Pomchi Overview

Parent Breeds:
Chihuahua & Pomeranian
Breed Nickname:
Pomchi
Size:
Small
Height:
6 to 10 inches
Weight:
4 to 12 pounds
Life Span:
12 to 18 years
Coat Colors:
Brown, sable, cream, blue, tan, black

Pomchi Characteristics

Friendliness
Intelligence
Good for First-Time Owners
Good with Children
Easy to Train
Exercise Requirements
Ease of Grooming
Amount of Shedding
Amount of Drooling
Tendency to Bark

About The Pomchi

What Is A Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix Called?

The mixed breed between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua is called a Pomchi. They’re also called Pomahuahua, Chimeranian, Chi-Pom, and Pom-Chi.

These dogs are tiny and sweet-looking creatures, which is why they’re so popular among breeders. They’re playful, very loyal to their owners, and offer plenty of energy.

Both Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are some of the most beloved small dog breeds in the world, but is their offspring the right fit for your family? Our ultimate guide will help you with your decision.

Pomchi Breed History

  • First bred between the late 90s to early 2000s.

  • Very popular among celebrities.

The Pomchi breed was first intentionally bred in the late 90s to early 2000s. Pomeranians and Chihuahuas gained popularity around this time thanks to celebrities carrying them around in their purses.

Pomchis likely originated in North America when breeders conjured up the idea of giving people the best of both worlds from these reputable breeds.

Pomchis are tiny companion dogs that are considered adorable enough to make anywho who sees them swoon. As soon as they were introduced to the market, their popularity blew up and breeders had to increase production to keep up with demand.

Pomeranians are a descendant of the sled dog called Spitz Dog, originally working in Iceland and Lapland. While Pomeranians are not the same as the Spitz Dog, they are considered a close relation, first appearing in the early 1900s.

There are many theories about how the Chihuahua first originated. Some say it was in Mexico, where they were sacrificed and buried with their owners to accompany them into the afterlife, while others believe they were first seen in China, as regal tokens.

Pomchi Personality & Temperament

  • Tiny dogs with massive amounts of energy.

  • Love a cuddle.

  • They do better with older children.

Pomchis have massive personalities with plenty of energy to back them up. They revel in the attention, so it’s lucky they look so adorable!

Chihuahuas tend to favor one person in their family over the others, bonding most with this individual. Pomchis are the same, and they love a cuddle with this person at the end of the day.

Pomchis are particularly susceptible to developing small dog syndrome, which is where they bully other dogs and people because of their small size. So, it is vital that you socialize them properly from a young age.

Pomchis don’t do well around strangers as they can become nervous and aggressive if not properly trained. They might also be yappy without training.

Pomchis prefer to live with adults and older children who know how to play with them gently. However, if younger children know how to play properly with this small dog, then they should be able to live together without any problems.

Pomchi Health

  • Develop health issues from the parent breeds.

  • Overbreeding might cause more issues.

  • Dental disease is a big concern.

Small dogs tend to be more susceptible to health issues, and the Pomchi is no exception. They are predisposed to some of the same health concerns that Pomeranians and Chihuahuas suffer from.

Pomchis are generally healthy dogs, but it’s important to keep up to date with their vaccination boosters and regular checkups to ensure that they remain healthy.

Checkups are also vital as vets can pinpoint any potential concerns and treat them more efficiently.

Here is a list of some of the health concerns to look out for with your Pomchi:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Dental and Gum Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism

The main concerns for Pomchis are their eyes and mouths. Check these areas regularly for signs of infection or any noticeable changes. Speak to a professional if you see anything that concerns you.

Pomchi Training

  • Training Pomchis isn’t for the faint of heart!

  • They can be stubborn.

  • Train them with patience and positive reinforcement.

Pomchis tend to inherit Chihuahua’s stubborn streak, so these dogs are not the easiest to train. They’ll need to be trained and socialized from very early on to prevent them from suffering from small dog syndrome.

Pomchis tend to be yappy, assertive, and overprotective. These traits will only amplify in adulthood, so it is vital you train them away in puppyhood.

Dogs are harder to train as adults – especially stubborn ones like the Pomchi – so time is of the essence!

Use positive reinforcement to keep the relationship between you and your dog a happy one. Negative reinforcement will only make them more defiant, so keep calm and don’t shout.

Pomchis bond the most with one person in the family, so this person should be the main trainer. If another family member attempted the training, the Pomchi might get assertive and stressed, refusing to comply altogether.

Pomchi Exercise Requirements

  • Training Pomchis isn’t for the faint of heart!

  • They can be stubborn.

  • Train them with patience and positive reinforcement.

Pomchis might be small, but they have high energy levels. They only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day, but this should be spread out throughout the day to keep them busy.

Small dogs get fatigued quickly, but their energy levels replenish just as fast. So, one walk will not be enough. Two is the minimum requirement, although you might find that three is best.

Due to these random bursts of energy, Pomchis thrive in homes with a secure garden that they can run around in. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself taking them on walks constantly to keep up!

Pomchis are good for owners who have a lot of free time to take care of their dogs and their energy needs. They won’t do well on their own for long periods of time, so they’re not the best breed for full-time professionals.

Pomchis have little legs so should be only taken for walks and slow jogs.

Pomchi Diet & Feeding

  • Need food with 22 to 32% of protein.

  • High-quality kibble is best for their teeth.

  • Choose food fortified with nutrients.

Pomchis thrive on small dog food brands, either formulated for Pomeranians or Chihuahuas. They need to be made up of mostly protein, between 22 and 32%, and healthy fats, between 10 and 25%.

They’ll also need a smaller percentage of carbohydrates to keep their energy levels high.

Pomchis are susceptible to dental issues, so look for high-quality kibble. Lower-quality food might be too tough on their teeth or gums, causing or further exasperating pain.

Choose a food that is fortified with vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy. Steer clear of filler ingredients, like grains, that won’t offer your dog any nutritional value. All they’ll do is encourage your dog to gain weight.

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Pomchi Cost

  • Costs between $150 and $1,500.

  • Highly desirable dog.

  • Ongoing costs include food, grooming costs, and insurance.

Due to the fact that the Pomchi is a mixed breed between two of the most popular small breeds in the world, their price will be high. You can expect to pay between $150 and $1,500 for a Pomchi.

Avoid the lower prices as these will likely be from untrusted breeders.

Ongoing costs for this dog will be mainly made up of grooming costs and insurance. Premiums might be higher as Pomchis tend to suffer from multiple health concerns.

However, you’ll pay less for food as they have small appetites. Pomchis can live to 18 years old, so you’re committing to these ongoing costs for a long while!