Pomchi Dog: Guide to Owning a Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

Combining the sass of a Pomeranian and the daring nature of a Chihuahua will give you a designer dog with a big personality in a small body – the Pomchi.

Pomeranian Chihuahua mixes are little powerhouses that will melt anyone’s heart, not only with their good looks but also with their inquisitive and bubbly personality.

Let’s find out more about this ball of energy and fluff, so you’ll know what to expect from owning one of the cutest mixes around.

The Pomchi’s heritage

Unlike purebreds that have a breed standard that set the ideal appearance and temperament, crossbreeds are an unpredictable bunch. The Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix is no different.

Getting to know the Pomchi’s parents will give us a hint of the physical features and behavioral traits they could inherit.

Pomeranians

Weighing around 4 to 8 pounds (2 to 4 kgs) and standing 6 to 7 inches tall (15 to 18 cm), the Pomeranian (Pom) has established itself as an American favorite.

Descended from large working sled-pulling dogs called the German Spitz, these furballs originated from Pomerania. People started breeding Poms initially for herding sheep, but selective breeding resulted in the cute size they are today.

You will surely have trouble trying to resist those soulful eyes and cute button nose. Even celebrities can’t resist this dog’s looks! Poms are more than just adorable, though.

Don’t underestimate this breed as it knows how to take charge as well. Pomeranians are vivacious, smart, and alert, qualities that earned them the reputation of being excellent watchdogs.

Chihuahuas

Hailing from the Mexican state of the same name, the Chihuahua (Chi) is a graceful munchkin that is famous for its rounded “apple” head and terrier-like demeanor.

Standing 5 to 7 inches tall (13 to 18 cm) and weighing no more than 6 pounds (3 kgs), this lap dog knows how small and cute he is. They can be a canine version of Napoleon, thinking he’s everyone’s boss.

Most Chis are lively, energetic, and alert, but they’ll also make for sweet, cuddly companions. These dogs are also notorious for being loud yappers.

Now that we’ve discussed a few facts about the Pomchi’s purebred parents, you have an idea of this dog’s general look and behavior.

When choosing a crossbreed, though, keep in mind that there is no guarantee that they would inherit a specific characteristic from its parents.

Official recognition for the Pomchi

The American Kennel Club (AKC) hasn’t officially recognized the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix, as it’s a crossbreed.

The following registries do accept mixed breeds like the Sheepadoodle, Chiweenie, Pomapoo, and the Morkie:

• American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
• International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
• Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
• Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
• Pomchi Club of America (PCA)

Characteristics of the Pomchi

The Chihuahua Pomeranian cross is recognizable by its fox-like features.

Most of these hybrids have erect, furry little ears and round eyes that make them enticingly cute! Many look like smaller Pomeranians with the Chihuahua’s face.

They have fined-boned and oval-shaped bodies, short but strong legs, and tails that are semi-curled and puffed.

Since both its parents are toy dogs, this little hybrid perfectly fits in your lap, too. A full-grown Pomchi can be as tall as 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) and weigh around 5 to 12 lbs (2 to 5 kgs).

Take a look at this cute foxy Pomchi named Timmy!

They can have a short or long coat, but it will always look shiny and soft. If your Pomchi has long hair with an undercoat, it will likely be thick and fluffy, too.

They come in various colors, with light brown being the most common, but Black Pomchis are the most sought-after shade.

Other colors include white, tan, gray, cream, fawn, sable, and merle. Whatever its coat color, though, the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix will look irresistible!

The personality and behavior of a Pomchi

What these dogs lack in size, they will more than make it up for in character. They can be calm and affectionate while being cute or excitable and active while being fierce.

Some owners describe them as cunning and sassy, too, so there’s never a dull moment with this crossbreed around.

You’ll never know the Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix’s exact temperament until it’s an adult. One you can be sure of is that they can be quite vocal. This trait is something Poms and Chis share.

Whenever your Pomchi gets excited or wants your attention, be prepared for their yapping!

Is the Pomchi suitable as a family pet?

Any dog can be a great addition to the family, but not all families are the right match for this crossbreed.

Given its size, the Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix gets along better with older children who know how to handle a delicate dog and behave around them.

The Pomchi isn’t the type to tolerate having its ears pulled, getting its toys taken away, or being interrupted when eating.

With proper socialization, this dog usually won’t show aggression towards little ones.

However, nipping or biting will be their warning or defense if they feel hurt or threatened. So you have to remember to not leave your Pomchi, or any small dog, unsupervised with your kids during playtime.

It is an excellent companion dog, though, so we recommend the Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix to singles, seniors, and couples. This little hybrid will love soaking up attention and affection from their owners.

The Pomchi isn’t a hardy kind of canine, too, so they are more suited to an urban lifestyle. They’ll do well even in small homes like apartments.

Your little protector

This canine is perfect for people who are looking for a dog that is small yet protective. They remain alert and cautious when strangers are around.

Unlike Golden Retrievers, Pomeranian-Chihuahua mixes won’t run up to every human to greet them with a wagging tail, a smile, and a friendly look.

This breed is one of those dogs that will not let you easily and quickly subdue them no matter how small and adorable they look, because they take their watchdog role pretty seriously.

Exercising your Pomchi

If you aren’t very active yourself, this is one crossbreed you should consider getting!

As with most small dogs, Pomeranian-Chihuahua hybrids don’t require a whole lot of exercise. At least 30 minutes of outdoors time and activity is sufficient for this dog. Take him for a short walk every day or even take her along when you’re running errands.

Bringing your dog outside will ensure that it will enjoy some fresh air and gets them used to new sights, sounds, and smells, which would help with their development and improve their socialization skills.

Never remove their leash and keep an eye on your Pomchi when you’re out, especially when it’s around bigger dogs or other animals. Your dog won’t be able to cope with being roughed up, and they can end up getting hurt in these situations.

Be cautious when walking your little dog and make sure she keeps a safe distance from large and aggressive dogs. Always keep her close to you whenever you two are out and about.

They can also get plenty of activity even when staying indoors. Toys and games like fetch and treasure hunts are good ways to give your dog the physical and mental stimulation it needs.

Pomchis are called “lap dogs” for a reason. After some exercise, they’d be happy to relax and curl up by your side.

Training a bossy pooch

The Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix may look aloof or act standoffish, but this crossbreed will surprise you with how intelligent they are.

As puppies, some of them can be stubborn and have that persona that they are “on top of the food chain.”

Exert authority with your Pomchi puppy and start socialization and training right away.

This breed (in fact, all dogs) respond well to treats, praises, and all kinds of positive reinforcement.

Don’t let the hard work of teaching your Pomchi proper behavior discourage you. If you feel like your Pomeranian-Chi hybrid is being too difficult, you can always take her to obedience or puppy training classes for help.

These classes will give your dog the chance to meet new friends and interact with unfamiliar people, too, improving their socialization skills.

Tips on training small dogs

Keep in mind that, with your size, your mere presence can be intimidating to your little fur baby. Use a soft voice and small gestures when training your Pomchi, especially when he doesn’t trust you yet.

You can avoid your dog from getting stressed during training by bringing yourself to its level, literally.

Unless you’re doing leash-training, sit on the floor during training sessions. You can also put your Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix on an elevated surface like a low table or a bed.

These positions will make it easier for you to maintain eye contact with your dog, which is crucial in training. Be careful, though, as you don’t want her to fall from such a height!

And speaking of leash training, make sure your dog’s collar matches his size. The good news is that the canine accessories industry has made it easier for you to find leashes, collars, and harnesses that are lightweight enough for even the smallest dogs to be comfortable using or wearing.

When you’re introducing your Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix to other people or animals, place him on the ground rather than keeping him in your arms. On the ground, your dog will have space and freedom to back away if he feels the need to do so.

You should also observe your dog closely and carefully during socialization and when she’s around other dogs.

Let your Pomchi meet and interact with people, dogs, and other animals on her terms. If she’s showing signs of nervousness or fear, it might be best to remove her from the situation.

Most people are unaware of how stressful it is for small breeds to be suddenly picked up from the ground. You should only lift a little dog after a verbal cue like ‘come on’ or ‘okay.’ This way, he knows what’s coming and stays calm in the process.

Potty training: an issue for small dogs

Smaller dogs may be easier to groom and walk, and they will take up less space.

One downside, though, is that they may be harder to potty-train than their larger counterparts.

That information may be accurate, but not for the reason you think.

Toy and mini breeds are not challenging to house-train because they’re stubborn; it’s just that their smaller bladders make it more difficult for them to hold in their urine.

Don’t worry, though. All you need is to successfully house-train your Pomchi is patience and a consistent training routine.

Before you even take your Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix home from the breeder or the shelter, its crate must be in place. No matter its age, crating is a great way to train your dog on the proper area to relieve himself.

Make sure that you get a dog crate that is big enough that your Pomchi can stand up, lay down, and stretch comfortably, but not too spacious that a corner of their crate could serve as a toilet.

Set up a schedule so that when he’s either outdoors or in the crate, your dog knows when and where he needs to go potty.

Your dog won’t want to soil the place where he sleeps, so he’ll most likely have to go when you take him out of the crate. In short, crating will let you pretty much control when and where your dog eliminates.

And since you’ll know exactly when your dog will relieve himself, you can reward your dog for not soiling inside the crate and for going potty outside. In turn, this reinforces good behavior from your pet.

The first few nights may be tiresome as a lot of puppies have trouble sleeping through the night without needing to go. It’s crucial that you get up to let your dog out and do his business when you hear him whimpering in his crate at night.

During waking hours, take your dog to the designated toilet area every two hours to three hours. Observe if your puppy is making a potty dance or is making or showing signs telling you that your dog needs to go potty.

Eventually, with consistent praise and treats, your dog should be able to understand your house rules.

If accidents happen, don’t punish your dog. Punishments are ineffective and detrimental to your dog’s development and your relationship with your pet.

Stay calm and positive if your dog relieves himself indoors. Just pick up your canine friend gently and bring him to the designated toilet area, and praise him for doing the act.

Once your dog is relaxed, clean up after him and continue having fun!

All you need to know to take care of a Pomchi

With its size, it’s relatively easy to take care this small crossbreed. It doesn’t need much food, and its coat doesn’t require daily upkeep.

The Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix is definitely a crossbreed to consider if you’re looking for an easygoing dog.

How to groom a Pomchi

He sheds only once a year, usually between spring and summer.

So you won’t have to worry about dealing with dog hair all over your clothes and furniture!

(Despite its low-shedding coat, though, the Chihuahua-Pom cross is not hypoallergenic.)

Brush your Pomchi’s coat at least twice a week to keep it free from tangles and mats.

Equip yourself with a soft-bristled brush and groom your dog’s coat with care.

Keep in mind that this crossbreed has sensitive skin, so avoid using metal brushes that may cause irritation and discomfort.

They usually require baths once a month or when needed. Remember to use mild shampoo! Check and clean your dog’s ears weekly to prevent inflammation and yeast infections.

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian both suffer from dental issues, and it’s a possibility that their offpsring can have the same problem. Prevent tooth decay and gum disease by brushing your dog’s teeth once a day.

If you won’t be able to brush your Pomchi’s teeth every day, keep dental problems at bay by doing a light weekly brushing of her teeth with a toothpaste recommended by your vet.

You can also give your dog dental chews, which will help keep her teeth clean.

Some owners take their Pomeranian-Chi mixes to their trusted groomer semi-regularly for trims and nail clipping every 4-6 weeks.

What to feed your Pomchi

You would not believe how much this dog can eat! Despite his size, he will try to chow down any food you place in front of him.

That is why it is essential that you strictly monitor your dog’s diet. Give your little pooch a yummy canine food that is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of small dogs. Around ½ to 1 cup of kibble is enough for each day.

Choose dry kibble whenever possible, as the dense texture of the food will help in keeping the Pomchi’s teeth clean. The kibble should also be small in size so that your Chi-Pom cross will be able to eat her food properly and digest it easily.

We won’t recommend moist, canned dog foods as these can contribute to dental problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. These can trigger digestive issues, too.

You can also opt for fresh food as long as she’s getting 40% meat, 30% vegetables, and 30% carbohydrates. Always ask your vet before changing anything in your dog’s diet.

Health issues your Pomchi may have

You probably heard that crossbreeds are healthier than purebreds because of hybrid vigor. However, the former is also prone to suffering from health issues that are associated with their parents.

Smaller dogs are more susceptible to genetic defects, especially if they are a product of unethical breeding practices. (That’s another reason for you to do your research when looking for breeders.)

Some of the health concerns that the Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix’s parents are known to suffer from include:

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Heart problems
• Open fontanel (small holes in the skull)
• Epilepsy
• Collapsed trachea
• Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
• Eye problems
• Dental issues
• Patellar luxation (floating kneecap)

Some of the less common or minor health issues that Pomchis can have are skin problems, allergies, shivering, hip dysplasia, and seizures.

Even if mixed breeds tend to live longer than their parents, you should carefully choose a puppy with purebred parents that are health tested to hopefully have your Pom-Chi mixes live longer than their lifespan of 9 to 17 years.

Ready to buy a Pomchi?

If you finally decided that you’re getting a Pomchi pup, there are things to keep in mind before rushing out to buy one

You can always look online and read reviews on various breeders. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the pups the breeder has available and his breeding practices.

Make time to visit the breeder’s kennel to check the environment where the pups live, the parents, and the rest of the litter. The puppies should appear healthy, and they should not be excessively timid around strangers.

You’ll also want to look at medical certificates that both parents and puppies passed health check-ups.

Breeders who love their dogs will also ask you questions about you and your lifestyle to make sure the puppy is going home to a suitable home and family.

Getting a pup from Pomchi breeders

Generally, a Pomchi puppy would cost around $150 to $950 each. Various factors – like the pup’s coat color or its pedigree – could drive up the price to about $1400 or higher.

Even if the cost is lower, never buy a dog from puppy mills and pet stores, as they never care about the wellbeing of the puppies they sell.

Here are some Pomeranian and Chihuahua breeders (and their mixes) to get you on the right track of looking for the right pup for you.

• ChiChi Babies (Arkansas)
• Chihuahuas Wee Love (Texas)
• Avalon Poms
• My Secret Poms (California)

Adopting a Pomchi from rescues

When you adopt, there’s a higher chance that you’d get an adult Pomchi instead of a puppy.

But the good thing about it is you’d be able to get a better feel of the dog’s personality, and you’ll get a clearer picture of health problems you will have to deal with if you get that specific dog.

Adopting a dog is often much more affordable than getting a puppy from the breeder.

Some shelters will even do free health check-ups, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering services.

But the best thing about adopting is that you’ll be giving a dog another chance to be happy with a family.

If you already checked your local shelters and haven’t found a Pom-Chihuahua hybrid, you can check out these rescues and shelters for Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and their mixes and ask if they have a Pomchi available for adoption.

• Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue
• Texas Chihuahua Rescue (Texas)

Is the Pomchi the right dog for you?

It’s no wonder that the little designer dog is on the rise to be a much-loved crossbreed. They won’t fail their purpose as your loyal companion.

One great thing about getting a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix is that they shed minimally, which saves you time and effort in grooming your dog and cleaning up around the house.

You won’t even have to worry about making an effort with being active as they require a small amount of exercise daily. Your Pomeranian-Chihuahua cross will be 100% happy to stay indoors with you and play with her toys.

If you’re an inexperienced dog owner, the Pomchi is a perfect candidate as a first dog!

If you have any suggestions or advice for anyone wanting this hybrid, leave a comment below. We appreciate helpful dog lovers!