The Pom Shih Tzu is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Shih Tzu, two popular toy breeds.
This adorable mix creates a friendly, outgoing, and affectionate companion.
The Pom Shih Tzu typically weighs between 7-15 pounds and stands about 8-11 inches tall.
Their short, dense coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
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Characteristics
The Shih Pom, also known as Shiranian, is a wonderful breed that makes a great fit for many families. They are semi or fully hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for those who suffer from allergies.
Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in both active and relaxed lifestyles, which is perfect for families with varying schedules. Friendly, sociable, and outgoing, the Shih Pom is quick to make friends – human and canine alike.
Shih Pom dogs are family-attached and can be trained for therapy work, making them a valuable companion for many. They are also a great fit for apartment life due to their small size, quiet nature, and well-mannered behavior.
Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Pom breed:
- Semi or fully hypoallergenic
- Adaptable to both active and relaxed lifestyles
- Small size, quiet, and well-mannered
- Family-attached and can be trained for therapy work
- Recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and the International Designer Canine Registry
Appearance
Shih Poms are small, compact, and incredibly cute dogs that proudly sport features from both their parent breeds, often resembling a little teddy bear.
They grow 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 4 and 15 pounds, with the female Shih Pom being somewhat smaller.
Their step is smooth and elegant, and they appear happy and warm.
The Shih Pom coat is long, straight, and shiny, with hypoallergenic qualities, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
Their coats can be found in a variety of colors, including red, Pomeranian orange, brown, Shih Tzu white, brindle, and sable, and can be either a solid color or multi-colored.
Their dark eyes are filled with admiration, and their raised or floppy ears add to their adorable charm.
Their long puffy tail completes their teddy bear-like appearance, making them a joy to behold.
Shih Tzu Overview
The Shih Tzu is a breed that's perfect for indoor living due to their minimal exercise needs.
Shih Tzus are small in size but big on personality, making them adored by everyone they meet.
They're agile and adaptable, happy to cuddle on the couch or trot by your side in the park.
A fun-loving breed, Shih Tzus enjoy playing with older children and other pets, but they need proper introductions and gentle play.
They're not known for biting, but may do so if pushed too far in rough play.
Shih Tzus make excellent watchdogs, always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they're coming.
Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations make them great emotional support animals.
Despite a stubborn streak, Shih Tzus are worth the extra patience when training.
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Care and Maintenance
To keep your pom shih tzu puppy's coat looking its best, you'll need to brush them multiple times a week, ideally every two days, to prevent tangles and matting. Regular brushing will also help keep their coat shiny and smooth.
Their cute ears should be checked regularly and their nails trimmed on a monthly basis. Dental care is also crucial, so be sure to brush their teeth a few times per week and provide a healthy supply of dental chew sticks and toys.
Pom shih tzu puppies need a bath every other month to keep their long coats looking their best.
Grooming
Brushing your Shih Pom or Pomeranian regularly is essential to prevent tangles and matting of their hair. They need to be brushed multiple times a week, ideally every two days, to keep their coat looking its best.
Their long coats require a bath every other month to keep them shiny, smooth, and gorgeous. Regular nail trimming is also necessary, ideally on a monthly basis, to prevent overgrowth.
Their cute ears should be checked regularly for any signs of infection or irritation. As active dogs, keeping their nails properly trimmed is crucial to avoid pain and discomfort.
A proper oral care routine is vital for these breeds, with their teeth needing to be brushed a few times a week. Dental chew sticks and toys can help keep their teeth clean and healthy.
Professional grooming is recommended every one to two months to keep their coat, ears, nails, and teeth in top condition.
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Food & Diet
A Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix is considered a small dog, and they must be fed food for a small breed.
You'll need to consult with your vet to determine exactly how much food your pet needs, as it will vary depending on their size. For instance, a dog that's 4 pounds in size may need a different amount of food than one that's 14 pounds.
If you're considering feeding your Shiranian something other than dog food, there are plenty of healthy treats and human foods that you can share with your dog, but be sure to consult your vet first.
As your dog ages, the amount of food they require will change, so be sure to adjust their diet accordingly.
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Health
Pom Shih Tzu puppies are generally healthy dogs, thanks to the hybrid vigor they inherit from being a crossbreed. They can live between 12 and 16 years with proper care.
A well-fed and exercised Pom Shih Tzu can live longer, up to 16 years. It's essential to provide good quality dry dog food and regular exercise for them to thrive.
However, like any breed, Pom Shih Tzus can develop certain conditions. Cataracts and severe weight gain are potential issues to watch out for.
Other health concerns for Pom Shih Tzus include thyroid issues and allergies. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch these issues early on.
Here are some specific health concerns to be aware of:
- Cataracts
- Severe weight gain
- Thyroid issues
- Allergies
Dental issues and bladder stones are also common health concerns for some Pom Shih Tzus. Regular dental care and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues.
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Temperament and Behavior
Pom Shih Tzu puppies are known for their gentle and calm temperament, making them perfect family dogs and companion pets for seniors, retirees, couples, and singles.
They love to be around their humans and crave attention, so they're not suited for owners who are away from home for long periods. This breed is happiest when their owners are with them all day.
Pom Shih Tzus are friendly and outgoing, enjoying social interactions and making their owners laugh out loud. They're also great with kids and other pets, but it's essential to teach children how to handle them gently.
Their intelligence and adaptability make them easy to train, and they're known to pick up new tricks quickly. However, they can be stubborn at times, requiring extra patience and effort from their owners.
Pom Shih Tzus are not naturally protective, so they don't make the best watchdogs. However, they'll alert their owners to potential threats, making them excellent companions for those who value their loyalty and calm nature.
Their moderate energy levels mean they're happy to go on daily walks and play games, but they also love to cuddle and take naps. With proper care and attention, Pom Shih Tzu puppies can thrive in a variety of living situations, making them a great choice for many families.
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Variety and Ownership
Pom Shih Tzu puppies come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and gray, with or without markings.
These adorable puppies can also be a single color or have a mix of colors, making each one unique.
Their small size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, makes them a great companion for apartment dwellers or families with small children.
Variety in Color and Coat
One of the most exciting things about owning a Shiranian is the incredible variety in color and coat. Although two Shiraninans can look exactly alike, it's quite rare.
The Shiranian's unique appearance is due to the large variety in coat length and color inherited from its Pomeranian and Shih Tzu parents. This makes each Shiranian a one-of-a-kind companion.
You'll often spot your Shiranian's distinct characteristics, from short and fluffy to long and flowing, and in a range of colors that will keep you guessing.
Owning a Shiranian
Owning a Shiranian is a wonderful experience, and with the right care, your furry friend will thrive. A Shiranian is not a high-maintenance dog, and its needs are comparable to other similar breeds.
Overall, a Shiranian is a relatively low-maintenance pet, requiring regular care and attention but not excessive time or effort.
Choosing the Right Breed
The Pomeranian and Shih Tzu are two of the most popular dog breeds on the smaller side of the breed scale.
Their energy levels and personalities vary, with the Pomeranian being high energy and loud, while the Shih Tzu is calmer.
The Shih Tzu is a good choice for owners with allergy sensitivities because they are hypoallergenic.
Both breeds make excellent family dogs, showing incredible loyalty, love, and affection.
The Pomeranian's strong personality requires owners who can keep up with their high energy levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big will a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix get?
A Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix typically grows to be 7-10 inches tall and weighs between 4-13 pounds. This small size makes them a great companion for apartment living or families with small spaces.
Do Shih Tzu poms shed?
Shih Tzu Poms have minimal shedding due to their low-maintenance coat. Regular brushing is still necessary to prevent matting and keep their long coat looking its best.
Sources
- Shih Tzu - Dog Breeds - American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Shih Pom | Designer Breed Description (premierpups.com)
- Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu Breed Comparison (chewy.com)
- Shiranian (Pomeranian & Shih-Tzu Mix): Info, Pictures, ... (hepper.com)
- Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu: Differences Explained (With ... (hepper.com)
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