Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix (Shiranian) Dog Breed Facts

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Want to learn everything about the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix? Here, you’ll find out more about this fluffy and all-around adorable dog.

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix, also called the Shiranian, is a hybrid dog. It’s a small designer dog (average: 4 to 16 lbs). It needs proper care from its human parents, regular visits to the veterinarian, and a sound environment. By then, its lovable, playful, and warm nature will show.

If you read further, you’ll understand what this article promises, which is everything about the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix. You’ll know about the dog’s (brief) description, history, appearance, characteristics, exercise requirements, and more. The goal is to help you understand what to expect when you care for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix.

An Introduction to the Shih Tzu Pomeranian

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is the offspring of a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian. The name “Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix” can be lengthy. That’s why many people would refer to it using a variety of shortened names. Aside from the Shiranian, people also call it Shih-Pom, Pomshi, and Shih A Pom.

All Shih Tzu Pomeranian mixes are fluffy and a sight to behold. Each one may be similar in appearance. However, not all are of a similar generation. They can either be of first-generation or second-generation Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix.

It’s a first-generation Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix if it’s a combination of two separate purebred dogs; one purebred Shih Tzu and one purebred Pomeranian. If at least one of its parents is a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix, it’s a second-generation hybrid.

Both the first and second generation of Shih Tzu Pomeranian mixes have likable temperaments. For this, many communities admire and think highly of the hybrid dog. However, the admiration comes with limits. Because it’s not a purebred dog, it’s not recognized by purebred registries.

The bright side? Different hybrid registries around the world exist. They recognize this mix and laud it for its pleasant looks, graceful personality, and mild-mannered nature. The registries that recognize it include popular hybrid ones such as the International Designer Canine Registry, American Canine Hybrid Club, and Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

The History of the Shih Tzu Pomeranian

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is a dog with biological parents that originated from two different continents (Asia and Europe). Based on this information, it seems logical to presume that the mix originated from either of those locations. However, its first sighting was in another continent (North America).

Reputable dog breeders say that it was in the United States where the first sighting happened. There are no specific details (date and location) about its first entry, however. All they know is that the mix came to America, and it came to stay.

Not just in America, but also in different parts of the world, many people are showing their admiration and love for the mix. Around the world, people think of it as a well-behaved dog and the dogs of the royals, primarily because of its parents.

It’s half Shih Tzu, a dog that originated in China. It’s favored by the Ming Dynasty’s royal family and other elite families in China. These families referred to the Shih Tzu as “the lion dog,” and for the dog’s ability to be well-behaved, they made it their house pet.

It’s also half Pomeranian, a dog of German origin. Queen Victoria, one of the most respected royals in the country, grew a striking fondness for the Pomeranian after she saw it in Italy in 1888. Soon, the breed became popular in Germany and was given the nickname “the dwarf dog.”

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian Appearance

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is a dog that takes after both of its parents’ appearance. Like Shih Tzu and Pomeranian dogs, its facial appearance resembles that of a lion. By looking at it, you can tell that it has a dominating presence.

Similar to a lion, it has piercing eyes, sturdy legs, and a firm body. Unlike an actual lion, however, the dog doesn’t come off as terrifying. Its small frame compensates for the powerful presence of its facial appearance. Common characteristics of the Shih Tzu Pomeranian appearance:

  • Size: The average Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is a small dog. It stands at about 10 inches in height and weighs about four to 16 lbs.
  • Coat: Its double coat can be medium or long. Generally, it’s silky and straight but can also be wavy (like a Pomeranian’s coat).
  • Tail: Like many small dogs with a firm body, it features a tail that curls over its back
  • Muzzles, eyes, nose, and ears: It has a short muzzle, brown eyes, a small black nose, and floppy ears
  • Colors: The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix comes in a variety of colors. Coat color possibilities include black, brindle, brown, saber, orange, red, and white.

You can attribute much of the fondness for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix to its small size and neat presentation. Like all small dogs, its overall shade is a treat to look at. Plus, it comes in a solid shade, colors that are aesthetically pleasing.

Its appearance is a reason it can be so expensive. It’s a designer dog and highly favored by elite and celebrated personalities. Regardless of whether you buy one from a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter, the hybrid doesn’t come cheap.

Characteristics

Like a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian, the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix has a great nature like its parents. It’s affectionate and always wants to be by its parents’ side. Its welcoming disposition is one of the primary reasons it’s such a delightful companion.

Do you belong to a family or home with young children? Or are you an individual who wants to add warmth to your everyday life? Then the enthusiastic presence of this dog is what you’re looking for. A list of characteristics that make the Shih Tzu Pomeranian adorable:

  • Loving: It was bred mainly to be a companion, and therefore, it’s in its nature to love and care for its human parents
  • Lively: Running around and chasing after small animals or toys are among its favorite activities. It’s very energetic and likes to play all the time.
  • Well-behaved: Granted that its human parents are treating him properly, this dog’s behavior is praise-worthy. It can readily give up control over food and toys to its owners.
  • Intelligent: It can easily follow its human parents’ instructions because of its affection for them. Therefore, you can count on this mix to avoid giving you problems during dog training lessons.
  • Sociable: Among its favorite activities are hanging around with other dogs or people. It’s bright and happy-go-lucky.

A minor issue is that the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix doesn’t make a reliable watchdog. Its warm nature is a double-edged sword and can put him at risk. It’s very sociable, and therefore, quick to trust. If an intruder comes, the dog might end up befriending him.

Its clinginess can also be bothersome. From its human parents (and almost anyone), it longs for attention. If you’re the type of parent who wants to shower a dog with attention, the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is an excellent dog for you.

Exercise Requirements for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix doesn’t require frequent exercise. A five-minute daily walk is enough for this small dog. Avoid letting it exert a lot of physical effort or leave it in a state of exhaustion for long. Otherwise, breathing difficulties will arise.

While it doesn’t require frequent or lots of exercise, the hybrid needs a session of physical activity. In case it’s impossible to go out for a short walk, an indoor playtime session will do the trick. If not, it can get restless or be in an unhappy mood.

Its playfulness and liveliness are part of its nature. It’s an active and energetic dog who dislikes sitting around. Once it establishes trust with its human parent, the dog will keep showing eagerness for playtime from then on.

Thinking that this hybrid isn’t the best dog for you because you’re a busybody who can’t play all the time? Fortunately, there’s a simple workaround. All you have to do is bring it to the dog park for less than an hour and let it mingle with other dogs.

You can also just leave it be in your own backyard. Throw in a ball and some toys, maybe. With ample space, it will run around on its own and be happy in its own company. If you don’t have a backyard, visit a family member or friend who does.

Nutrition and Food

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix isn’t a picky eater. This is a big plus because it makes the dog easy to feed. It has a keen sense of smell. As long as something smells delicious, it’s edible and worth biting, chewing, and finishing off in an instant.

However, the eagerness of this dog to eat just about anything can also be a downside. Because it’s quick to put anything in its mouth, it could eat foods that contain zero nutritional value. Here are foods that the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix should avoid:

  • Almonds: Salted almonds, especially, can increase water retention and result in a fatality
  • Chocolate: It contains methylxanthines, a toxic substance linked to seizures, irregular heart function, and death
  • Cinnamon: It causes slow and deliberate irritation in its mouth. The results are low blood sugar levels, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, and liver damage.
  • Garlic: It contains thiosulfate, a substance that causes oxidative damage and leads to hemolytic anemia
  • Grapes: These are toxic fruits. Feeding the dog too many grapes can cause kidney failure.

If it trusts you, it won’t say no to your offer. All it cares about is that you have something tasty in your hands. It will eat whatever bits and pieces of food you hand over. That’s why it’s up to its human parents to know the best dog foods.

In case you fed one of the foods above to the dog, seek immediate medical attention. If you have your veterinarian’s number, contact them as soon as possible. Let them know what you fed your dog, the amount that you gave it, and if there are any symptoms.

Grooming the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix can be difficult to groom because it’s fluffy, and it comes with a thick coat. This is why the human parents prefer to relay this task to another and often look for the services of a professional groomer at least once weekly.

Meanwhile, the difficulty in grooming this dog ends with its coat. Grooming the mix can be convenient and fun mainly because of its behavior. It’s a smart hybrid. If you tell it to stay put while you’re tending to its coat, you can expect it to do exactly that.

To groom the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix, brush its coat regularly; if possible, daily. This will keep it clean and shiny. You can also wash its coat then towel-dry or blow-dry after. Either way, be sure to handle this gently because its coat is sensitive.

It features a double coat. If not medium, its coat is long, which means it requires a high level of maintenance and regular grooming. Without the required level of maintenance and only irregular grooming, its hair can get tangled.

Another reason regular grooming is advised? It helps avoid unsolvable problems with the mix’s shedding. Due to its thick, lengthy coat, the dog will shed. But while you can’t keep the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix from shedding entirely, you can learn effective methods to get rid of its hair.

Life Expectancy of the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix

The average lifespan of the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is 15 years. This is good news, considering few small dogs live for more than a decade. As long as it’s in the care of good human parents, the mix will live a long time.

The longevity of this mix has more to do with the people in its surroundings. Because it’s a dog that seeks lots of attention, it will engage in whatever activities its human parents have in store, even those that can be harmful. Qualities of a good dog owner:

  • Nurturing: This dog tends to be needy and can appreciate human parents who enjoy caring for it
  • Playful: Human parents should be willing to play and go along with this dog’s energetic side
  • Understanding: Like all dogs, it can cause mischief. Human parents shouldn’t easily get angry or frustrated. Instead, they should show compassion.
  • Committed: Caring for this mix (and caring for dogs, in general) requires time and energy. And most of the time, for this specific dog, the parents need to give undivided attention to it.
  • Responsible: Owning a dog can be enjoyable, but the task isn’t all fun and games. The safety and health of the dog should be a top priority of its parents.

Behavioral Issues

Usually, there aren’t any problems associated with the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix’s behavior. If you’re wondering what to anticipate with this dog when it’s backed into an unfamiliar situation, you can expect nothing surprising. You can expect it to behave as it normally does.

It’s not easily anxious, even if in the presence of strangers or in strange territories. Its happy nature is infectious. It’s in its most relaxed state after hours of running around. If it’s next to you, you’ll get an overwhelming bolt of wanting to play.

It also doesn’t have the tendency to demonstrate negativity or any unwanted acts, even during attempts of provoking an unpleasant side to it. It’s only fair to want to learn more about this concern, however. This should be the case, especially if you’re about to welcome it into your home.
After all, some hybrids and purebred dogs, even small ones, can exhibit aggression throughout their lifetime. Examples of aggressive behavior are non-stop barking and unnecessary biting. However, rest assured that this specific dog doesn’t do this.

Besides, the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is known as a sweet dog. It’s linked to warm and positive vibes. If it develops bad manners and other problematic behavior, the root of the issue might be in how it was raised by its human parents.

Health Issues

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is prone to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and inflammation. These allergic reactions may not always be life-threatening. They can, however, result in severe discomfort and pain. Therefore, the earlier you treat these allergies, the better it is for the dog.

Skin allergies are the main concern for this dog. Aside from itching, symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. On a few occasions, its allergic reactions can worsen, which can then cause its human parents to panic. Tips that can help prevent allergic reactions for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian:

  • Clean its enclosure (or any personal area) regularly. Sweep and mop the ground as necessary and get rid of any dusty spaces.
  • Make sure that the dog isn’t allergic to an item in its meal. Therefore, identify this item by setting an appointment with a vet and having it undergo relevant laboratory examinations.
  • Observe the dog when eating. It can set aside a meal item because of the allergy. The common allergens are dairy, wheat, and soy.
  • Avoid exposure to pollen. Don’t walk the dog when it’s late in the afternoon because this is the time when pollen levels are highest.
  • Be ready with antihistamines such as Benadryl and Claritin. These over-the-counter medications are usually safe for dogs. Consult with your vet to be 100% certain.

Cataracts, respiratory concerns, hypoglycemia, and hypothyroidism are other health issues that you should know about when taking care of the mix. Unfortunately, these concerns with its health are often unavoidable. It’s susceptible to these illnesses as it grows, and the most practical thing you can do is to be ready.

The ability to be ready is what makes human parents responsible in their awareness of health issues that put this specific dog at a higher risk of poor health. To proceed, the best course of action is to consult with a veterinarian regularly.

What Makes a Good Environment for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian Mix?

A quiet environment without the hassle of the unfamiliar makes a sound living environment for the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix. This is also the case for most dogs because they can quickly develop a fondness for a place where their human parents live.

The location of its shelter is less important. The place that its human parents call home is the same area that the dog wants to call home. So whether you’re living in a small apartment or a large house with a backyard, it’s happy to be your companion.

Because the Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is a designer dog and is often seen as a house pet, you might think that finding a suitable environment for it is challenging. It’s logical to come to think this way. However, you’re not on the right foot because the mix is a highly adaptable dog.

Unlike other dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky and Rottweiler, its adaptability to different living conditions is commendable. It can live and thrive in almost any environment. It’s recommended that it should avoid exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Fortunately, this dog rarely complains. It’s known not to resort to excessive barking and other ill behaviors. However, to be sure it doesn’t feel any discomfort, stick to the recommendation; keep it away from a place that’s too hot or too cold.

Final Thoughts

The Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix is a loyal dog. While you could say this about most dogs, the loyalty that this hybrid can show is unmistakable. It stays with its human parents almost every waking hour and wants to be cuddled as much as possible.

As mentioned earlier, this dog was bred mainly for companionship. It’s in its temperament to always have a penchant for being at its owner’s side. Once the dog realizes its main parent and forms a bond with them, the two are almost inseparable.

Planning to care for a Shih Tzu Pomeranian mix soon? That’s great to hear. In case you have any questions about the dog, refer to the discussions above. Everything you want and need to know about it is here.