Shih Pom Breed Information
The Shih Pom, also known as the Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix, is a delightful designer breed that combines the sweet and charming personalities of both the Pomeranian and Shih Tzu breeds. These adorable little dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their small size, cute appearance, and lovable nature.
Shih Poms are a relatively new breed, having only been around for a few decades. They are the result of crossbreeding between Pomeranians and Shih Tzus, two breeds that are both known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. This combination results in a dog that is not only adorable but also highly adaptable and easy to train.
One of the most appealing aspects of the Shih Pom is their small size. These dogs typically weigh between 4 and 15 pounds and stand about 7 to 12 inches tall. This makes them perfect for apartment living and for families who may not have a lot of space for a larger dog.
The Shih Pom has a distinct look that is a blend of both parent breeds. They have a round head, small ears, and a cute, compact body. Their coat is soft and fluffy, coming in a variety of colors including white, black, brown, and red.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Hybrid / Shih Tzu crossed with a Pomeranian
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimum
TRAINING
Determined
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, Cuddly, Calm, Gentle
ADULT WEIGHT
4-15 lbs
ADULT HEIGHT
7-12 inches
LIFE SPAN
12-16
Characteristics
- Shih Poms are adorable designer dogs that have a charming and sweet disposition, making them perfect as family pets
- They have a hypoallergenic coat, which makes them great for those with allergies
- This breed has a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, which is longer than many other small breeds
- The appearance of a Shih Pom can vary depending on the breeding, but they generally have a fluffy coat and a cute, small size
- Shih Poms have a friendly and affectionate temperament. They love spending time with their family and are known for their loyalty and devotion
- Grooming is essential for this breed, as they have a thick coat that needs regular brushing and occasional trimming
- Shih Poms have moderate exercise needs and require daily walks and playtime to keep them healthy and happy
- Training is easy with a Shih Pom, they are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training methods
Appearance
The Shih Pom is a toy-sized designer breed that is as cute as it is charming. This adorable hybrid is a cross between the Pomeranian and the Shih Tzu, two small dog breeds that share a rich history and a loyal following. The Shih Pom combines the best of both worlds, with a distinctive appearance that is sure to turn heads.
One of the most notable features of the Shih Pom is their floppy ears, which add to their overall cuteness and charm. The breed also has dark eyes that are round and expressive, giving them an endearing look that is hard to resist. At only 4 to 15 pounds, and standing between 7 to 12 inches tall, the Shih Pom is a sturdy and small breed that is perfect for those who want a lap dog that can also handle a little playtime.
The Shih Poms' appearance is a blend of their parent breeds, with a coat that can be long and silky or short and fluffy. This coat can come in a variety of colors, including black, white, brown, gray, and cream. No matter what color or coat length your Shih Pom has, it will be a real head-turner that is sure to draw admiration wherever you go.
Temperament
The Shih Pom breed is known for their affectionate temperament and gentle demeanor. They are a friendly and welcoming breed, making them great family dogs. They are highly social and love to be around people, making them the perfect companion for those looking for a furry friend to add to their family.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them great with children, and they also get along well with other pets in the household. Shih Poms are known for being loyal and loving to their owners, often forming strong bonds with their human family members.
Despite their small size, they are not yappy or high-strung like some toy breeds can be. Instead, they are generally very easy-going and laid back, making them an excellent choice for those looking for a more relaxed and calm companion.
Care
Grooming
Shih Poms may be small, but they require a fair amount of grooming to keep their fluffy coat in top shape. To maintain their appearance, they need to be bathed once a month or as needed.
Their ears are another area that requires attention, as they are prone to infection. Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary to keep them healthy. Dental care is also important, as small dogs can be prone to dental issues. Brushing their teeth weekly can help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease.
Despite their fluffy appearance, Shih Poms are actually low-shedding, making them a great choice for people with allergies. However, their coat still needs to be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles. A slicker brush and a metal comb are useful tools to have on hand for grooming.
Exercise Needs
Shih Poms are adorable, toy-sized designer dogs that make great family pets. While they are known for their cuddly personalities and love for lounging around indoors, they still require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness.
These charming dogs are moderately active and enjoy going for short walks or playtime in a fenced yard. A daily walk of around 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough to keep them happy and healthy.
Shih Poms are adaptable and can do well in small spaces, making them great apartment dogs. They also love cuddling and spending time with their furry siblings and human family members, so they make great indoor companions.
While they don't have high exercise needs, it's important to make sure they get enough physical activity to avoid obesity and related health issues. Incorporating playtime with toys and interactive games can also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Health
Shih Pom dogs are generally healthy and hardy. As with any breed, there are some health concerns to be aware of, but with proper care and attention, these can often be prevented or managed.
One of the main health concerns for the Shih Pom breed is dental health. Small breeds are often prone to dental problems, so it's important to take care of your dog's teeth by regularly brushing them and providing dental treats or toys. Ear infections can also be a concern due to their floppy ears, so it's important to keep their ears clean and dry.
Additionally, like many small breeds, Shih Poms can be prone to certain genetic health issues such as luxating patellas (loose kneecaps) and hip dysplasia. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent these issues.
It's important to keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to ensure your Shih Pom stays healthy. Some other potential health issues to be aware of include allergies, eye problems, and skin conditions. As always, if you notice any changes in your dog's behavior or health, it's important to seek veterinary care right away.
Lifespan
The Shih Pom breed is a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years. However, like all living beings, they can be prone to certain health issues. It's important to keep up with regular vet checkups and to pay close attention to your furry friend's behavior, appetite, and energy levels. By doing so, you can help ensure a long and healthy life for your beloved Shih Pom.
By being attentive to your Shih Pom's health needs, providing proper nutrition and exercise, and staying on top of regular vet checkups, you can help ensure a long and happy life for your furry family member.
Training
Training a Shih Pom can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and the owner. These adorable pups are quick learners and eager to please their family. However, like any dog, they require consistent and patient training to help them become well-behaved and obedient companions.
Shih Poms are known to be intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection. This means that training sessions should be filled with lots of encouragement and rewards for good behavior.
It is recommended that training a Shih Pom to be started at a young age, as this will help to establish good behavior habits early on. Basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down should be taught first, followed by more advanced commands such as heel and leave it.
Socialization is also an important aspect of training for a Shih Pom. They should be exposed to different people, places, and situations from a young age to help them become well-adjusted and confident adult dogs.
Consistency and patience are key when it comes to training a Shih Pom. It is important to keep training sessions short and frequent, and to avoid using punishment or physical force. With love, patience, and positive reinforcement, your Shih Pom can become a well-behaved and obedient member of your family.
History
The Shih Pom, also known as the Shiranian, is a designer breed that originated in the United States. This charming and sweet companion dog is a cross between the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian breeds.
While the Shih Pom is a relatively new breed, its parent breeds have a rich history. The Shih Tzu breed is believed to have originated in Tibet over 1,000 years ago, where it was bred to be a companion dog for royalty and nobility. The Pomeranian, on the other hand, originated in the Pomerania region of Germany in the 1800s and was originally used as a sheep herding dog.
The Shih Tzu and Pomeranian breeds were first crossed in the United States in the early 2000s, with the goal of creating a small and affectionate companion dog with hypoallergenic fur. The result was the Shih Pom, a breed that quickly gained popularity among dog lovers.
While not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Shih Pom is recognized by several designer dog registries. This breed is highly sought after for its adorable appearance, charming personality, and suitability as a family dog.