Pomchi | Mixed Breed Information, Pictures, Traits & Facts

If you love Poms and Chis but don’t want to choose between them, meet the Pomchi or the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix! This hybrid pup is tiny and cuddly, with a set of traits that is sure to make it your new favorite pet.

Having a Pomchi is a great way to get all of the joys of owning both breeds at once. For instance, this lovely small dog will often have the Pomeranian’s fun-loving nature and the Chihuahua’s protective instincts.

But these qualities aren’t the only things that make Pomeranian Chihuahua cross dogs remarkable. So make sure to continue reading, as this article will cover everything about this mixed breed in detail!

Breed Overview

What Is a Pomchi?

A Pomchi is a mixed dog breed that was created by crossing a Pomeranian with a Chihuahua. The resulting canine is small yet sturdy and robust. Aside from being called a Pomchi, Pomeranian Chihuahua mix, and Chiapom, it can also be referred to as a Chimeranian, Pomahuahua, and Pomachi.

By having the Pomeranian and Chihuahua as parent breeds, the Pomchi inherits some of the best qualities of both pooches: its brains from the former and its loyalty and affectionate nature from the latter.

With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that many pet lovers are interested in getting one of these furry pals for themselves.

But as with other Chihuahua hybrids and Pom mixes, the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize this popular mix since it is not purebred.

Nonetheless, the Pomchi Club of America (PCA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), and International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) recognize Chihuahua Pomeranian mixes.

Pomchi Origin and History

Similar to other dogs with mixed ancestries, the origin and history of the Pomchi dog breed can be a little tricky to trace. But fortunately, looking at the records of their parent breeds can give us some clues.

Beginning with this crossbreed’s Chihuahua parent, this tiny canine was initially believed to have come from a smaller breed of dog called the Techichi.

In addition, Chihuahuas are known as one of the oldest domesticated dogs in North America. They were originally bred by the Toltec people and used for hunting rabbits and rats in Mexico during pre-Columbian times.

Meanwhile, original Pomeranians were bred in the province of Pomerania as all-around working dogs. Despite being the smallest among the spitz family, they were said to be able to perform all kinds of tasks.

In fact, their initial purpose was to pull sleds, herd livestock, guard homes, and chase rodents — all of which made them very favored by hunters and farmers alike.

In recent years, however, both the Chihuahua and Pomeranian have been popularized as lap dogs, making the Pomchi one of today’s most sought-after designer breeds.

Pomchi Appearance

Genetically speaking, the exact appearance of a Pomchi is somewhat difficult to predict. However, being a product of two toy breeds, it’s likely that they will bear a small and compact body.

But to be specific, if a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix puppy takes after the Chihuahua breed, it will presumably have large ears, an elongated snout, and an apple-shaped head. You can also expect it to display a short, long, or even hairless coat.

On the other hand, it should be noted that in some cases, a Pomchi may inherit a double coat from a teddy bear Pomeranian parent.

Further, the fox-like features of Poms are often passed down through generations. So, there’s a high chance that your Pomchi could have pointy ears, well-feathered forelegs, and a bushy tail.

Color-wise, though, Chihuahua and Pomeranian shades, such as white, black, merle, lavender, brown, and a combination of two or three tones, are all possible across this hybrid breed.

Pomchi Size and Weight

On average, a fully-grown Pomchi will weigh around 4 to 7 pounds, with a height ranging anywhere from 5 to 8 inches. A puppy should reach such a size by the time it’s 12 to 24 months old.

Take note, however, that the growth rate of your Pomchi leans on many aspects. These aspects include your fur baby’s genetic makeup, health status, and diet.

Moreover, its Chihuahua parent, regardless of gender, tends to become fat if you feed it too much food. Therefore, make sure to monitor your Pomchi’s food intake daily so as not to overfeed it.

Additionally, given that Chihuahuas and Pomeranians can come in teacup varieties, it’s also possible that your Pomchi puppy can grow up to be a pocket-sized dog.

Pomchi Temperament and Personality

In reality, Pomchi dogs make great family pets, especially if they’re trained from a young age. Their temperament is usually calm and friendly, and they’re well-known for their loyalty to their owners.

Further, this crossbreed dog doesn’t display any aggressive tendencies, making them excellent companions for people who have children or elderly family members who live with them.

Having said that, the high prey drive of their Pom side, particularly in male ones, can manifest itself in your Pomchi’s behavior when they encounter strangers. Their Chihuahua line is regarded for its sassy attitude as well.

So, Pomchi puppies should be crate-trained and socialized early on, as these practices will help them cope with situations where they feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Luckily, the Chihuahua Pomeranian mix is intelligent, too. As long as you’re consistent and patient, you should have no trouble training them.

Pomchi Lifespan and Health Issues

The average lifespan of the Pomchi falls typically between 14 and 16 years. However, despite being considered a healthy breed, you should note that some health concerns are common among these dogs.

Specifically, most of these health problems are inherited and are often related to their small size. Thus, being aware of them will allow you to take better care of your potential dog.

The following are the common health issues of the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix:

• Obesity: As a small-sized dog, the Pomchi is susceptible to weight gain and obesity. To avoid this, you should ensure that your four-legged friend gets enough exercise every day. You should also feed it healthy food with appropriate portions.
• Tracheal Collapse: Typically affecting small breeds, tracheal collapse is a condition in which the Pomchi’s trachea or windpipe becomes narrow or, worse, collapses because of weak cartilage. Symptoms of this condition include but are not limited to coughing, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
• Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy (CIE): CIE is a neurological disease characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. While there’s no cure for CIE, Pomeranian Chihuahua mix dogs with this condition can be managed with medication and dietary changes.

Aside from these health problems, the life expectancies of the Chihuahua and Pomeranian parents of the Pomchi should also be considered, as they can be used to predict how long this designer dog might live.

Overall, be prepared to invest in pet insurance, routine vet visits, and preventative care to ensure that your Pomeranian Chihuahua mix enjoys a long and healthy life.

How to Take Care of Your Pomchi

For the most part, taking care of your Pomchi dog is easy. But it can be a bit tricky at first, specifically if you’re a newbie fur parent.

Lucky for you, this section will discuss the basics of how to take care of your Pomeranian Chihuahua mix, including its training, dietary, grooming, and exercise requirements.

Food and Diet

As a general rule, a Pomchi should be given ⅓ to 1 ⅓ cups of premium dog food per day. Note, though, that this range should be adjusted based on your canine’s age, metabolism, and activity level.

For example, if you own a senior Pomchi, you may need to reduce the amount they eat each day by 20 percent. The same holds true for overweight and neutered or spayed pooches.

Cleaning and Grooming

Like all other canines, the Pomeranian Chihuahua cross needs to be brushed or combed regularly to avoid excessive shedding.

Bathing once every four weeks is also necessary, as their coat can become matted and dirty if left unattended for too long.

Watch the following clip to see how to bathe a Pomchi:

Moreover, this dog’s nails should be trimmed at least once a month to prevent them from breaking and bleeding. You wouldn’t want your precious pooch to experience any discomfort after all.

Similarly, your dog’s teeth, ears, eyes, and skin should be examined daily.

Training and Exercise

Since Pomchis are prized for their cleverness, training them should be a fun and rewarding experience.

However, using motivators, such as treats and toys, is encouraged to ensure that your Pomeranian Chihuahua mix doesn’t get bored with training and lose interest in it.

Furthermore, you should not expect quick results from your Pomchi. Even though they’re smart dogs, they take time to learn new things. You need to be patient with them during training sessions.

In terms of exercise, 20 to 30 minutes of daily playtime should be sufficient for this tiny hybrid.

How Much Does a Pomchi Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

On average, reputable breeders charge approximately $600 to $5,000 for a Pomchi puppy. While that might sound like a lot of money, it’s a small price to pay for the joy that comes with owning this lovable crossbreed.

Though if you’re looking for an affordable option, some Pomeranian and Chihuahua rescues offer dogs for adoption at much lower prices. Adoption fees typically range anywhere from $50 to $250.

However, the cost of Pomchi ownership is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In addition to the initial purchase price of a dog, you’ll also have to consider other expenses such as food, bedding, and vet bills.

Below is a breakdown of the estimated expenses associated with owning a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix:

As you can see, smaller dogs like Pomchi mixes are the perfect choice for people who want to own a pet without breaking their budget. They generally eat less than other dog breeds and don’t require as much space.

Places to Find Pomchi Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you’re interested in purchasing a Pomchi puppy, there are many places where you can look for one. You can find them on the internet, at local shelters and rescues, or from breeders specializing in Poms and Chis.

To help you get started, though, the following are some places where you can find Pomchi puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – If you are looking for a Pomchi puppy for sale, then you need to check out the American Kennel Club marketplace. While each breeder listed on this site specializes in producing a purebred dog, there are times when they will also offer mixed dog breeds.
• Greenfield Puppies – Since 2000, Greenfield Puppies has provided a wide range of dogs in different breeds and sizes. Their website is easy to navigate, and they make sure that all the Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix puppies they sell are free from any genetic defects.
• Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is another trusted source for finding Pomchi puppies for sale. They have been around since 2013 and are closely working with reputable breeders to ensure they only sell the best quality puppies.

But if you don’t want to go through all the trouble of buying a Pomchi, or if the waiting list is too long, you can just adopt an adult Pomchi dog. You can do this by visiting your local shelter or rescue organization.

Listed below are some organizations that may have the Pomeranian Chihuahua dog breed available for adoption:

• Limbo Chihuahuas – Limbo Chihuahuas offer Pomchi dogs that are fully vetted, altered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Their pooches are also socialized and trained to make them good companions for homes with children and other pets.
• Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes – Nestled in Texas, Recycled Pomeranians & Schipperkes is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to find homes for surrendered canines, including Pomchi dogs. This organization also partners with many vet hospitals, ensuring that all the puppies it rescues are healthy and happy.
• Peace Love and Poms Rescue – Peace Love and Poms Rescue takes pride in their ability to save Pomchis from abusive situations, provide them with the care they need, and then find them loving homes. Potential owners, however, must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to provide proof of income.

As a mixed dog breed, Pomchi dogs are often taken in by rescue groups after being neglected by their original owners. There’s a high possibility that there’s one in a shelter near you.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pomchi

Even though owning a Pomchi puppy might seem like the perfect solution to a dog owner’s every problem, there are some things you need to consider before taking the plunge.

This little dog is not for everyone, and if you do not have a suitable living condition or lifestyle, you could end up regretting your decision.

To help you make up your mind, here are the pros of owning a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix:

• Well-suited for apartment living: Unlike larger dogs, Pomchi puppies don’t need a lot of space to run around. These lap dogs are also not so big that they’ll knock over furniture, which is good news if you live in a small apartment.
• Sports an unusual appearance: If you’re the type of dog owner who wants to own a unique-looking canine, then look no further than the Pomchi dog. As with other mixed breeds, you can expect to see some very unusual features in this hybrid.
• Can be a good watchdog: With the Chihuahua as a parent, the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix can serve as an effective watchdog. They will alert you when someone is approaching or if there is anything suspicious happening around your home.

In contrast, the following are the cons of buying or adopting a Chihuahua Pomeranian mix:

• Prone to separation anxiety: With its affectionate nature, it’s no wonder that a Chihuahua Pomeranian mix can suffer from separation anxiety. This can be a big problem if you work long hours or travel frequently.
• Tends to be highly aggressive: You might think larger breeds are more protective, but wait until you meet a Pomeranian Chihuahua mix. This loving dog will not hesitate to protect you from any intruder who comes to your house.
• Inclined to gain excess weight: Having small parent breeds, the Pomchi is more likely to put on weight than most dogs. So if you don’t adjust your dog’s diet according to its age, lifestyle, and metabolism, it could quickly become overweight.

Having learned the advantages and disadvantages of owning Pomchis, you are sure to make an informed decision about whether or not these designer dogs are suitable for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pomchis Good Dogs?

Yes, Pomchis are good dogs. Given that they are part Pomeranian and part Chihuahua, it’s no surprise that these canines are incredibly intelligent, affectionate, sweet, and energetic.

Moreover, the actual personality of your Chihuahua Pomeranian mix puppy relies on how you raise it.

In other words, if you want your Pomchi puppy to be more of a lap dog than a rowdy playmate for kids and other animals, you should start training it early on.

Are Pomchis Barkers?

Since both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua have a reputation for being yappy, some people might think that Pomchis are barkers, too. But in reality, such assumptions like this are often wrong.

Take note that the Pomchi dog can be trained only to bark when necessary, provided that you are consistent with your training methods.

In addition, early socialization is a must for these mixed-breed dogs. If you raise your Pomchi pup in an environment where other animals are present, they will learn how to interact with them without becoming aggressive.

Do Pomchis Shed a Lot?

The Pomeranian and Chihuahua parents of the Pomchi are moderate shedders, so this is likely to be the same for their offspring.

However, if your little dog is not groomed regularly, it may shed more dog hair than usual.

Are Pomchis Hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, Pomchis are not hypoallergenic. These small dogs usually sport a double coat that is made up of long, soft hair and a dense undercoat that sheds all year round.

Also, the dander from a Pomchi’s saliva, urine, and sweat is what causes allergic reactions in those sensitive to pooches.

So remember that even if you don’t see any visible signs of shedding on your Pomchi’s coat, there will still be a lot of dander floating around your home.

Are Pomchis Easy to Potty Train?

Like their Chihuahua and Pomeranian parents, Pomchis are very easy to potty train. These little dogs are just as intelligent as they are adorable, and they will be able to pick up on the housebreaking process quickly.

Are Pomchis Clingy?

As a product of two toy breeds, you can anticipate that Pomchis are a tad more clingy than other dogs. But luckily, that clinginess is easily managed with the right training and care.

Once properly trained, your Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix should be able to sit quietly at your feet and stay there for long periods without getting too antsy.

Are Pomchis Good With Cats?

If socialized early on in life, Pomchis can be great companions for cats. But if you’ve had a cat for several years and your Pomchi has been introduced to them recently, it’s best to go slow and take some precautions.

Are Pomchis Smart?

Yes, Pomchis are relatively smart. Hence, aspiring dog parents of this crossbreed should not be surprised if their Pomahuahuas pick up commands or tricks easily.

Are Pomchis Aggressive?

While their Chihuahua side might make them appear a bit sassy, Pomchis are not aggressive. In reality, this mixed-breed dog generally boasts a gentle temperament and a sweet demeanor.

That said, environment, upbringing, and training are all important factors in determining how your Pomchi will behave around other pets and small children.

Final Thoughts

Before you buy or adopt a Pomchi, ensure you have the time and commitment to give this designer breed what it needs. While they make great family dogs, they require lots of care and attention.

These small dogs can be highly energetic and playful, so they need daily exercise and playtime. They also require plenty of human interaction and affection to prevent separation anxiety from developing.

But these things shouldn’t stop you from adding a Pomchi to your family. If you’re willing to put in the effort and energy to raise this crossbreed right, then you’ll have an amazing canine friend for life!

Aspiring owners of these hybrid dogs need not worry about registering them as well since several designer dog registries accept them.

Ready to take home this cute hybrid dog? Tell us what you think of the Pomchi breed in the comments!