Pomchi: Your Complete Guide

Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are cute on their own but crossbreed them, and they create something even more special: the pomchi! This mixed breed is playful, affectionate, and clever. They make for surprisingly good watchdogs, but that may just be because they like to bark!

The pomchi goes by several different names, such as chi-pom, pomahuahua, and chimeranian. However,  pomchi is the most common of the terms and, in our opinion, has the best ring to it.

If you’ve been looking for a small breed to join your family, you might consider the pomchi. This guide will teach you about the pomchi’s history, temperament, grooming needs, trainability, health risks, and more. If there’s something you want to know about the pomchi, then you’ll likely find the answer in this article, so keep reading.

A Quick Look at the Pomchi

If you’d like to quickly get a sense of what the pomchi is like, then check out the chart below.

 

What Is the History of the Pomchi?

The pomchi is a cross between Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. We don’t know exactly when or why breeders started crossing the two, but we can tell you about the history of the parent breeds.

The Pomeranian

The ancestors of the Pomeranian hail from Pomerania and were related to the spitz-type sled dogs of the arctic. In fact, today’s Pomeranians go by the name Zwergspitz in some countries. You may also see them called Pomeranian-spitz.

Queen Victoria discovered this breed during a trip to Florence and was so smitten that she brought some home and began breeding them. Breed historians credit her for reducing the size of the breed from 30 pounds to today’s 3-7 pounds. Other famous historical figures who owned Pomeranians include Marie Antoinette, Émile Zola, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Chihuahua

Chihuahuas hail from Mexico and are believed to be descendants of a Toltec breed called the techichi. The Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and bred the techichi to be smaller.

Eventually, the Spanish conquistadors invaded, and the techichi was thought to have been lost. However, it managed to survive in some remote cities. In the mid-1800s, the breed was found in the State of Chihuahua.

Americans had taken an interest in the breed, and we all know how popular it is now. Everyone can call to mind the image of the Chihuahua, and they are seen in many famous movies such as Legally Blond and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. From 1997 to 2000, a Chihuahua named Gidget was the mascot of the popular fast food chain Taco Bell.

What Do Pomchis Look Like?

Because they are a mixed breed, pomchis can vary in appearance. Some are poofier like Pomeranians, whereas others have a shorter coat like the Chihuahua.

Both breeds, however, have upright ears and a tail that is carried high, so a pomchi will, too. Pomchis can be just about any color, but the most common are perhaps black and tan, red, cream, blue and tan, chocolate, and chocolate and tan.

It’s not uncommon to see pomchis with a relatively smooth coat but a fluffy tail, chest, and fringe around the ears. Another common look for the pomchi is that they basically look like a Chihuahua except for a lot fluffier! The more Chihuahua-esque pomchis generally don’t have as much fringe on the ears, and while their face is very Chihuahua-like, their body is a big puff ball of hair.

What Size Is a Pomchi?

Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are similar in height and weight, with a Chihuahua weighing no more than 6 pounds and a Pomeranian weighing between 3 and 7 pounds. Chihuahuas are 5 to 8 inches tall, whereas Pomeranians are 6 to 7 inches tall. Therefore, a pomchi would likely weigh 3 to 7 pounds and be between 5 and 8 inches tall.

What Is a Pomchi’s Coat Type?

A pomchi can have a heavy coat made up of long, thick, silky hair and short, smooth hair, like the Pomeranian, or it may have a smooth coat that is short, flat, and smooth like the Chihuahua. A combination of both is also possible.

Long-haired Chihuahuas have coats that are combinations of long, silky fur and short, smooth fur. If the Chihuahua parent is long-haired, then the pomchi will have long hair, too.

A pomchi could have any of these coat types or a combination of them. Sometimes, pomchis with a short-coated Chihuahua parent end up having coats similar to the long-haired Chihuahua where there is a mix of long and short fur.

What Is a Pomchi’s Temperament?

Pomchis are affectionate dogs who love spending time with their families but are often indifferent toward or even somewhat wary of strangers. They love to play and can be quite clever when it comes to getting what they want. They are alert enough to be excellent watchdogs, but some take sounding the alarm a bit too seriously.

Are Pomchis Affectionate?

Both Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are known for being affectionate toward their families, so you can expect the same of a pomchi. This mixed breed is likely to enjoy sitting on your lap and being showered with attention.

When it comes to strangers, pomchis often need some time to warm up. Socializing them with lots of different people while they are puppies can help.

Are Pomchis Good With Kids?

Because of their diminutive size, pomchis are not recommended for families with young children. Young children who don’t know any better could accidentally hurt a pomchi. It’s important that all family members are capable of handling a dog gently and respecting the dog’s boundaries.

Are Pomchis Good With Other Animals?

Pomeranians are related to spitz-type dogs, who were originally hunters; as such, Pomeranians actually do have a prey drive and may chase rodents in the yard. Some Chihuahuas do the same. Therefore, it is possible that pomchis, too, will have a prey drive and chase small animals.

For this reason, you should be careful about keeping small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, ferrets, chinchillas, hamsters, or even cats near a pomchi. Some pomchis will get along with cats, whereas others will not. Once again, socialization can help quite a bit.

Pomchis can get along with other dogs, and this is more likely if they’ve been around other dogs since puppyhood (we hate to beat a dead horse, but socialization is an imperative part of dog training). However, it’s not uncommon for this breed to be uninterested in other dogs. Still, they can grow up in a home with doggy siblings with no issues.

Are Pomchis Aggressive?

We’ve all seen Chihuahuas online who snarl and bare their teeth at their owner’s significant other or even at the owners themselves. These videos are usually passed off as comedic because such a small dog has such a feisty attitude. However, you might wonder if Chihuahuas, and their pomchi offspring, are aggressive.

While Chihuahuas are perhaps more likely than other breeds to display feistiness, this doesn’t mean they are inherently aggressive, and neither will a pomchi be. It’s difficult to know the personal history of those dogs in the viral videos from viewing alone.

Most dogs behave that way if they have been poorly socialized or experienced abuse or trauma in the past. Unfortunately, some owners take teasing too far when a dog ultimately just wants to be left in peace.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs don’t actually enjoy being petted, cuddled, or touched 24/7. Do you want to be hugged and cuddled 24/7? Of course, you don’t. Dogs are the same, but people don’t respect their personal space the way they would humans. The point is socialization, training, and respecting a dog’s boundaries are key to preventing aggression.

Do Pomchis Bark a Lot?

Both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are known to be yappers, so you should expect your pomchi to come with a voice. Training can certainly help, but you may want to avoid this breed if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions.

Are Pomchis Intelligent?

Pomeranians are considered to be quite intelligent, whereas Chihuahuas are considered to have below-average intelligence. Since a pomchi is a mix, it could take after either breed, or be somewhere in the middle.

Are Pomchis Easy to Train?

Pomchis can be a bit stubborn when it comes to training as they aren’t as eager to please as other breeds. However, that doesn’t mean they are, by any means, a lost cause. Using positive reinforcement methods will ensure good results. It’s also important to communicate clearly and be consistent and patient.

Because this breed can be a bit trickier to train, we would recommend hiring a professional or attending some sort of training course, especially if you don’t have much experience with dog training. Hiring a trainer can also help you work on preventing or redirecting undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking.

Are Pomchis Energetic?

Pomchis have a moderate amount of energy but are so small that it is easy to take care of their needs. A walk around the neighborhood, romp in the yard, or a game of fetch indoors is usually enough for this small breed.

Are Pomchis Good Apartment Dogs?

A pomchi would be a great choice for apartment living. They are tiny themselves and don’t need a lot of space. Though they do enjoy going outside and running around, they don’t need a yard and will be happy with walks. They can easily be exercised indoors, as well.

The only reason they may not be the best option for apartment living is that they tend to be yappers. However, if you’re dedicated and put in the effort, you can train them to bark less.

Are Pomchis Good Watchdogs?

Both Pomeranians and Chihuahuas have a bark and aren’t afraid to use it. They tend to be rather alert and, for this reason, can make for excellent watchdogs. Chihuahuas are also known to be rather brave (sometimes foolishly so) and protective, so you can expect a pomchi to stand guard and let you know if anything is amiss.

Are Pomchis Good Service Dogs?

Any dog with the right temperament could be a great service dog. Pomchis don’t train quite as easily as other dogs (especially if they take after the Chihuahua), but they do hail from the Pomeranian, a breed known for excelling in dog sports such as agility, rally, and obedience. If they can be trained for dog sports, then they may have it in them to be trained for service work as well.

While a pomchi would be too small for some service tasks such as guiding people with visual impairments, they could still be trained as psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) or possibly even as medical alert dogs. If you need an emotional support animal rather than a service dog, a pomchi would be a fantastic choice. Their loving nature and lap-dog tendencies can help people feel at ease.

Though a pomchi could excel as a service dog or emotional support animal, they may not be the best for therapy work as they tend to be a bit standoffish toward strangers. Therapy dogs need to be very friendly and enjoy interacting with and being touched or hugged by unfamiliar people.

How to Care for a Pomchi

Pomchis can be a low to moderate-maintenance breed depending on their coat type. Those that take after the Pomeranian (or long-haired Chihuahua) need weekly grooming, while those that take after the smooth-coated Chihuahua only need occasional grooming.

All pomchis, however, should have their teeth brushed regularly (every day if possible) and ears checked and cleaned as needed. Nails should also be kept short and trimmed at least every four to six weeks. You do not need to hire a groomer to care for your pomchi, but some pomchi owners prefer to visit the groomer every four to six weeks.

Do You Need to Groom a Pomchi?

How often you need to groom a pomchi will depend on their coat. If they are long-haired, then they should be brushed at least once or twice per week using a pin brush and a slicker brush. It is also good to bathe the floofier coated pomchis every four to six weeks.

If your pomchi’s coat is shorter, then only occasional brushing is required. Similarly, baths can be given less frequently.

Do Pomchis Shed?

You might think a pup born of a dog as fluffy as a pomeranian would be shedding non-stop, but the pomchi won’t be leaving every surface in your house covered in hair — at least, most of the time they won’t. Pomchis tend to lose the most hair during the spring and fall.

What Should a Pomchi Eat?

A pomchi should eat the highest quality small breed dog food you can afford. The best foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, follow AAFCO guidelines, and undergo feeding trials. To determine how much to feed your dog, you can follow the guidelines provided on the back of the package or consult your veterinarian.

You may also calculate your dog’s caloric needs. Online calculators are available for this, but you can easily do the math yourself. Whether you follow the guidelines on the bag or use a calorie calculator, it’s important to monitor your pomchi’s weight and make adjustments accordingly.

What Health Problems Do Pomchis Have?

Pomchis are at risk for patent ductus arteriosus, mitral valve disease, congestive heart failure, eye disease, patellar luxation, seizures, hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, and alopecia X. This may seem like a long list, but mixed breeds are believed to be at less of a risk than purebred dogs for some heritable diseases.

However, you can take steps to ensure your pomchi will be healthy. The most important step is to get a dog from a reputable breeder who health tests their animals. Health tests ensure that the parent dogs do not have any identifiable diseases that can be passed to their offspring.

How Long Do Pomchis Live?

Pomeranians typically live for 12 to 16 years, and Chihuahuas typically live for 14 to 16. So, a healthy pomchi could live for up to 16 years.

Are Pomchis Expensive?

Pomchis typically cost between $500 and $1,500, which isn’t that expensive for a dog from a breeder. Of course, some breeders also sell their pups for up to $5,000.

Owning a pomchi isn’t that expensive, either. If the dog’s coat is more like the Pomeranians and you prefer to have the dog groomed, then that will be an extra expense.

However, it’s easy to take care of these dogs’ grooming needs on your own. Recurring costs will include things like food (which is also affordable as most pomchis won’t eat more than a cup per day) and veterinary bills.

How to Find a Pomchi Breeder

We know that you know how to use Google to find breeders in your area. Instead, we’re going to teach you what questions you should ask to ensure that you’ve found yourself a good breeder.

• What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and pomchis.
• Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests.
• Can I see where the dogs are kept? A respectable breeder should be happy to show you the dogs’ living conditions.
• Can I meet the parents? This will give you a sense of the parent dogs’ temperaments and the potential temperaments of the puppies.
• How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident.
• Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccination? You need to know your puppy’s health history so that you know which shots are still needed.
• Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on (or even at any time during their life), the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible.
• What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. If the breeder doesn’t seem to care who takes their puppies home, then they’re more interested in money than the animal’s well-being, which is obviously a huge red flag.

Can You Adopt a Pomchi?

It is possible to rescue a pomchi, but you may need to be patient or willing to travel. The best place to look for pomchis is rescue groups dedicated to Pomeranians, as they often have Pomeranian mixes, including pomchis.

You should also check small breed rescues. You should be aware that many pomchis requiring rescue may have behavioral issues, special living requirements (such as being the only dog in your household),  or trauma to work through.

Are Pomchis Purebred?

Pomchis are dogs that have Chihuahua and Pomeranian parents (or pomchi parents!). Though Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are purebred, pomchis are not because they are a mix of the two.

Can You Show Pomchis?

Pomchis are not purebred and thus cannot be shown in dog shows.

Are Pomchis Good for New Dog Owners?

Pomchis can sometimes be a bit difficult to train and may bark a lot, but they can be a good choice for inexperienced dog owners. They’re relatively easy to care for and are very sweet toward their family members.

They don’t need a lot of space to play or a lot of exercise in general. Also, because they’re so small, vet bills and food expenses can be cheaper. Overall, we think the pomchi would be a wonderful choice for a first-time dog owner (especially if they’re willing to hire a trainer!).

Is a Pomchi the Right Dog for Me?

When you see how adorable pomchis are, you may fall in love instantly and feel like you want to bring one home as soon as possible. We can’t blame you! However, as sweet as pomchis are, they still aren’t the right fit for everyone. Let’s see if the pomchi is the right dog for you.

The pomchi might be the right dog for you if…

• You want a lap dog
• You don’t have a lot of time to exercise a dog
• You want a dog that doesn’t shed frequently
• You want a watchdog

The pomchi might not be the right dog for you if…

• You want a quiet dog
• You have young children
• You won’t brush their teeth
• You want a dog that is eager to please