pomeranian on blue background and chihuahua on pink background — The Pomchi is a mix between the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua
© Shutterstock

Pomchi: the Pomeranian and Chihuahua crossbreed

By Ashley Murphy Content Writer

Updated on the 03/05/2022

The Pomchi is a pomeranian cross chihuahua mix breed. Also known as the Chiranian, this little dog is full of character, making it a popular member of the toy dog club. Here's everything you need to know about the Pomchi.

A little bit of background on two little dogs

The Chihuahua

chihuahua on pink background — A short-coated Chihuahua©Shutterstock

It's widely believed that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Techichi, another tiny dog that was kept by the Toltec people of Mexico in the 9th century. Records from 16th-century explorers make references to small, hairless dogs, and Spanish conquistadors found many of these animals in a region of Mexico called Chihuahua! Letters and diaries showed that the locals used Chihuahuas as hot-water bottles during periods of sickness and injury! The Chihuahua remained relatively unknown in the western world until 1904; the date when it was first registered by the American Kennel Club.

The Pomeranian

pomeranian in front of blue background — A Pomeranian©Shutterstock

When they first became popular, Pomeranians were especially well-known in Pomerania, a region of northern Germany and Poland. The Pomeranian then made its way to many other European countries, where the first official breeding club was set up in Britain in 1891. Three of these tiny but tough dogs were the only animal survivors from the Titanic disaster! Since then, Pomeranians have established themselves all over the world. The Pomeranian is now ranked in the top twenty most popular breeds in the USA.

Physical characteristics of the Pomchi

With both parents being toy breeds, it's no surprise that a Pomchi dog's defining feature is its small size. With their short bodies and round little heads, Pomchis can weigh between 5 - 12 pounds. This makes them quintessential lap dogs! You can transport them easily and could bring them practically anywhere. Their small size also makes them great apartment dogs for people living in cities.

Despite their tiny stature, Pomchis are lean and muscular, especially around the hindquarters. They have small, dainty paws and a well-balanced gait. The Pomchi's coat can be double or single coated. Double coated Pomchis will have a smooth and glossy outercoat with a coarser underlayer.

Recognition of the Pomeranian - Chihuahua mix

Although the Pomchi is not a purebred dog, it's still recognised by the following organisations:

American Canine Hybrid Club
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America, Inc.
International Designer Canine Registry
Pomchi Club of America

Temperament and personality of the Pomchi

Although there are no guarantees, mix breeds will usually have a similar temperament to the parent dogs. The Chihuahua and the Pomeranian have fairly similar characters, making it a little easier to predict a Pomchi's personality. They're likely to be friendly, active little dogs who are fun to have around the house. They're curious, bright, and alert creatures. The Pomchi's little physique isn't going to scare any bad guys, but they can certainly make enough noise to make them think twice. That being said, the Pomchi can be very “vocal”. Leave them alone for too long and their excessive barking will soon start annoying your neighbours. You would do well to start teaching your Pomchi puppy good manners from a very young age!

Grooming and general care of the Pomeranian - Chihuahua mix

Double coated Pomchis will require regular brushing and grooming. If not, their coats will become matted, and even unhygienic. Grooming can be time-consuming and expensive so bear this in mind before opting for a double coated Pomchi. Single coated Pomchis are pretty low-maintenance, although they're much more sensitive to skin infections and sun damage. Pomchi shedding is manageable, as long as you commit to brushing through their coat on a regular basis, particularly in the fall and spring.

Like many dogs, Pomchis are prone to dental issues. Owners need to brush their Pomchi's teeth on a regular basis, and preferably once a day. Just make sure you use “doggy” toothpaste. The stuff we humans use can be poisonous to our pooches.

Health issues of the Pomeranian cross Chihuahua

Because of the inherent medical issues in the parent breeds, Pomchis can suffer from:

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (a hip disorder)
Heart problems
Open fontanel (small holes in the skull)
Patellar luxation (floating kneecap).
Epilepsy
Breathing difficulties, including collapsed windpipe.

Less common health problems include skin infections, allergies and joint problems.

Pomchis have a life expectancy of 7-12 years, although some have lived for up to 19 years.

Is a Pomchi the right dog for me?

This depends on two things. Firstly, what kind of dog are you looking for? The second question (and also the most important) is does my lifestyle suit a Pomchi?

Despite their small size, Pomchis still need a moderate amount of exercise. You'll need to walk them at least 30 minutes each day. They're also very energetic and social and it is best not leave them alone for a long period of time. Double coated Pomchis require even more attention, so be prepared to put in the time keeping their coats clean and healthy. You'll also need to commit to daily training and socialisation during a Pomchis formative years.

If you can do all of that, then a Pomchi might be the pup for you.

Do you like the Pomchi? Why don't you discover these other mixed-breeds?