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Pom-Shi (Pomeranian & Shiba-Inu Mix): Info, Pictures, Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Pom shi dog

Height: 6-17 inches
Weight: 3-23 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Colors: White, red, cream, tan
Suitable for: House or apartment homes without small children, family or single person without noise restrictions
Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, confident, agile, and protective

If you are looking for a smaller-sized, adorable designer dog, the Pom-Shi may be a great option. This is an intelligent, energetic, and playful dog who loves to cuddle. They are protective of their owners, full of antics with confident personalities. They fit well into large homes or smaller apartments. With average activity levels, you can bring them to the dog park or just take them on a leisurely walk. Known for their little yappy bark, this pint-sized pooch has the biggest spirit to share.

If these qualities sound like a good fit for you, you have come to the right place. Below, we will share all of the details on this designer breed’s care and personality. Not only will we give you the rundown on their puppy years, but we will also provide all the details on just what it’ll take to make this little furball a great companion for you.

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Pom-Shi Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

If you are already familiar with the Pom-Shi, you know how adorable they can be. That is, however, until you see them at puppy age. These adorable little hybrids are a mix between a Pomeranian and a Shiba Inu. Resembling tiny wolves, these little bundles of playfulness will keep you laughing all day. They have a confident and big spirit that is cute but also independent.

It is due to this intelligent and independent nature that these little dogs should be trained and socialized right away. They tend to grow up quickly, and not teaching them correct behavior can cause a lot of issues down the road. That being said, it does not mean you need to forego the adorable puppy years.

On one side, this designer breed comes from the Prussian Pomeranian. Although this pup has been a popular companion dog for many ages, its original origin is unknown. What is recorded is that this dog was once much bigger than it is today. In fact, they were once used as herding dogs.

On the other side, we have the Shiba Inu which originates from Japan. This dog was bred for hunting in the underbrush to rid homes and farms of small rodents. Due to both of their ancestors, the Pom-Shi is confident, independent, and protective. Plus, don’t forget about their intelligence which allows them to not only learn what will please you but also provides them with amusement.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Pom-Shi

1. Rare From Japan

As one of the parents of the Pom-Shi, the Shiba Inu is one of only six known canine breeds to originate from Japan. Not only that, but the Shiba Inu is also the smallest breed from that country.


2. Cat Feet

One of the more unique traits of this designer breed is their cat-like reflexes. With their little feet, this dog has the balance of a feline and will be able to climb to interesting places.


3. Multi-Textured Fur

Another interesting feature of the Pom-Shi is their fur. The majority of their coat is soft, thick, and plush. On their spine, however, they have an area of fur that is coarse and tends to stick up. It is also noticeably different from the rest.

The parent breeds of the Pom-Shi
Image Credit: Left – Shiba-Inu (FRA v, Pexels) | Right – Pomeranian (KoolShooters, Pexels)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Pom-Shi 🧠

This pint-size pooch packs a big personality. They have what is known as little dog syndrome where they behave and act more in tune with a larger-sized canine. They are confident, intelligent, and independent. They are also very protective of their family and will not be shy to let their displeasure be known. That being said, this little guy is also sweet, loving, and affectionate. They love a good cuddle and become very attached to their family.

As mentioned, the Pom-Shi can be very vocal about anything they feel is outside of the norm. They are barkers, as well. They have a high-pitched, yappy voice you can expect to hear quite frequently unless trained at a very young age. If you live in an area with a noise restriction, this may not be the right breed for you.

Due to their protective nature and their ability to vocalize their suspicions, this little tyke makes a good watchdog. On the other hand, it can take them a while to get used to new faces and strangers. They tend to be more reserved (if not aggressive) towards new people. That being said, once they realize there is no threat, they will become very friendly and outgoing. These little guys are energetic and very playful. They are quick to learn what makes you laugh and are great at performing all kinds of antics.

Pomeranian Shiba Inu mixes also maintain their herding and hunting genes. It gives them fuel for their “little/big dog syndrome,” plus they can be found chasing or herding other small animals. As they are low to the ground, it is important to remember that they can easily trip you up as you’re walking across the floor while they are in hot pursuit. Seniors with balance problems are typically not recommended.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Pom-Shi can make a great family dog. Unfortunately, the operative word is can. If they are trained early enough, a lot of their independent nature can be geared into a reasonable dog persona. If not, this breed can be a bit on the neurotic side. This can cause an issue with smaller children as they are likely to nip at little fingers and toes. Be that as it may, due to their bigger-than-life personality, they have no problem nipping an adult or larger animal, either.

If you have older children or you can train your Pom-Shi from a very young age, they can make wonderful family pets. As mentioned, they become very attached to their pet parents and will be very protective of them. Again, nipping can come into play. These dogs also do well in large homes or smaller apartments since they do not need as much legroom. A local dog park or other area is sufficient for their moderate energy levels.

Due to their independent nature, this is not a pup likely to suffer from separation anxiety. They can be left alone for a moderate amount of time. Just keep in mind, while they will not be bothered by anxiety, they can become bored. A Pom-Shi with ennui is something that no pet parent wants to deal with. This is why it is important to make sure they have adequate exercise, and you should provide them with other toys to focus any excess energy.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

For the most part, the Pom-Shi typically does better in homes where they are the only pet. On the other hand, if you can socialize them from a young puppy, they can do well with other animals. They will still maintain their herding and hunting instinct, so they can be a bit aggressive at times. Training and consistency will ensure that they rub along well with others, however.

It is also important to note that the Pomeranian Shiba Inu mix’s protective instincts tend to take a jealous turn from time to time. This is more likely to happen with another dog or pet than it is with another human, though. Like with most breeds, it typically comes down to their early upbringing.

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Things to Know When Owning a Pom-Shi:

If this little furball sounds like a yappy good time, there are still some other things that you should know about this breed. Many people are under the mistaken impression that a small dog is easier to care for than a large one, but that is typically not the case. Fortunately, the Pom-Shi has an average care routine with not a lot of out-of-the-ordinary requirements. Take a look below at the basic care guide for this designer hybrid.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Pom-Shi food and diet requirements are pretty basic. They require a well-balanced nutritional diet that will provide them with all the essential nutrients they need to be happy and healthy. The most noticeable thing about their food requirements is the amount these dogs can eat. They can gobble down upwards of 2.5 cups per day. It is important to note that you should always speak with your vet regarding the correct amount of food you should give your pet. It is typically determined by their weight, age, and health.

In general, the Pom-Shi does not have any major restrictions or food sensitivities. Natural and organic recipes that have good levels of protein and other nutrients are a good place to start. Something else you want to keep an eye out for, however, is weight gain. These little pups can pack on some pounds, so you must make sure their meals are low in calories and only contain healthy fats.

Besides their basic meals, you also want to consider snacks and treats for your Pomeranian Shiba Inu mix. They are not only a great bonding mechanism for you and your pet, but they also aid in positive reinforcement trining. Of course, there are hundreds of varieties of treats and snacks available. The most important thing to remember is to keep them healthy and wholesome.

Exercise 🐕

This smaller breed requires moderate daily exercise; a once-a-day 30-minute walk or play in the park is customary, along with some additional playtime. As mentioned above, these dogs also benefit from toys they can utilize during solitary time. They also enjoy hunting and herding-like activities that mimic these natural instinctive activities.

As you are aware, the Pom-Shi is particularly agile. They have almost cat-like reflexes with very sure footing. Do not be surprised to find them in places where you would typically think a little dog could not get too. Their tiny feet can propel them to high points where they will yap to make themselves known. This is so you can appreciate their climbing ability. Just keep in mind that although they may be able to climb like a cat, they typically do not fall like one, so caution is advised.

Something else important to note about this pint-sized pooch is their small legs. While brisk walks are always fun, jogs and other higher-level activities may be too much. What’s more, this breed does better in moderate climates. If the weather is too hot or humid the activity level should be more restrained. During the colder seasons, a coat or sweater may be needed, along with other snow gear.

Training 🦮

Training your Pom-Shii is where things can get a bit sticky. Again, due to their independent and intelligent temperament, training can be a bit more difficult. You should start obedience and behavioral training as early as possible. This also includes socializing them with different sounds, faces, and smells so they will feel comfortable later in their life meeting new people or pets.

Many pet parents assume that the smaller the dog the gentler the training should be. In this case, the Pom-Shi benefits from a firm yet gentle hand. They also respond well to positive reinforcement and your visible pleasure in their good deeds. Consistency and repetition work well, but be prepared to be patient.

It can be easy to let frustration get the better of you when training gets difficult. Any show of anger will only have the opposite effect of what you desire. As the Pom-Shi is naturally confident, they are more likely to nip and become more stubborn than to follow directions.

Grooming ✂️

The Pom-Shi has a medium to long fur coat that is soft and thick. Interestingly enough, they are only moderate shedders. It is important to brush them a few times a week, however, to keep the bulk of the mats and tangles at bay. It is also a good idea to brush them daily during the shedding season.

Something else to consider is their ears. This breed is prone to ear infections, so you must monitor them for wax buildup and other signs of redness or tenderness. You should also clean them out with a cotton ball and warm water a few times a week.

The same care also goes for their teeth. You should attempt to brush your Pom-Shi’s teeth daily, but even a few times a week can help their oral hygiene stay at an optimal level. These grooming exercises should also be added to their puppy training. This is one of the easier lessons for the Pom-Shi to learn especially when coupled with positive reinforcement. They will look forward to being brushed and cuddled.

Something a bit more out of the ordinary with this designer breed is their nails. They tend to grow quickly and be thinner, so you will need to monitor them and clip them weekly. This is also something that should be added to their puppy training as cutting nails too low can cause them to bleed and be tender. If you feel unsure, it is recommended that you get professional assistance

Health and Conditions ❤️

Depending on which parent they acquire more traits from, this can determine whether or not the Pom-Shi will be more predisposed to certain illnesses. Of course, every dog has the possibility of developing some issues depending on factors such as their lifestyle, health, and diet. When it comes to this designer hybrid, there are a few serious concerns, as well as minor illnesses that you should be on the lookout for.

Minor Conditions
  • Entropion
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Sick sinus syndrome
Serious Conditions
  • Teller luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Mono/bilateral
  • PDA

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Male vs. Female

Unlike a lot of designer breeds, there are some differences between the male and female Pom-Shi breed. For example, the female can be a bit more vocal and protective of her owners, while the male can tend to be a little bit more affectionate and opt to curl on your lap. That being said, these things can differ from canine to canine. You can find males that are more standoffish and females that are more affectionate.

A lot can also be said for whether or not your Pomeranian Shiba Inu mix has been spayed or neutered. This is a hot topic among experts, but the change in hormones can cause different behaviors in different animals. Above all, if you do not have any plans to make a pet parent out of your pet, you should spay or neuter them to extend their life and reduce health risks.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, the Pom-Shi is an intelligent, energetic, and playful pet that will keep you laughing with their antics and cute tricks. Although they can be a little vocal at times, they will be a great addition to your home and show you plenty of love and all the protection they can afford. Not only that, but they’re bigger-than-life personalities will have them acting as your mini watchdog at all times.

It is important to remember that although this little tyke can be a bit more difficult to train, persistence and positive reinforcement will go a long way. Starting them as early as possible can make a real difference along with a lot of patience and love, so if you are interested in bringing the Pom-Shi into your home, just be mindful that all things good are worth waiting for, and the best packages come in tiny fur coats!

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Featured Image Credit: Steve Bruckmann, Shutterstock

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