The Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix results from breeding a purebred Pomeranian with a pedigree Shih Tzu. Both of these breeds are members of the toy group and have long been lauded as companion animals. They are favored for their luxuriously soft coats and larger-than-life personalities, wrapped up in tiny packages. This designer hybrid dog combines two popular teddy bear dog breeds and is known as the Shiranian, Shi-Pom or even Pomtzu!
Contents
- Working vs lapdog histories
- Typical appearances
- Personality and temperament traits
- Possible health issues
A Mixed History
The Pomeranian, though he may be of slight stature nowadays, actually descends from larger spitz-type dogs hailing from the Arctic.
These sled-pulling dogs made it to northeastern Europe, where they were bred to decrease their size in Pomerania, which spanned parts of modern-day Poland and Germany. Subsequently, Pomeranians became popular throughout Europe, and England’s Queen Victoria sealed the deal when she brought a few top specimens home from a trip to Italy.
Another ancient breed, the Shih Tzu is thought to have been developed centuries ago in China, where the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese were crossed to create the Shih Tzu’s ancestors.
For centuries, these “lion dogs” were used to warm the laps (and hearts) of royal families exclusively. The breed wasn’t exposed to the outside world until the 1930s! Once the Shih Tzu’s ancestors made it to Europe, breeders further refined them until they resembled the Shih Tzu of today.
Variations in Pomeranian Shih Tzu Mix Appearances
A Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix when full-grown may weigh as little as 3 pounds or as much as 16 pounds. She may reach a mere 6-7 inches or up to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder.
If a Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix favors their Pomeranian parent, then they will stay on the smaller side, and if they favor their Shih Tzu parent, then they are likely to be 9 pounds or greater.
Their soft coats may be solid, bicolored, or tricolored, with a multitude of possible body markings. Regardless of appearances, they’ll need a lot of grooming.
She will require weekly brushing with both a pin brush and slicker brush to keep her fur from matting. And if you choose to keep the coat long then your puppy will need a monthly bath to keep her skin and coat clean. Along with keeping her fur out of her eyes to prevent irritation.
Your puppy may also need her eyes wiped daily to prevent tear-staining of the fur on her face, and she should have her nails trimmed and ears cleaned frequently to prevent infection.
Typical Temperament Traits
With his lineage, the Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix is likely going to be a yippy dog – both breeds are typically vocal. He may also have some guarding tendencies.
The Pomeranian is an excellent watchdog by nature, and he will alert you if an “intruder” is present. The same goes for the Shih Tzu, in my experience. You’ll definitely want to work on socializing the cross with new people as early as possible.
Whether a Shiranian will inherit the Pomeranian’s energetic and playful personality or the Shih Tzu’s slightly more reserved, lap-dog personality is anyone’s guess.
When you cross two dog breeds to produce a hybrid, it’s hard to predict the resulting puppies’ temperaments (and physical characteristics) with accuracy.
They may favor one parent’s looks and personality, or they may be a mix of both parents.
Differences in Personalities
Pomeranians, given their sled-pulling ancestry, are lively dogs. They enjoy learning new things and having a task or trick to accomplish. They also love human interaction, as long as it’s on their terms. When a Pom has had enough play time or closeness, they may signal this with a nip or bite.
They do not like to feel forced into doing something, and will make it known when they are tired of being petted or otherwise messed with.
Shih Tzus, unlike the Pomeranian, are pretty low-key when it comes to activity. After all, they were bred to be the best lap dogs out there! Shih Tzus also enjoy being petted and being the center of your attention. Although only up to a point.
We do not recommend Shih Tzus for families with small children. They may not understand that growling does not mean that the dog is playing, but is in fact a warning.
Your Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix is likely to be very stubborn and hard-headed. They know what they want, and will not hesitate to let you know!
Pomeranian Shih Tzu Mix Health
Any dog may develop health problems as they age, such as vision or hearing loss, obesity, and joint problems. However, some dogs have an enhanced risk of inheriting certain health issues based on their lineage and physical attributes.
When it comes to the Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix, high risks include breathing difficulties, spine disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia. You will also need to be aware of the risk of hypothyroidism, epilepsy, dental problems, eye problems, skin disorders and neurological issues.
Staying Fit
Since the Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix is a small dog, they do not require loads of exercise. A walk each day will be plenty. A hybrid with their energy may be happier if they have some space to run about in your yard too. Just be sure that they can’t escape, especially if the hybrid is on the extra small side.
Additionally, if a hybrid inherits the Shih Tzu’s brachycephalic nose, then you won’t want to play too hard with him. As breathing takes a little more work for dogs with short muzzles, and over heating is high risk.
How long will a Shiranian dog live?
Pomeranian Shih Tzu dogs have a lifespan of about 10 to 18 years, with many averaging at least 12 years.
Some may live shorter or longer lives. But you can generally estimate by looking at the Pomeranian lifespan and the Shih Tzu lifespan, then take an average!
Sherrie Boutwell says
I raised my very loving Shitzu/Pom from the day he was born to 2 months ago. We had to put him down. He was 21 years old ! He had zero health issues. My heart is so broken. Never had a dog that long. I’m now looking for another one. Has to be black & white. Male or female. Prefer 10 lbs & under. A teacup would be ideal. Can anyone help me or give info on how or where to look ?
Marge Onyrscuk says
I have a Pom Shih mix. He’s 5 I was told. He’s about 35lbs maybe more. Just got him 3 days ago. He’s very good. But really want him to lose weight.
Teresa Orefice says
WHY are the spelling and grammar SOOOOO terrible in most of the comments?? This can easily be corrected with the spell-check feature!!
Annie says
I recently adopted my pomshizu from my neighbor that is very sick. I love my little Minnie Mouse she’s 2 years old and such a lap dog but that’s why I love shitzu my only problem with her is she won’t stay out of the trash. My 2 and 4 year old great grandkids live with us and they get upset for scolding Minnie about the trash. What can I do
susan says
rub lemon juice around top of trash bin. dogs hate that taste
anna stone says
i have 2 shih poms. sisters. they are 6 yrs old. one looks just like a shihtzu and one looks just like a pomeranian only she is shorted haired (crazy right?). they have shed a full winter coat every day of their lives. id swear to it. i never dreamed such tiny lil dogs could shed so much, but they do and still have so much fur! love them to pieces though!
Carla Warren says
I’m looking to purchase a Pom shut and I live in Riverview, Florida can you tell me where they have them?
CANDACE LUFFMAN says
I was wondering if you crossed a Pomeranian with a Poddle what would you get?
Kim says
A pomeranian poodle mix is called a poma poo. They are wonderful, loyal dogs and are very protective of their owners. I had a pure black poma poo for 18 years. She weighed about7-8 lbs. She was one of the best dogs I have ever known. Her hair was more on the curly side and had to be brushed daily. She only required a bath about once a month and need to to cut shorter during spring, summer and fall. She was a little dog with a big dogs attitude and wasn’t scared of much. She was stubborn but learned quickly. She loved being around people, going on car rides and taking walks. She was very playful but let you know when she had enough. I took her pretty much everywhere with me, even to girl scout events and never had a pro bbn lem with her.
Samantha De Bono says
I am looking for this cross but am struggling to find one. There’s plenty of poms and plenty of Shih tzu’s but not the cross. Can anyone tell me where I might look? I live in Bromley, Kent UK.
Brenda says
I have a shih tzu maltese who had puppies with a Pomeranian shih tzu maltese cross. They are wonderful, very loving and affectionate, love to be close to you.
Brenda says
Are they for sale? If so how much?
Kim says
Have a pom shitz mix having a hard time house training her. She’s 17weeks old and no matter how much I walk her or let her run around outside she still manages to poop in my house, I’ve even taken her out numerous times throughout the night and I still end up with poop in the house,what can I do , besides the pooping in the house she’s great. Shes a beautiful brindle color with white socks. Please help!
Jacqueline says
Are you monitoring the eating times I have one to that was not potty trained and I only feed in the morning and at night and that way you can know when the need to go out to do their business and introduce a treat after she goes tell her good girl watch her when she started walking in circles, wondering around then take her out this has worked for me
Bonnie says
I got mine when he was 5 months old. He wasn’t trained at all. I had him trained within 5 days. I let him out in a secure area every half hour and gave him a tiny treat when he came back in the house. It wasn’t long before he realized that doing his business outside meant a tasty treat when he came inside. The thing about this though is that he would go out and turn around and come right back in expecting a treat without doing anything but soon learned if he didn’t do anything outside there was no treat. Also a light pat on the head and telling him ‘good boy” goes a long way with a puppy.
Grace says
I am looking for a dog and I love shih tzu and Pomeranians, are they well tempered?
Bonnie says
I have one. Very well tempered, loving and very playful. They love being around you and I found him to be easily trained. Beautiful dogs.
Louise Nelson says
I don’t have my puppy yet ill get him on the ninth of this month I’m 74 years old and have always had a dog this is my first newborn I just cannot wait. The puppy is shin tzu/ pomedian mix black and white with the Poms nose
Joy Wilder says
I had a schih pom and he was the best ever! Small but brave very well mannered, took him everywhere had stroller, carry case he was adorable. Just lost him in July 12 years old Congested heart failure otherwise no other problems. I miss him dearly and looking too. Just for your information. His name was Simba🐾 he was beautiful tan and whit with a pink nose.
Donna says
Kim – take her out about 20 mins after she eats. When she goes give her a treat and praise her.
John C Williams says
I have a soon to be 2 year old Pomshi. Good luck with the housebreaking. I’ve tried everything. From using a stopwatch to do 10 min outside and 1 hr in her create if no luck with the 10 min out. She goes outside and she goes inside. I suggest you invest in piddle pads. Chewy sells them in quantity. I know what y’all are thinking with the reinforcing of undesirable behavior. You try it. I gave in. A 6 lb bundle of fur and fun however. She loves everyone she sees but she will get her way
John W
Newbury Park, CA
Susan A Williamson says
My pom shih has darken to black on belly this winter what can cause it
Betyu says
Could you please tell me if that was in the Spokane valley I bought my gizzy from them and it got stolen and I can’t find the people again to get another dog
Joy Wilder says
I’m so sorry to hear about your fur baby. People can be so mean. I pray your dog is returned or you find the breeder. I lost my fur baby but he was 12 and had enlarged heart. I have beautiful memories but to be stolen would hit me harder. I will keep you in my prayer🐾❤️
Jennufer says
Can you refer me to some dog breeders? We love this breed.
Diana says
I miss my max. Looking for a girl mix., a palm-shitzu.
James says
Ive a shi tzu at least thats what i was told it was can you sho pics of cross bred shi tszus so i can try and discover what else mine is he sheds alot pic enclosed guess i cant attach a photo…
bob says
Try a dna testing service. Can do it for about $75. I used Wisdom Health-Our rescue ended up being a Shi Tzu-Pom mix exactly.
Julie says
James, I think the same thing has happened to me. Where did you get your puppy?
Julie says
I think I was given a bait and switch as well. Where did you get your puppy?
Rhonda says
My little girl Shadow was such a blessing. So sweet. Kept us walking, as we are retireees. My husband’s medical needs made it where we had to adopt her to a new momma. We had to move to get better medical care and the airlines would not ship her to us once we were settled. We miss her immensely. I will definitely get another Shih Tzu/Pomeranian mix when the time is appropriate. She loved us and gave us so much joy and we loved her to the moon and back. God Bless you Shadow!
Jill alt says
I’m looking for a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix
KAREN Connelly says
For a Pomeranian Shih Tzu I had one before found them at Ladies house Who was selling him for 35 best dog ever that I ever had
Eric says
Does this lady still sell them? My best friend Lilly passed away I miss having her in my life.
Jackie says
I have two wounderfu brews and have a friend looking for one any idea we’re we can find one
Jamie says
I am a happy owner of a 5lbs female Pomerania and I’ve owned a marvelous shih tuz. I’m looking for a male to breed my Pom with. If anyon is interested please let me know.
Jacqueline Kimberly Larys says
I have a Pom shih male he weighs 4.5 lbs getting ready to have him fixed but willing to bread him first I am located in streamwood IL if interested let me know