Pomchi

Pomchis, like their name suggests, are a mix between Pomeranians and Chihuahuas. The combination of these two toy dog breeds results in a small, portable pet, that is sweet and affectionate, but also bold and yappy. Pomchis are the ideal pet for those living in an apartment or for senior people, as they are mainly house pets that do not require extendended exercise routines.

As a designer dog, this crossbreed comes as quite unexpected in terms of both temperament and appearance, but one might expect it to have some combination of its parents’ traits. Pomchis generally have the body of the Pomeranian and the face of the Chihuahua. The Pomchi tends to be a nervous dog and if socialisation is not correctly implemented, it can become aggressive towards strangers and owners alike, so exposure to lots of people, other pets, places, and situations is paramount.

About & History

The history of this graceful crossbreed is short, recent, and not very well-documented. Pomchis originate from the United States and are probably the result of an accidental mixing of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahuas. Because these two dog breeds are widely popular and requested as pets, due to their small size and affectionate nature, it is not surpising that the result of such a crossing ended up creating an interesting and desirable pet. Nonetheless, enthusiasts plan on breeding Pomchis for seven generations, as to improve the crossbreed and, eventually, for them to be considered as a purebred dog.

As for the Pomchis parents, Pomeranians used to be used to pull sleds in the northern parts of Germany and Poland (in a region called Pomerania). Due to the Pomeranians’ cute and appealing looks, they became popular among European aristocracy in the 16th century. Later on, they were taken to America, where they quickly thrived as a popular pet. Chihuahuas originate from the state of Chihuahua, in Mexico, and they either descend from an old Toltec dog breed, the Techichi, or they were introduced in South America from China.

Appearance

Pomchis have an alert and intelligent expression. They owe their fox-like appearance to their Pomeranian parent and they may or may not have a double coat (depending on the Pom contribution). If they do have an undercoat, it is fluffy and very thick. Their coat can be short or long, coming in different colours:

Pomchis have a round head, with round eyes that are larger-than-average in relation to their body and pointed, furry ears. They have muscular hindquarters (like the Chihuahua), with short and strong legs. Pomchis usually weigh no more than 3 kg (7 lb) and are up to 25 cm tall (10 inches).

Character & Temperament

Pomchis are usually said to have a large personality in a small package. They are lively, curious, and alert. Pomchis are energetic and fun to be around, they are very friendly and people-oriented. They make great companion pets, indeed. However, they also tend to be quite nervous and anxious, which may degenerate into aggressiveness, as they are bold, fearless little dogs. This character trait should be prevented by proper and early socialisation and training.

Pomchis are bright and, if well-rounded, approachable and loving. They are no doubt loyal to their owners and can make great watchdogs, as they are vocal and feisty. Pomchis can suffer from separation anxiety, so they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Because they are small and fragile, they should not be left unsupervised with younger children who have not learned how to handle and interact with dogs in a careful, responsible way. Not only is it dangerous for the pet, as it may also be a risk for the child, as if the dog becomes too annoyed, it may respond more aggressively. They are therefore better for families with older children, or no children at all.

Trainability

Pomchis can be quite stubborn, which may make training more difficult. Nevertheless, Pomchis can be trained and they are eager to please their owners, so one should play with this desire and use positive reinforcement training methods. They are vocal and tend to bark, so it is important to correct Pomchis whenever barking is inappropriate, otherwise they will become annoying, yappy dogs. For this, it is also mandatory to socialise Pomchis as early as possible.

Making them confortable and at ease around different people (including visitors at home) and pets, and exposing them to all types of situations (walking them in busy streets, making them acquainted with new places, sounds, and smells) will certainly pay off later as an adult. Socialisation is also a way of preventing future aggression problems, as well as other behavioural issues, such as small dog syndrome.

Health

Pomchis may live from 7 to 17 years. This is a wide interval, but because this is a relatively recent crossbreed, there are not enough data to fully understand their lifespan. Regarding health issues, Pomeranians have a very small gene pool, so crossbreeding with a Chihuahua is actually an improvement for their health potential. Still, Pomchis may be more susceptible to the following problems:

Hypoglycemia

Chihuahuas are particularly affected by hypoglycemia. As such, any crossbreed involving a Chihuahua dog as one of the parents may be affected. This means that these dogs have low blood sugar, which occurs when their fat cells are depleted (they have a low number of them – a consequence of their hot climate origins) and they have to turn to bloodstream sugar for energy.

Clinical signs include lethargy and shivering. Feeding Pomchis several times a day and making sure they do not undergo extenuating exercise is a way of preventing hypoglycemia.

Patellar Luxation

It is not uncommon for small and toy breeds and crossbreeds to be affected by patellar luxation. When it occurs, there is a displacement of the kneecap, which causes discomfort and pain, with associated inflammation and lameness. Anti-inflamatory drugs are the standard treatment but sometimes surgery may be required.

Collapsed Trachea

Weak, or otherwise defective throat cartilages in Pomchis can cause tracheal collapse, which can lead to breathing problems, cough, and intolerance to exercise. Medical treatment by the use of drugs can help with the cough and resulting inflammation.

Legg Calve Perthes

Legg Calve Perthes is a genetic, degenerative condition of the hip bone that may affect Pomchis. It may lead to arthritis, with subsequent pain and lameness, and treatment is achieved with drugs that ameliorate these clinical signs.

Dental Problems

As with Pomeranians and Chihuahuas, Pomchis may be prone to dental issues, such as tartar build-up on the teeth, which may progress to infection of the gums and teeth.

It is important to prevent these dental problems, as they may reduce the overall quality of life, even decresing their lifespan. Keeping a regular dental hygiene is therefore essential.

Exercise and Activity Levels

Pomchis do not require much exercise and they will be happy just hanging around the house. In any case, they should go outside on a walk for fresh air at least once a day. Being outdoors is stimulating and helps them to keep active and alert. Also, it is an opportunity for meeting other dogs and people, thus reinforcing their social skills.

Besides their daily walks, Pomchis love playing and enjoy toys, so it is important to make sure they have plenty of toys to engage with during playtime. Pomchis are smart dogs, so they will also enjoy learning new tricks and solving puzzles, whilst at the same interacting with their owners and creating a lasting bond.

Grooming

Pomchis shed moderately. Pomchis with longer coats should be brushed and groomed more frequently.This usually means that brushing and combing them at least once a week is necessary to keep their coats looking nice and healthy.

They also have quite sensitive skin, so it is better to use a soft-bristled brush, and not a metal one that can irritate their skin. Pomchis with longer coats should also be trimmed a couple of times a year by a professional groomer, when the season changes. Nail clipping and brushing their teeth should also be part of the grooming routine.