Not so long ago, breeding mestizos - crosses of dogs of different breeds - became popular.
They are remarkable in that they absorb the best qualities from both parents.
At first, the Pomchi, a cross between a Pomeranian Spitz and a Chihuahua, also belonged to the mestizos.
This dog captivates with its appearance and mischievous disposition.
But as with any other breed, the Pomchi has its own nuances.
In this article you will find a complete description of the Pomchi breed, as well as photos of its representatives.
Description of the pomchi
Chihuahuas are crossed with Pomeranians. Hence the name of this cross, based on the first syllables of the breed name - Pomchi.
NOTE!
The Pomchi is the only mix that has been considered an independent breed since 1998. This dog is an indoor dog and is a companion by nature. The breed has good health and is also people-oriented.
Externally, the dog resembles a long-haired Chihuahua with a neater face. The head is the same rounded as that of the Mexican ancestor, the ears are the same, but more rounded, like those of a Spitz. The tail is curled.
There is an opinion that the blood of the Pomchi contains an admixture of Lapland Spitz and Pug .
History of origin
Mixed breeds are usually treated negatively among dog lovers, because the purity of the pedigree is always valued most of all. However, in some cases, crosses of different breeds become, if not better, then certainly no worse than their ancestors.
This is exactly what happened with the Pomchi, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian. Both of these breeds are very popular around the globe. But this is not surprising, because they are fabulously beautiful and funny. Pomchi were able to absorb all the best from their “parents” and take it to a new level.
For the first time, breeding of this mestizo began relatively recently - about three decades ago. American dog handlers became interested in this work and were able to achieve impressive results in the shortest possible time and even ensure recognition of their new breed by the US Canine Association. This happened in 1998.
Currently, almost all pomchi breeding and improvement efforts are still concentrated in the United States. However, dog lovers in Europe and some CIS countries were inspired by the work of their overseas colleagues and also began to spread this variety of decorative dogs.
Character of dogs
This breed, like most small dogs, is a good and loyal friend for humans if they have the appropriate upbringing and training. If this is not the case, then the dog may grow up to be aggressive and disobedient.
By nature, these are very kind dogs, attached to people. They love to socialize, play, and interact with people and other dogs.
Because of their sociability, Pomchis cannot tolerate loneliness. If they are left alone for a long time, it can completely change their personality. They will become secretive, withdraw into themselves and stop trusting people.
Also, these dogs do not need much physical activity. They equally love walks and playing at home with their owner.
Pomches love to be held and have other human contact. They like it when all the attention is directed at them, so it is important not to let the dog become proud. We need to show her who's boss.
IMPORTANT!
Failure to demonstrate character in establishing a relationship with a pomchi can lead to the pet beginning to manipulate the person. Dominant traits are clearly identified in the Pomchi's temperament.
Pekingese
After a sharp drop in prices for Pekingese at the end of the 20th century, in well-known kennels, bitches of this breed began to be bred with Yorkshire terriers, which were expensive and had a small number at that time. Females born after such matings were again crossed with Yorkies. Such puppies were more expensive than Pekingese, but cheaper than Yorkshire terriers.
Mixed breeds of Pekingese and Yorkies (Yorkinese) have the following features:
- loud, booming bark;
- desire for self-affirmation;
- no need for long walks;
- bad reaction to one's own kind;
- difficulty in learning;
- fearlessness;
- jealousy of the owner and his attention;
- intolerance of loneliness;
- luxurious coat.
Yorkies have an attractive appearance and an aristocratic character, but due to their poor health they are rare. Puppies obtained as a result of crossing Yorkies and Pekingese do not always inherit only the positive qualities of their parents, so it is impossible to know in advance what they will be like. Often, mestizos have an undesirable set of characteristics and, as a result, poor hair, squint, non-closed fontanel and other problems.
Mestizos are not recognized by any canine organization, therefore they cannot participate in exhibitions and official breeding, they do not have a pedigree.
Accepted standard
The height of an adult dog should vary from 15 cm to 23 cm, and weight from 2 kg to 5.5 kg.
Dogs have a round, slightly wedge-shaped head.
The eyes are not bulging like a Chihuahua's, but large and dark, and the nose should also be dark or black, although this depends on the color of the dog.
The Pomchi's tail is of medium length and curls behind its back.
Coat color and length may vary.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
This is a mischievous and cheerful dog that everyone usually falls in love with at first sight. Both children and elderly people get along with her easily. The breed does not tolerate loneliness well, even if it is short-term. It shows aggression extremely rarely, but it still needs to be handled carefully.
Breed characteristics
The Chihuahua and Spitz mix has quite a bit of variation in appearance since the original dog breeds differ in characteristics. On the one hand, the small Pomeranian Spitz is a dog with a rich coat, double coat, and a collar-mane that characterizes the breed. On the other hand, there is a tiny Chihuahua that can be either long-haired or smooth-haired. Only the size of the animal remains unchanged. In these breeds selected for the hybrid, only activity, size and love for the owner are the same.
Table 1. Main characteristics of the Chihuahua and Spitz mix
Characteristic | Standard |
Breed | Run |
Breed type | Hybrid |
Size | Up to 25 cm, no minimum size |
Weight | Up to 5 kg |
Lifespan | Up to 20 years |
Learning ability | Average, requires early socialization |
Activity | Above average, love games, walks |
Walk | Without a collar, on a harness, preferably in fenced areas |
Care |
|
Interaction with other animals | Good subject to early socialization |
Interaction with children | Good, preferably children over 5 years old |
Barking | Loud, sonorous |
Tolerance of loneliness | Poor tolerance, frequent barking possible |
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- a small breed that can comfortably fit into a small apartment;
- excellent health;
- easy to train;
- does not require long walks, can go to the toilet using a diaper or tray;
- gets along with children;
- has a cheerful and good-natured disposition;
- smart;
- becomes attached to the owner, devoted.
Flaws:
- due to its small size, problems may arise during childbirth and pregnancy;
- prone to joint and bone diseases;
- fragile dogs that require careful handling;
- Long-haired Pomchis shed;
- touchy and jealous;
- difficult character and the need for education.
Mixed breed with Spitz
Most often, to obtain original Yorkie puppies, they are bred with Spitz dogs. Puppies born as a result of such mating inherit the best qualities of both parents and have an attractive appearance and good health. Such dogs are not prone to developing genetic pathologies and, according to experienced breeders, are characterized by a high rate of survival.
Mestizos also have the following positive qualities:
- friendliness;
- intelligence and intelligence;
- loyalty;
- cheerful character;
- ability to learn;
- lack of aggression;
- empathy.
All this is possible only if you carefully select purebred parents with a similar temperament, otherwise the puppy may have various deviations regarding both appearance and health.
Here are some typical photos.
Each puppy has a unique set of characteristics, so it is impossible to predict the length, color or texture of the coat. It is also impossible to judge in advance the character of the future pet, but if any undesirable traits appear, they can be easily corrected with proper upbringing, training and socialization. The only thing we can talk about with confidence is the size of the mestizos. Adults do not grow large; they have a compact, less often medium size.
Caring for the hair of a Yorkie-Spitz crossbreed is primarily aimed at regular brushing to avoid the formation of tangles and monthly cutting of split ends of hair that impede normal coat growth.
Basic colors
Pomchis have a thick coat with undercoat. Its color is not fixed.
The breed can be any color of its ancestors - from white to jet black. The dog can also be spotted.
Primary colors:
- black;
- white;
- grey;
- orange;
- red;
Pomcha color can be intermediate.
Life expectancy and health
Pomches, like Chihuahuas, live quite a long time. Their lifespan is 12-18 years.
The health of the breed depends on the condition of the parents. Basically, almost all puppies are born healthy and remain healthy throughout their lives.
Pomchis have inherited a tendency towards food allergies from Chihuahuas. Therefore, you need to be careful about their nutrition.
Read about what diseases a chihuahua can inherit from a chihuahua here.
Also, this is a small dog that can be easily injured.
NOTE!
Another weak point of small breeds is their teeth. It is necessary from time to time to inspect the dog’s mouth for the absence of tartar and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian to remove it. If this process is started, the dog may lose teeth at a young age.
Attention should be paid to the state of the pet's cardiovascular system. Heart disease is directly related to breathing, which is where respiratory pathologies can arise.
Pomchis have adopted weather dependence from Chihuahuas, so they may feel unwell when the weather changes. This also needs to be kept in mind in order to understand why the dog suddenly lost his mood.
Mating
There are no rules or documents regulating the breeding of pomchi dogs, which are a cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Therefore, when breeding them, you should be guided by general principles:
- Males are ready for mating at the age of 1 year, females - at 15 months.
- The best option for the first mating of a bitch is considered to be in her third heat.
- For natural mating, it is better if the male is taller and larger than the female.
- It will be more effective to bring partners together on days 11-13 of the dog's estrus.
Features of maintenance and care
For long-haired Pomchis, grooming involves weekly brushing; during the shedding period, this should be done almost every day.
Since dogs have large eyes, they water a lot, so you need to remember to wipe them every day with a swab moistened with warm water. Or you can purchase special drops.
It is important to accustom your puppy to these procedures from childhood.
It is important to clean your dog’s ears and trim his nails on time.
IMPORTANT!
A small dog, despite its undercoat, gets cold quickly. In the winter and autumn seasons, she will need warm clothes, even special boots. During hot weather, keep your pet out of direct sunlight to prevent heatstroke.
You shouldn't make long walks. The Pomchi does not need physical activity, so it does not require long walks. You can teach your dog to relieve himself on the diaper in the apartment.
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.
How to feed?
As for any other dog, nutrition should be balanced, correct and healthy. Also, your pet should have clean water at room temperature freely available.
Each owner chooses how to feed the pomchi - dry food or natural food. The most important thing to pay attention to is that food from the store should be super-premium, and natural food should be of high quality and fresh.
You also need to calculate the optimal amount of food. Feeding too much food will cause such a miniature dog to become obese.
Since the pomchi is small in size, its maintenance and nutrition will not put a dent in the owner’s pocket.
An adult pomchi needs to be fed twice a day, however, if you play with him for a long time, you should give the dog a snack. This will allow her to regain her strength. Cartilage or beef callus will be useful for your teeth.
In general, feeding a Pomchi is no different from feeding a Spitz or Chihuahua.
Application
Like other designer dog breeds, the Pomchi is considered a decorative companion dog.
This group brings together small dogs with an attractive appearance. They were bred solely for the purpose of producing a beautiful pet. However, do not forget that the babies are not plush, but alive. They need care, attention and careful care. Decorative dogs of the Pomchi breed have a good exterior. In order for a dog to show itself effectively at shows, it needs to be trained from a very early age.
An obedient, properly raised Pomchi will not be afraid of noise or strangers, and will get used to regular grooming. Then nothing will distract him at exhibitions, and his natural love for attention will only increase his chances of winning.
Price range
Since the Pomchi is considered a separate breed, their price does not differ from the prices of their ancestors.
Prices for dogs of different classes differ from each other.
So, a show-class puppy will cost you 70-80 thousand rubles.
A breed-class dog that you will not breed will cost 30-35 thousand rubles.
If you take a puppy from your hands (pet class) through bulletin boards, then this is the cheapest way to get a pomchi. A dog can be purchased in this way for 5-7 thousand rubles.
Appearance
Spitz-Chihuahua mixes are instantly recognizable by their cute, smiling, fox-like faces, which is undoubtedly one of their most enticing features. The result of the work to standardize the appearance of the Spitz-Chihuahua mix is shown in the photo below.
The characteristic appearance of a Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix
Breed standard for Spitz-Chihuahua mix:
- Head: It is a rounded wedge. The round head has a delicate face with a gracefully pointed muzzle and a black nose.
- Muzzle: Moderately short, slightly pointed, with a pronounced stop.
- Eyes: Round, not protruding, set neither too wide nor too close together. The eyes are dark.
- Ears: medium size, erect, carried vertically.
- Teeth: scissor bite.
- Nose: Black pigmentation except in brown dogs.
- Neck: wide base, not too short, graceful.
- Body: the body is short, slightly longer in females.
- Limbs: muscular, straight, metatarsus perpendicular to the surface.
- Tail: Moderately long, flat or looped over the back, the tip just touching the back, never tucked between the legs.
- Coat: Can be double coated or single coated. The outer layer should be full, soft textured and glossy, with long, coarse guard hairs. A mane on the neck and fur on the ears are preferred.
- Color: all colors. White pomchis are rare, black ones are obtained from black oranges. The most common color is fawn.
Character and temperament
The Pomchi is an intelligent, energetic dog that is eager to learn as well as please its owners. A sweet and affectionate little dog that bonds strongly and quickly with its family. She is quite playful and loves to run around the house chasing toys. Like all small dogs, the Pomchi can suffer from “small dog syndrome.”
Reference! “Small dog syndrome” is the behavior of a pet in which, despite its small stature, it considers itself the main one in the family, manipulates others and its owners, and often shows aggression.
To avoid the manifestation of this syndrome in your pet, you need to treat it the same as when raising a large dog, for example, a Rottweiler. That is, prohibit everything that is prohibited for large dogs, carry less in your arms, socialize the puppy at an early age.
Run the fox face
The Pomchi's temperament can be that of a Pomeranian (protective and loyal) or a Chihuahua (sociable but stubborn). Temperament is also controlled by the dog's level of socialization in its youth.
This little dog can be quite stubborn and assertive. She will try to manipulate her owners if she does not devote enough time to education as a puppy and discipline as an adult. In any case, this breed is owner-oriented and very loyal to the family.
Puppy rush
Attention! Socialization of a pet is the process of a dog’s adaptation to society, training it to interact with other animals and people, as well as developing the necessary communication and behavior skills. For example, lack of aggression towards strangers or stopping barking on command.
How to choose a puppy?
To choose the right Pomchi puppy, you need to first look at its parents. If they are healthy and adequate, then the offspring will most likely be the same.
Watch how the puppy plays and interacts with other brothers. He should not be lethargic and cowardly. But the manifestation of excessive aggression is also considered a defect.
NOTE!
The puppy should look healthy, its limbs should be intact, and nothing should stand out from the eyes and ears. Also look at his fur to see if there are any fleas or ticks.
The dog should eat well and also show a healthy interest in you as a new person and the world around you.
What goals are pursued when breeding Yorkie and Spitz mixes?
The process of breeding a cross between a Spitz and a Yorkie is quite painstaking and complex. First of all, it is necessary to carefully select purebred parents, otherwise the puppy may be born with any abnormalities, both in appearance and in terms of health.
The most common purpose of crossing is the appearance of the future dog. Yorkie and Spitz mixes, as a rule, have a pretty appearance, and the lion's share of modern female celebrities buy crosses for large sums. Such puppies are called decorative because dog breeds that have externally attractive features were selected in advance, and the puppy, accordingly, will receive excellent external characteristics from two beautiful breeds at once. Mestizos have a very attractive appearance and a bright personality, which is why they have gained such popularity at the present time.