s reputation, history, and practices. We’ll give some tips on this later.
Other Similar Dog Breeds
Pomeranian
If you’re looking for a Pom Tzu alternative, why not go for one of its parent breeds? The Pomeranian is adorable and you can have a much better idea of what you’re going to get temperament and looks-wise.
Shih Tzu
The other parent, the Shih Tzu, is a loving, friendly, and energetic breed that will keep you on your toes but doesn’t need a lot of physical exercises. It will require more time grooming since you have to comb out their lovely locks to make sure the strands don’t tangle, but the silky and shiny result will be well worth it!
Porkie
Another cute Pomeranian mix is the Porkie, or Yoranian, a Pomeranian Yorkshire Terrier mix. If you want a smaller pooch then the Porkie is recommended and it is the definition of a small dog with a big personality that’s also full of love!
Finding the Right Breeder
Regardless of what dog you choose, finding the right breeder is crucial (unless you’re looking for a shelter). It will impact the health of your pup. Find yourself one that really cares about the pups. How can you be sure? Well, you can’t, but there are definitely questions you can ask that will point you in the right direction.
- 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 Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix Right For You?
Are these adorable mixes the right breed for you? If you are looking for a homebody companion that loves snuggles, kisses, and quality time, then the Shiranian is definitely for you. They are not as suited in homes with small children, or without heating and AC (where applicable), because these dogs don’t do well in hotter or colder weather. However, if you can create an optimal living environment for these dogs, then go for it!
