The Chihuahua Pomeranian Hybrid Dog Mix

Sometimes called a Pomchi or even a Chiranian, the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix is not a breed itself, but is a mixture of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Mixing these two breeds can make for a pretty darn cute little Dog!

This mixed breed Dog weighs between 5 and 12 pounds and is a short Dog that is intelligent and alert often having the sweet expression characteristic of both sides of its lineage. He has a short body and a rounded wedge-shaped head with round eyes that should not protrude too much like that of some Chihuahuas. The tail is medium in length and is carried in the loop over the back or flat but should never be tucked between the legs.

Since the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix can be the product of a shorthaired or long hair to allow a bit type of coach you may get with this Dog can be varied. The coat could be a double coat like that found on the Pomeranian or it could be a single coat. It is usually at least medium length, although I do see some that have short hair much like a short haired Chihuahua. They usually have quite a furry tail typical of the Pomeranian.

The Pomchi can be any color much like its parent's. Common color variations include party college, sable, solid and merle.

Although each dog is individual, generally the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix will have much the same personality traits of his parents. In general both Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are very intelligent dogs that love to be with their family and are great lapdogs. They can learn tricks very easily, however house training may be a challenge. When training any small dog like this you need to remember that training with kindness is best. These tiny creatures do not respond well to punishment and positive reinforcement is your best bet to get your Ponchi house broken.

A Pomeranian Chihuahua mix that is long-haired will require more grooming than a short haired dog. You will probably need to trim the hair that grows out in between the pads on the bottom of his dainty little feet as well as a little sani-trim under the tail.

Another thing to watch out for in grooming is the gunk that can accumulate around their eyes. You want to be very careful that this does not build up as it can turn into a hardened glob that is nearly impossible to get off and you can actually hurt your dog when trying to remove it. Your best bet is to gently clean around the eyes each night, being careful not to poke your dog in the by, and this will help stop any buildup from accumulating as well as help to take care of any tears staining in the fur around the eyes.

As with many toy dogs, this mix will also have to have a good dental program in place. This includes not only taking him to the vet once a year to have his teeth checked and to have any tartar scraped, but also regular brushing. Bacteria buildup on the teeth is a common problem of small dogs they can be very hazardous to their health so it's worth it for you to get your Pomchi used to having his teeth brushed. If you use a flavored toothpaste that he likes you may even find he looks forward to it every night!

Hybrid dog mixes are becoming more and more popular and the American Canine Hybrid Club has even recognized the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix and given it the name "Chiranian". There is even a special club for this hybrid called the Pomchi Club Of America.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.pomeranian-pages.com where you can learn about caring for your Pomeranian as well as more about the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix.

Chihuahua - Choosing the Breed of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a Dog can change your life. If you get a Dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all Dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?


• Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?


• Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?


• Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?


• Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Chihuahua. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Chihuahua is said to be the oldest breed on the American continent and the smallest breed in the world. It is native to Mexico but likely came from the ancient Techichi dogs of the Toltec, crossed with hairless dogs of the Orient. It was named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from where it was brought to the rest of the world by travelers. This breed was used in religious ceremonies and is believed to have been sacred to the pre-Columbian Indian nations. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Characteristics: The Chi, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny dog with an apple-shaped head and a short pointed muzzle. It has large, round, very dark eyes and large ears. Its body is stout, and it is longer than it is tall. The tail is curled over the back or to the side. There are two varieties -- a short-haired type and a long-haired type. The various coat colors include fawn, sand, chestnut, silver and steel blue, black and tan and parti-colored. A Chihuahua weighs from 2 to 6 pounds and is 6 to 9 inches tall.

Personality/Temperament: The Chihuahua is a good companion dog with terrier-like qualities. Because of its small size, it makes a good traveler and usually loves outings. It craves attention, affection and petting and is intensely loyal, becoming very attached to its owners. It is a courageous, lively, proud and cocky little dog with a saucy expression. It moves swiftly to avoid being stepped on.

This breed may be slightly difficult to train but is intelligent, learns quickly and responds well to proper positive reinforcement training. It may require patience to housebreak. If the owner does not display strong pack leadership, this little dog can become strong willed and will develop other behavior issues such as jealousy and becoming suspicious of people other than its owner. This breed is not recommended for children as it is easily provoked to attack and may snap at them. If not walked daily, it may become yappy, protective, snappish and untrustworthy with children and people it does not know. The Chi should be socialized as a puppy to avoid excessive aggressiveness towards other dogs and being reserved with strangers.

Possible Health Conditions: The Chihuahua tends to wheeze and snore because of its short nose. Its prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal dryness and secondary glaucoma. It is also prone to slipped stifles (a knee injury caused by joint weakness), eye infections, gum problems, colds, stress, rheumatism, epilepsy, seizure disorder and low blood sugar. It tends to gain weight if overfed. It is vulnerable to fractures and other accidents as a puppy. This breed of dog is born with an unclosed section of skull which usually closes but can remain open throughout life and make it prone to injury. Life expectancy is about 15 or more years.

Exercise/Grooming: Although playing takes care of a lot of its exercise needs, the Chi requires a daily walk and also enjoys a good romp in an open area off leash such as a fenced-in yard.

The short-haired type should be gently brushed occasionally or wiped with a damp cloth. The long-haired type should be brushed daily with soft-bristle brush. Bathe both types only about once a month, taking care not to get water in the ears because of possibility of ear infections. The ears should be checked regularly and the nails kept trimmed. The Chihuahua is an average shedder.

Living Conditions: This little dog hates the cold and may shiver. It tolerates and even appreciates a warm sweater on cool days. It must be kept indoors and is a good dog for apartment life.

Summary: Chihuahuas make good companion dogs, travel well and require little grooming and exercise, but they may be a little difficult to housebreak and can become strong willed if not given proper pack leadership. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Chihuahua the right breed for you?

Anita Funkhouser is the owner of http://www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and http://pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs.