Pomchi – Size and Appearance
The Pomchi typically weighs between 4 and 12 pounds and is 6 to 10 inches tall, making it a perfect choice for those with limited living space. However, their high energy levels mean that they shouldn’t be stuck in a small apartment all day.
How to tell what size your dog will grow up to be? The breeder should mention it in the listing. Teacup dogs are miniature versions of already small breeds, so these Pomchis will be on the smaller size of the spectrum. Toy Pomchis, on the other hand, are the standard size for the breed.
Coat
These dogs come in a variety of colors including light brown, fawn, tan, white, cream, sable, merle, gray, black, brown and spotted. Black is the rarest out of them, while light brown is the most common. If you’re looking for a specific color, be prepared to pay more for one of the less common varieties.
Their double coat is long and straight, with a thick undercoat that sheds moderately year-round. This means they’re not ideal for people allergic to dogs. You’ll probably forgive them the shedding because of how cute and soft they are!
Distinguishing Features
Pomchis are often mistaken for being purebred Pomeranians, but they have a few distinguishing features. For one, the Pomchi has a slightly longer snout and ears that stand straight up. They also have rounder eyes and a stockier build than their purebred cousins.
Pomchi – Temperament
Pomchis are outgoing, lively and friendly dogs that love being around people. They’re also very intelligent and easy to train. With proper socialization, they can get along well with other animals too. They tend to pick a favorite person in the family and follow them around everywhere. The others will also get plenty of love, though!
Exercise Needs
This breed is not recommended for first-time dog owners because of their high energy levels and need for attention. Pomchis require daily exercise, plenty of mental stimulation and a lot of patience. If you think you can handle a high-maintenance dog, then the Pomchi might be the right breed for you!
Trainability
Pomchis are smart dogs that learn quickly. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as clicker training. So if you’re looking for a pup that will do all kinds of tricks, the Pomchi is a good choice.
Remember to start obedience training and socializing early, though, as they can turn out stubborn, fearful or aggressive otherwise – especially towards strangers and other animals.
Barking
Pomchis are known for being vocal dogs. They will bark when they’re excited, bored, scared or lonely. If you live in an apartment, be prepared for some complaints from your neighbors! Pomchis make great watchdogs, though, as they’re always alert and ready to bark at anything that seems out of place.
Pomchi – Health
The Pomchi is a relatively healthy breed with few known health problems. Because purebred Pomeranians have a small gene pool, crossing them with Chihuahuas means the puppies will be generally healthier. They usually live between 12 and 18 years. However, like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain conditions, such as:
- luxating patella,
- collapsed trachea,
- hypoglycemia,
- epilepsy,
- hypothyroidism.
A luxating patella means that the knee joint moves out of place, resulting in discomfort and lameness. It’s especially common in toy breeds and crossbreeds. Treatment includes weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes surgery.
A collapsed trachea is another condition that affects small breeds of dogs. It’s caused by the cartilage in the trachea (windpipe) weakening and collapsing. This can lead to difficulty breathing, coughing and exercise intolerance. Treatment includes cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory meds.
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar levels drop too low, resulting in weakness, trembling and even seizures. It’s observed in Chihuahuas and mixed breeds involving them because they have a low number of fat cells, so their body may need to use bloodstream sugar for energy. To prevent hypoglycemia, make sure your Pomchi has regular meals and snacks throughout the day.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. It’s relatively common in Pomeranians, so the Pomchi may be at higher risk for it. There is no cure, but anti-seizure medication can help control the condition.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can cause weight gain, hair loss and lethargy. Treatment involves daily medication to replace the missing hormones.
Behavioral Issues
Pomchis are high-maintenance dogs that require a lot of attention and exercise. If they’re left alone for too long, they can become bored and destructive. They may also bark excessively. To prevent these problems, make sure you can commit to spending plenty of time with your Pomchi every day.
Pomchi – Grooming
This breed doesn’t require much grooming. A weekly brush will help to remove dead hair and keep their coat looking shiny and healthy. They don’t need to be bathed very often – only when they start to smell bad or get dirty. Pomchis can shed quite a lot, though, so they’re not a good choice for people with allergies.
Check your dog’s ears daily for wax buildup, dirt or debris. If necessary, clean them with a cotton ball dampened with water or dog ear cleaner. Trim your Pomchi’s nails every two to three weeks, or as needed. If they’re clicking on the floor, it means they’re too long.
Pomchi – Breeding
The Pomchi is a crossbreed between the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua. As such, they can be bred with either breed to produce more Pomchis. This results in puppies that will inherit more characteristics from one breed than the other. Other times, two Pomchis are bred with each other to produce F2 generation pups.
Because of their small size and good health, Pomchis are becoming increasingly popular as pets. So if you’re thinking about getting one, be prepared to do your research to find reputable breeders. Resources from the American Kennel Club will help you with that. When choosing a Pomchi puppy, look for one with bright eyes and a clean bill of health from the vet.
How to Tell Which Breeders Are Responsible?
When comparing online listings, make sure to ask the breeders questions. Here are some ideas!
- How big are the puppies’ parents? (This will help you predict how big the puppy will be when they grow up.)
- Can you show me the parents’ pedigree certificates? (If not, we don’t recommend getting the puppy.)
- How many litters have the parents had so far? (3-4 litters in total is the recommended number for a female dog.)
- Can I meet all the puppies and their parents before choosing one? (They should allow you to meet the whole dog family.)
- How often do you take the parents to the vet? (They should have a yearly examination, have had DHLPP and Bordetella vaccinations, and be on routine flea and tick prevention.)
- How old are the puppies and when can I take one home? (Puppies should be given to new owners between 8 and 12 weeks of age.)
Pomchi – Price
Pomchis typically cost between $200 and $900. This is a relatively affordable breed, especially compared to purebred Pomeranians or Chihuahuas. Well-bred puppies may cost a lot more, though – even $1500 to $5000. If you’re willing to pay a lot for a dog from a reputable breeder, you can expect them to be healthier, which means you save money on vet bills in the long run.
The price also depends on the breeder’s location. If you’re in the United States, expect to pay more than if you were in Europe or Asia. Other factors that influence the cost include the puppy’s gender and coat color.
Pomchi – History of the Breed
The Pomchi is a relatively new breed, which may date back to the 1950s. Their standard was only approved by the Pomchi Club of America in 1998. They were created in the United States by breeding Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. The goal was to create a small dog with the best traits of both breeds. Most owners will confirm it was a great success!
If you’re interested in the origins of the parent breeds, you’re in for more exciting stories. They’ve been known for centuries, and each of them has been a working dog in the past. Their unique characteristics allowed them to stay popular as household pets.
History of Pomeranians
Pomeranians are a member of the Spitz family, which includes other popular dogs like Samoyeds and Huskies. They were originally bred in the Pomerania region of Germany and Poland (hence their name). These dogs were used for herding sheep and as working dogs on farms. They weren’t as small as they are today – they weighed between 20 and 30 pounds.
They were brought to England in the late 1800s and became popular as pets. Queen Victoria was a big fan and even had some of her own. When she saw smaller Spitz dogs during a trip to Italy, she brought them home and crossed them with her Pomeranians. The resulting smaller dogs won the exhibition at Crufts in 1891, so they continued to be bred until the size we know today.
History of Chihuahuas
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world, originating from Mexico. They were used by Aztec and Toltec Indians for hunting and catching rats. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico, they were introduced to these little dogs and brought them back to Europe with them.
Chihuahuas remained rare in the US until the early 20th century. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 and has been growing in popularity ever since. At first, most of the imported Chihuahuas had long coats. It wasn’t until 1952 that the breed was separated into two varieties, one of them boasting the now beloved smooth coat.
Pomchi – Who Should Adopt?
The Pomchi is not a breed for everyone. They make great companions for active families who love to spend time outdoors. However, their small size means that they’re not well-suited for homes with young children who might accidentally hurt them. If your dog is going to be spending time with kids, make sure to teach them how to act gently with a pet.
Because they need lots of attention and early socializing, the Pomchi is not recommended for people who leave home for long periods of time and can’t provide their pet with much stimulation and playtime. If you’re prepared to commit to the extra work that comes with owning a Pomchi, then this breed can make a great addition to your family.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Pomchi?
If you’re getting a Pomchi puppy, there are some things you need to do to prepare your home.
- Get a crate or dog bed. This will give your Pomchi their own space that they can feel safe in.
- Puppy-proof your home. Put away anything that might be harmful or dangerous to a small dog, including sharp objects or poisonous plants. Try to hide cables that your pup could easily chew.
- Create a space for your Pomchi to play in. This can be a room, backyard, or even just a designated part of the house. Make sure there are plenty of toys and chew bones to keep them entertained.
- Set up rules and boundaries for your Pomchi early on. They need to know what is expected of them so that they can develop good habits. If you let them into your bed when they’re little, it will be hard to keep them away when they grow up.
How to Train a Pomchi?
The Pomchi is a smart breed that can be trained easily. They respond well to praise and rewards, which are used as positive reinforcement strategies. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Once your Pomchi has mastered these, you can move on to more advanced tricks or obedience training.
Socializing your Pomchi is also important. They need to be introduced to different people, places, and situations so that they can learn how to behave properly around them. This will help prevent any problems from developing later on. For example, if you’re going to be traveling with them sometimes, get them used to sitting in a car for a long ride.
If your training isn’t going as well as you hoped, it might be helpful to get a professional trainer to help you out. They can offer more specialized advice and tools that will make the process easier for both you and your Pomchi.
Pomchi – Fun Facts
- Did you know that the Pomchi is a popular designer dog breed? This means that they are bred specifically for their unique appearance, which combines the best features of both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua.
- The Pomchi is known for being a very affectionate breed. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners.
- Pomchis are known for being good watchdogs, despite their small size. They have a strong bark and will alert you if someone is coming.
- Pomchi is sometimes spelled Pom-Chi. Other names for the breed include the Chi-Pom, Pomahuahua, Chimeranian, and the Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix.
Give a Pomchi Dog a Safe and Stimulating Home
The Pomchi dog is a great small dog breed that can offer companionship and excitement to any family. Active families who love spending time outdoors will enjoy the playful nature of this pup, while those prepared to put in some extra work will appreciate their intelligence and affectionate personality.
Since puppies from reputable breeders cost a lot, some families might purchase a Pomchi from shady sources, which means that the dog is more likely to have health and behavioral problems. So, if you’re thinking about getting a Pomchi on a budget, it’s better to look for one in shelters or rescue organizations.
Do you have any experience with the Pomchi breed? Share your stories in the comments below!
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