Tiny, Foxy, and Full of Personality: Meet the Pomchi!
Have you ever seen a dog that looks like a fox? The Pomchi dog is a Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix usually resulting from accidental crossbreeding, but has become more popular as a “designer” breed over the past decade. People love the Pomeranian Chihuahua mix’s cheerful, spunky personality, and who could resist that feathery fur and perky little ears?
Tiny but mighty, the Pomchi might look like a stuffed animal, but these toy-sized dogs have lots of energy and big attitudes. If you’re looking for a lap dog that wants to snuggle and follow you all day, you’ll get that from the Pomchi, but you’ll also get a fearless, energetic, adventurous canine bestie who will want to join you on every outing.
@jessiiboo23 6 weeks in 30 seconds! 💖 #pomchi #puppies #fyp #pomeranian #puppiesoftiktok #transformation #watchusgrow #30seconds ♬ World's Smallest Violin – AJR
Meet 5 Adorable Pomchis From Instagram
Because they are mixed-breed dogs, every Pomchi is unique. Just watch these puppies as they grow up—each one is different! Some are red, some are cream, and some come in dark or multiple colors! Let’s meet a handful of super cute Pomchis so you can see how much variety there is in this mix.
1. Lottie
Lottie is an adorable little light-brown Pomchi who takes after her Pomeranian parent everywhere but the face where you can see her Chihuahua heritage clear as day.
2. Yoshi
Yoshi is a solid black Pomchi with the cutest little face and gorgeous silky fur!
3. Spyro
Spyro is a Pomchi from Amsterdam who inherited his coloring from his Chihuahua side but has the curly tail and coat of a Pomeranian.
4. Cleopatra
Cleo is a lovely little cream-colored Pomchi from Wales who loves to play outside and spend time with the human kids in her family!
5. Tilly
Tilly (left) is a red Pomchi living her best life with her Chihuahua sister, Lola (right). Even though Tilly is half Chihuahua, she looks more like a Pomeranian!
Pomchi Basic Info
Pomchis are Chihuahua Pomeranian mixes also called Chi-Poms, Pomahuahuas, or Chimeranians. Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are similar in size but differ vastly in breed origins.
Chihuahuas are the descendants of an ancient breed called the Techichi originating in modern-day Mexico, though some theorize they may have been brought to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors. Mostly kept as beloved companion animals, ancient Chihuahuas may have been so revered that they would be sacrificed following their owner’s death to help guide them through the afterlife.
Pomeranians are descendants of Arctic sled dogs and are the smallest Spitz group member. Once used as sled dogs and guard dogs, the first Pomeranains were larger dogs than the modern Pom, which was bred down in size over many decades. Pomeranians were popularized thanks to British royalty, who took a liking to the breed and began keeping it. This also encouraged breeders to produce even smaller dogs to create the Pom we recognize today.
By considering the features of both of the Pomchi’s parent breeds we can make some educated generalizations about Pomchis. With mixed-breed dogs, it’s important to remember that there are no breed standards and many outliers whose physical and temperament features will differ from the “baseline” expected of this mix.
Pomchi Temperament
@meganhannah0 What its like to have a Pomchi #pomchi #chiahuahua #pomeranian #dogs ♬ The Lion Sleeps Tonight – Vittorio Fraja
Pomchis are small dogs with big personalities! Pomchis are curious and intelligent little dogs who are simultaneously attentive and mischievous. Gentle and affectionate with their humans, Pomeranian Chihuahua mixes may be wary of strangers and will face perceived threats with fearless focus. Sometimes territorial of their homes and families, Pomchis are deeply devoted to their humans.
“My Pomchi is super loving and affectionate. Needs walked a lot because they are full of energy,” says a Reddit comment from a Pomchi owner describing their pup’s personality. “He never growls or bites and he loves kids. Nice to my cats and his best friend is a Border Collie. He is the sweetest most loving dog I’ve ever had.”
Social and adventurous, Pomchis do best when socialized early and given lots of exposure to different situations. Some Pomchis can be prone to anxiety, particularly separation anxiety since they develop such deep bonds with their families. Because they are energetic and playful, giving your Pomchi proper exercise and mental stimulation is key. Don’t assume that being small makes Pomchis low-maintenance—small dogs are still dogs!
Pomchi Size
A Pomchi full-grown stands around 5–9 inches at the shoulder and weighs around 4–8 pounds. Remember that very few Pomchis are a pure mix of Chihuahua and Pomeranian—most have additional breed parentage which can impact the adult size of a full-grown Pomchi.
Pomchi Health
Pomchis are prone to several common health problems in Pomerians, Chihuahuas, and other small dog breeds. The most common is dental disease, which can be mitigated or prevented with regular dental care. Brushing your Pomchi’s teeth regularly can make a big difference, help you avoid tooth extractions, and keep your Pomchi happy and healthy.
- Dental disease
- Joint issues (e.g. patellar luxation, hip dysplasia)*
- Eye and vision issues (e.g. glaucoma, cataracts)
- Alopecia
- Tracheal collapse
- Congestive heart failure
- Seizure disorders
*Small dogs like the Pomchi can benefit from stairs and other mobility aids preventing them from jumping on and off of furniture. Particularly as small dogs age they run a higher risk of joint issues like luxating patella—by preventing small injuries from an early age by preventing jumping, you can help your small dog stay healthy later in life.
Where To Find Pomchi Puppies For Sale
Finding reputable breeders of designer dogs (deliberately bred mixed breeds) like the Pomchi is virtually impossible. Most of these dogs are produced by backyard breeders and puppy mills, so it is best to avoid trying to buy Pomchi puppy when you can choose to adopt instead. Pomchis are relatively common in shelters and animal rescues since Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are often kept together and are similar in size.
If you are determined to buy a puppy from a breeder, please choose a reputable purebred Pomeranian puppy or Chihuahua puppy and not a mix.
If a Pomchi is your dream dog, visit your local shelter! You might be surprised by how many options you have, and you could find your dream dog. You can also search for a Pomchi at breed-specific rescues for Pomeranians and Chihuahuas.
Chihuahua and Pomeranian Rescue Resources:
- Chihuahua Club of America rescue referrals
- Displaced Pets Rescue
- American Pomeranian Club rescue referrals
Pomchi Dog FAQ
Don’t scroll just yet! There’s more to learn about the Pomchi and what life looks like with this adorable mixed-breed.
How long do Pomchis live?
12–20 years. Pomchi lifespan is estimated based on the life span of Pomeranians and Chihuahuas.
Do Pomchis shed a lot?
Sometimes. Pomchis are a moderate shedding breed, but how much they shed will be determined by which traits they inherit from each parent breed. Short-hair Pomchis may shed more than long-haired Pomchis because they have not inherited the Pomeranian coat, but all Pomchis shed at least a little.
What is a teacup Pomchi?
Teacup Pomchis are the result of mixing teacup Pomeranians with teacup Chihuahuas. “Teacup” is a term used to refer to dogs that have been deliberately bred down in size, but they are not an official size of any breed. Many teacup dogs have extensive genetic and congenital health issues, and the practice of producing teacup dogs is generally frowned upon in the world of ethical dog breeding.
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