Every person who decides to get a dog must first decide what breed his pet will be.
Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are the undisputed leaders in popularity among indoor dogs.
Each of these two breeds has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Therefore, when choosing between a Yorkie and a Chihuahua, you need to take into account their breed characteristics.
Let's look at the characteristics of animals in more detail.
Origin story of Pomchi
In fact, it is unknown whether the cross is the result of an accidental crossing of a Chihuahua with a Pomeranian, or whether they were crossed by breeders during careful experiments. But, despite the mystery of its origin, in 1998 the crossbreed was recognized as an independent breed.
The name “Pomchi” itself is the result of “crossing” two parts of words. “Pom” was taken from a Pomeranian, “Chi” from a Chihuahua. According to another opinion, the final name of the Pomchi cross was influenced by the northern Spitz - Lapphunds.
Who's smarter?
This question can even be answered from a scientific point of view. In 1994, Professor Stanley Coren compiled a classification of the main dog breeds based on intelligence. He took the dog’s ability to adapt, obedience and instinctive qualities as a basis . Neither the Spitz nor the Chihuahua are among the smartest breeds that can learn commands literally the first time.
But the German Spitz, according to the professor, was among the simply capable dogs that respond to a command given by the owner in 85% of cases. In the gradation created by Koren, the Spitz settled in 16th place.
But the professor classified the Chihuahua as a dog breed with low abilities, stubborn and self-willed, and gave them a place almost in the second ten. Of course, this scale is arbitrary.
If you have chosen the Chihuahua and Spitz breeds, I sincerely congratulate you! This is a great choice! These breeds are great for living in the city and outside the city. They have a wonderful disposition, are cheerful, inquisitive, sociable, charming and very showy. They are easy to care for. It's a pleasure to live with them! These are wonderful companion dogs, ready to accompany you everywhere.
- First, read the breed standard carefully and several times to get a general idea of what a dog of a given breed should look like.
- Where to buy a puppy? This is a very important point. Always remember that you are buying a dog for many years to come. She will be with you much longer than your favorite fashionable phone, fur coat, handbag, etc. Therefore, searching on the basis of “where is cheaper” is a big mistake. When buying a puppy, you need to choose the puppy , not the price of the puppy. Perhaps the puppy you like will cost less than you planned, perhaps more, but this is not so important. It is much more important that he meets your requirements in appearance, character and health.
- You should not buy a puppy in pedestrian crossings, near the subway, etc.
- Do not buy a puppy without first vaccination, i.e. earlier than 2 - 2.5 months . Don't listen to people who say that your one-month-old baby is ready to go to a new home. Run away from such would-be breeders. Do not buy a mini puppy before 3-3.5 months.
- If you do not have experience in raising puppies, then it is better to buy a puppy for vacation or buy at the age of 3 months, provided that the breeder is ready to advise you on all questions that arise.
- In any case, it is better to buy a puppy on the weekend so that the baby can spend at least a couple of days with you fully.
- When buying a puppy, you must make sure that the coat is free of dandruff, the skin is clean, free of pimples, sores and parasites. The ears are clean, the nose is clear, breathing is not difficult. The baby moves well and does not limp. A smooth-haired puppy has a shiny coat. Long-haired puppies can be shedding if they are 3 months or older, and don’t let this confuse or scare you. The puppy should not be exhausted, its eyes should not be dull or indifferent. Puppies, like children, are usually very curious. But they may become confused and shy when they see a stranger.
- If you are buying a dog as a pet, then any puppy you like will suit you. The main thing is that he is healthy. He may be at the level of a world champion, he may have shortcomings, it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that he is healthy and you like him!
- If you are buying a puppy for a show career and breeding. work, then you must understand that the younger the puppy is, the higher the risk of making a mistake. At 2 months, a puppy can be ideal, but in the process of growth it changes, becomes simpler, loses its ideal bite when changing teeth, does not grow in size and bones to a high-quality litter, etc. Any professional breeder understands these risks, but a beginner doesn’t even think about it. If you want to minimize risks, then you should pay attention to older puppies after 6-9 months. And remember that champions are not born, they are made. And they become them thanks to the diligence and financial investments of the dog’s owner.
- Should I buy a boy or a girl? If you are buying a pet. then the gender of the puppy is not important. Choose a puppy: color, appearance, character. If the dog is not used for breeding. work, it is better to castrate her, regardless of gender.
- Remember that a CHIHUA PUPPY may have a FOTANNALE. The main thing is that it is not huge. If the fontanelle is about the size of a 10-kopeck coin, then this is normal. A SPOTS PUPPY SHOULD NOT HAVE A FONTANLINE .
- It is always better to buy a puppy from a planned mating, i.e. with a puppy card. It is advisable that the breeder also provide a veterinary passport and enter into a purchase and sale agreement.
- A big PLUS when choosing a puppy is the breeder’s willingness to advise you on issues of maintenance, nutrition, and education.
If my advice helped you even a little, I’m very happy! I wish you and your pet many happy years together!
Crossbreeding of small ornamental breeds in order to improve positive characteristics and reduce the negative effects of dwarfism genes has been carried out for many years. The result of crossbreeding is new breeds - designer or decorative dogs. These breeds are not recognized in the world of dog breeding as independent breeds and are a mixbred. In 1989, the Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix received an approved hybrid breed standard and was recognized in the United States.
Pomeranian and Chihuahua
Description of the breed
A cross between a Chihuahua and an orange is a decorative breed of dog. Their purpose is to be companions for humans. Pomchi has earned the love of people not only for his compact size, although it is thanks to this that the pet can be kept in small city apartments.
In addition to size, the hybrid is characterized by:
- devotion and affection to the owner;
- love and respect for people;
- these dogs are real guards and protectors;
- pretty appearance;
- Quite strong immunity.
Chihuahua
These little dogs are also smart in their own way. They quickly get used to the tray and can sit for a long time and calmly in the arms of their owners during trips to the store or cafe.
They say that representatives of this breed have incredible intuition and anticipate the approach of natural disasters.
However, with these advantages, they, especially males, can easily run away while walking after some lady of their breed. They also often jump from high places and get broken limbs, so sometimes their intelligence is also not all right.
Appearance of a Chihuahua and Spitz mix
The appearance of a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian Spitz combines the characteristics of both ancestors:
- long wool;
- sophisticated face;
- round apple-shaped head, like a Chihuahua;
- large ears, like those of sneezes, located on the top of the head. They have pointed tips, which were borrowed from the Pomeranian Spitz;
- The Pomchi body is stocky, the chest is wide, the neck is strong. Pronounced muscularity, strong limbs;
- the tail is not wrapped in a ring, but lies on the back. The crossbreed took this trait from the Chihuahua.
The body weight and height of the crossbreed is the same as both miniature breeds. Weight is from 3 to 3.5 kilograms, the height of an adult hybrid is from 18 to 25 centimeters.
Pomeranian Voivodeship - facts, features, characteristics and behavior
Pomeranians are descended from sled dogs in Iceland and Lapland. They were later developed from much larger dog breeds in Pomerania and Germany that are similar to the modern German Klein Spitz. In the mid-1800s, when Queen Victoria brought this dog to England, the dog breed became very popular in the UK. Early Pomeranians were larger and heavier in bone. But this dog breed has become much smaller, and they now weigh between 1.5 and 3 kg. Height at withers is about 9-11 inches. The head is round in shape with a short muzzle and dark light almond-shaped eyes. The ears are small and straight. The tail is curled and set parallel to its back. The double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a long, straight outer coat. The coat comes in a variety of colors and color combinations including red, orange, cream, black, brown, brindle and motley. The limbs are short and straight with compact tiny feet.
Their lifespan is about 15 years. This dog breed is very active, intelligent, alert and curious. They are known to be good alarm clocks or watchdogs. Pomeranians, although they are small, need daily exercise. Homeschooling would be a challenge, but with careful observation and patience it can be achieved. These dogs are often used in a variety of activities such as canine therapy and obedience competitions. They are a great pet, especially for older people. They may be too fragile for very young children. Grooming is complex and must be done very often.
Character and temperament of a cross between Chuhua and Spitz
The Chihuahua crossed with a Spitz is an incredibly energetic family dog. She is smart and savvy, quickly learning new things. The character traits and temperamental features of Pomchi include:
- Quick attachment to people, especially to members of one's family. The dog will never betray those he loves.
- Lovingness. Metis loves affection and constantly demands it from his owner.
- Playfulness. When you get this pet, be prepared that he will run around the apartment every day, playing with his favorite toys.
- The peculiarity of Pomchi's temperament is his mixture: the dog can behave like a Pomeranian Spitz, or maybe like a Chihuahua. It is ultimately formed by the upbringing and socialization of the pet.
Miniature dogs, including the Pomeranian cross, are prone to what is known as small dog syndrome. This is expressed in the following: the pet behaves as if it is the head of the entire house. He begins to manipulate people, often gets irritated and shows aggression if he is dissatisfied with something.
The syndrome can be corrected. The main thing is to raise the dog on time. There is no need to take into account the small size of the dog - it must be raised in the same way as a large dog. Elements of raising a crossbreed include:
- socialization of a puppy in childhood;
- do not carry it on your hands too often.
Owner reviews
People who have a pomchi at home as a pet note its balanced, flexible character, with an increased sense of self-esteem. The hybrid has powerful intelligence and curiosity. Pomchi is full of contrasts, he is playful and energetic, like a Pomeranian, but at the same time reasonable and capable of insisting on his own, like a sneeze.
According to reviews, some individuals express their emotions violently and loudly, like their Spitz ancestors, but for the most part, Pomchis are not idle talkers. Despite its touching appearance, the dog needs training, since its disposition is by no means sugar.
The iron will and stubbornness of a pomchi can easily dominate a person with a soft character, as breeders and owners of this breed say about mestizos. And then you will receive a royal person at home, whom you will faithfully serve, fulfilling the slightest whim of the little despot.
However, this can be quite funny, because the function of a decorative dog is to evoke positive emotions and fulfill a person’s needs in caring for someone.
The owners note in their reviews that the pet is non-confrontational and gets along well with other animals in the house. It has excellent contact with children, provided that it is small and, as a result, traumatic if handled carelessly.
Otherwise, the dog will try to avoid contact with children or begin to defend itself. Adults should remember this, as well as the fact that a dog is not a toy, but a living being.
It is worth noting that all reviews about Pomcha are extremely positive. There are no negative reviews.
Maintenance and care of a mixed Chihuahua and Spitz
Care for eyes, ears, teeth
The Chihuahua and Pomeranian mix has big eyes. Therefore, they need care: you need to wipe them with a cotton pad every day. It must be moistened either in a tea solution or in boiled warm water. It is not prohibited to buy special eye drops.
Cleaning your ears is an equally necessary activity. Every day you need to inspect the ears of the mixed breed, remove wax and other contaminants.
To take care of your dog's teeth, you need to let him chew on dog dental sticks.
Grooming
Since the Chikha-Pomeranian cross is a long-haired breed, it is necessary to comb its coat every week. And during shedding, you need to brush your pet almost every day. Representatives of the breed with a double coat structure are contraindicated from combing a wet coat. This will disrupt the integrity of the undercoat and lead to loss of hairs.
Feeding your pet
A cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian needs to be fed correctly. This is almost the main factor in a dog’s health. High-quality food will completely satiate your pet and prevent it from getting sick and weak. Miniature mix dogs tend to be energetic and restless, so they have a higher metabolic rate. Accordingly, you need to correctly calculate the ratio of the food given and the weight of the pet.
Dry food for a mixed breed should contain a lot of protein, vitamins and minerals. It is better to buy a professional line of food not lower than premium.
Walking outside
The Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix requires short walks and yard play. This will fully satisfy his need for walking and communication. Since the dog cannot tolerate frost, it is necessary to wear warm winter or autumn clothes. The overalls should not restrict movement. Animals must be walked in fenced areas.
Training and education
Chihuahua and Spitz mixes respond well to parenting and training. The small dog is smart and savvy, quickly understanding what is required of it.
To interest a hybrid, you need to conduct training in a fun, playful way. Otherwise, it will be difficult to focus your pet’s attention. He often needs to be hugged and petted.
Grooming
Grooming is carried out only by specialists. They only cut off the outer hair, leaving the undercoat.
Bathing
You rarely need to bathe your dog. This is done only as a last resort if the dog is very dirty. During molting, bathing is prohibited, otherwise tangles will form.
To wash the sneeze mixture, you need dog shampoo. For medium and small stains, dry shampoo is sufficient. Additionally, after bathing, you can use coat cosmetics to brighten the coat.
Health, vaccinations, lifespan
A cross between a Pomeranian and a Chikh has absorbed not only the advantages, but also the weaknesses of the health of the breeds. So, common problems include:
- joint problems;
- vulnerable organs of the respiratory system;
- dental diseases;
- hypoglycemia;
- tendency to allergies, like chihuahuas.
Of course, it all depends on the health of the Chihuahua mom and Spitz dad. The lifespan of a mixed-breed pet is from 12 to 18 years.
Who is easier to maintain?
Chihuahuas do not need to be cut: caring for their fur is limited to combing and fairly infrequent washing.
It’s more difficult with a Yorkie, especially a show one: he needs to be brushed regularly and bathed twice a month..
The wool of a show Yorkshire dog is placed in curlers so that it does not get tangled or dirty, but if the owner does not want to mess with his hair, it is recommended to cut a non-show Yorkie.
IMPORTANT!
Both breeds equally require regular cleaning of eyes, ears, teeth and nail trimming.
Both Yorkies and Chihuahuas will need demi-season and insulated clothing, as they get cold easily.
How to choose clothes for a Yorkie, read here.
Pros and cons of a Chihuahua mixed with a Pomeranian
The advantages of a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua are:
- Compactness. The mixture is suitable for keeping in a small city apartment.
- Good health with proper care.
- Ease of learning and training.
- No long street walks required. You can train your pet to go to the toilet in a diaper or in a tray.
- Gets along with kids.
- She becomes attached to her owner and is devoted to him until the end of her life.
- A gentle and affectionate dog.
The disadvantages of the breed mixture include several points:
- Frequent problems during childbirth and pregnancy.
- Tendency to joint diseases due to a small body.
- A careful and attentive attitude is required.
- They shed.
- They are offended and jealous of the owner.
- Without education, Pomcha has a difficult, stubborn character.
Spitz or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Spitz and the Yorkie are similar in character: both are cheerful, active and agile (shown in the photo). But the Pomeranian is different and loves to bark, while the Yorkie is more silent.
Both of these breeds are selflessly devoted to their owners, but Yorkshires are more dependent on their owners.
Grooming the coat of both dogs is not easy, but while the Yorkie needs curling or clipping and frequent bathing, the Spitz needs regular brushing and grooming.
The main problem is shedding, which is very pronounced in the Spitz, since this dog has a rich undercoat. Yorkies don't shed at all.
Like Yorkies, Spitz dogs are quite sensitive and can be good guards . Both breeds do not require a large living space and can live in a small apartment.
Both Yorkies and Spitz treat children well and play wonderfully with them. Both breeds are not known for their aggression towards other animals, but the Yorkie may be a little more cocky than the Spitz.
Unlike the Yorkie, the Spitz is not afraid of cold weather and even in winter, if there is no severe frost, it can walk without clothes.
So who should you choose: Spitz or Yorkie? Considering that these breeds are very similar in terms of character, when making a choice between them, you should take into account the fact that the Yorkie's coat requires more complex care.
On the other hand, the Yorkie does not shed, but the Spitz leaves long hair everywhere during the shedding season.
Choosing a pet is always a difficult task . It is impossible to unambiguously recommend the same breed for all people: after all, each of them has its own breed characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
For some, a Yorkie is better suited, and for others - a Spitz or Chihuahua.
The main thing is not to chase fashion, but to proceed from what conditions the future owner can provide for his pet and who is more suitable for his character.
We also must not forget about personal preferences: after all, the dog, in addition to everything, must also be liked by its owner.
Where can I buy a Pomchi puppy, how much does it cost?
You should not buy a Chihuahua cross puppy based only on its photo. You need to find out all the information about the baby: his pedigree, health characteristics, vaccinations, the food on which he grew up. The baby’s health largely depends on the health of the father’s Chihuahua dog and the Spitz mother’s dog, who were crossed.
You need to talk to the breeder, find out in what conditions the mixed puppies grew up (it is important that they are kept not in an outdoor enclosure, but in a house), ask for some advice on keeping a baby in an apartment. The purchase is carried out only under an officially concluded contract. It is necessary to stipulate points regarding the responsibility of both parties.
The price of a cross between a Chihuahua and an orange starts from 15 thousand rubles.
Choosing a mixed breed puppy
When choosing a Pomeranian Spitz mix puppy, you should follow several recommendations:
- Do not be guided only by photographs on the Internet.
- Check all documents for the puppy.
- Look at the baby's parents.
- Pay attention to the behavior, appetite and physical condition of the dog.
- Find out if there is a vaccination record.
- Consult with the breeder about the puppy’s eating habits, daily routine and acquired skills.
Questions and answers
Personality of the Pomchi breed
This is an incredibly energetic domestic dog. She is smart and savvy, quickly learning new things. He becomes strongly attached to people, constantly showing affection and playfulness.
What does Pomchi look like?
The appearance of a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian combines the characteristics of both dogs. They have long hair, a refined face, a round apple-shaped head (like sneezes), and large pointed ears located on the top of the head. The body is stocky, the chest is wide, the neck is strong. Pronounced muscularity and strong limbs. The tail is not wrapped in a ring, but lies on the back.
Health and susceptibility to disease
Teeth are the Achilles heel of all decorators, so you should regularly check with your veterinarian for stone formation. Timely removal of tartar is the key to ensuring that your pet does not lose teeth at a young age.
You should also pay attention to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Chihuahuas and Spitz dogs are susceptible to heart disease, which is directly related to respiratory pathologies.
Pomchi dogs are also prone to cryptorchidism (males). Such individuals are subject to mandatory sterilization and are not suitable for breeding.
The breed has adopted the weather dependence of the Chihuahua, so it may not feel well when the weather changes. This should be taken into account if suddenly the dog was playing the day before, but today he constantly sleeps and refuses food.