Description. The Pomchi is a hybrid, or designer, dog that is small standing about 6-9 inches and weighing 2-10 pounds. They are originally bred from a pedigree Pomeranian and a pedigree Chihuahua. After the first mixing it is acceptable to breed the Pomchi with another Pomchi or either of the original parent breeds. This does make the description of the dog a little hit and miss as it depends a little on the percentages of each of the original breeds and which line the father favors and which line the mother favors. They do tend to have a rounded head with moderate sized ears that are erect. However the coat ranges from very short to abundantly long and their body will be longer than their height.

History. The history of the Pomchi is very short although the parent breeds have a history stretching back hundreds of years. The main reason to cross dogs, in a reliable fashion, is to improve on breed characteristics and traits. Another reason is to improve any health issues for given breeds. Also the original standards were drawn up based on what the dogs were bred to do i.e. hunting; retrieving etc. Nowadays the main task of dogs is to be a household pet. It is quite possible that in the future when the initial craze phase is over that some of the new hybrids will be standardized and classed by their exercise needs or temperament etc.

Temperament. As a breed the Pomchi are an affectionate and agile breed, whilst being surprisingly sturdy. They are from hunting lines but this should not really be an issue anymore. They will require training and you must teach the dog their place in the home. Remember this is a dog not an ornament or toy. All dogs are happier being treated as dogs they like to know their place in the pack, or family. They need an owner who is firm, calm, and pleasant. There is no point shouting at the dog as this just alienates them. If you do not train this breed correctly you may find they suffer with what is commonly known as small dog syndrome. Small dog syndrome is where the dog is confused, as they have not been trained well, and they become over protective and stressed. A dog that is well trained and well exercised, knowing it is a dog, is a happy dog. The Pomchi will like to play with children but will not enjoy roughhousing.

Health issues. The designer dogs have not been around long enough for any specific problems to show up but you must realize that if the parent breeds have problems then there is a risk the hybrid may have it. The poodle has a long list of health issues and you need to take advice from the breeder and check the parents’ health records. If the breeder can’t supply these then move on to a better breeder.

Grooming. This will depend on the actual coat your dog has. There is such a difference in coats for the Pomchi that they could need anything from a light weekly brush to daily brushing and cuts every 4-8 weeks.

Living conditions. As a small dog the Pomchi will be happy in an apartment as long as it is given enough exercise and mental stimulation. With a medium sized yard they will even do most of their own exercising, but would like some company whilst they do it.