Shih Pom Breed Information
The Shih Pom, also known as the Shiranian, is an adorable hybrid breed that combines the lovable traits of the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian. With their cute, fluffy appearance and friendly, outgoing personalities, they make excellent companion dogs for families and individuals alike.
One of the benefits of the Shih Pom is that they are a hypoallergenic breed, which means they are great for people with allergies. Their coats can range from straight to wavy and come in a variety of colors, including black, white, cream, and brown.
Shih Poms are also known for their sociable and friendly nature, making them excellent pets for those who enjoy having a furry friend by their side. They thrive on attention and love to be around their owners, often following them around the house and wanting to be part of everything they do.
In terms of size, Shih Poms typically weigh between 4 and 15 pounds and stand between 7 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder. They are a healthy breed, with a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years.
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
- As a hybrid breed, the Shih Pom combines the cute and fluffy appearance of the Pomeranian with the distinctive flat face and luxurious coat of the Shih Tzu
- The Shih Pom can be a good choice for people with allergies, as they are generally considered to be either semi or fully hypoallergenic
- They are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They tend to get along well with both humans and other pets
- This breed loves to be around people and is known to thrive in social settings. They are often very affectionate and enjoy being close to their owners
- Despite their small size, the Shih Pom is an energetic breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy
- This breed is highly intelligent and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and commands. They are known to be quick learners and enjoy learning new things
- The Shih Pom is a protective breed that is loyal to its owners. They tend to be wary of strangers and will bark to alert their owners of any potential danger
- With proper care, the Shih Pom can live a long and healthy life, with an average lifespan of 12-16 years. This means that they can be a long-term and rewarding companion for their owners
Appearance
The Shih Pom is a small hybrid breed that is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian. They have a fluffy, soft coat that can come in a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and even a combination of these. They have a round, broad head with a short, blunt muzzle and big, round, expressive eyes. Their ears are usually floppy and their tail is typically curled over their back.
Shih Poms are small in size and weigh anywhere from 4 to 15 pounds, with a height range of 7 to 12 inches. They have short legs and a compact build, making them ideal apartment or city living companions.
One of the most distinctive features of the Shih Pom's appearance is its adorable facial expression. With their fluffy, round faces and big, expressive eyes, they can't help but make you fall in love with them at first sight.
Photos
Temperament
The Shih Pom is a hybrid breed that has inherited some of the best qualities of its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian. This mix has resulted in a dog that is friendly, affectionate, and outgoing. They love spending time with their family and have a strong desire to please, making them easily trainable.
They have a naturally sociable nature and get along well with children, adults, and other pets. They crave attention and love to be cuddled and pampered. This breed is known for their cheerful disposition, making them excellent therapy dogs.
Shih Poms are not known to be excessive barkers, but they may alert their owners when they feel something is amiss. They are not aggressive and tend to be friendly to strangers, but early socialization is still important to ensure they are well-adjusted in different settings.
Their small size and adaptability make them perfect for apartment living, as they don't require a large living space. However, they still need regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
Care
Grooming
The Shih Poms grooming requirements are moderate maintenance. Their fluffy coat needs regular brushing and grooming to prevent mats and tangles. They may require professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to keep their coat in top condition. Using a pin brush and slicker brush to groom them at home is recommended. Regular bathing is also necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Their nails should be trimmed every month to prevent them from overgrowing and causing discomfort. Regular dental hygiene is also important to maintain oral health. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tartar buildup and gum diseases.
In addition to their coat, the Shih Poms' ears and eyes should be checked regularly. The hair around their eyes should be trimmed to prevent irritation and infections. You should also clean their ears once a week to avoid any wax build-up.
Exercise Needs
Despite their small size, Shih Poms are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. A daily walk or two, along with some playtime, should suffice to meet their exercise needs. These dogs enjoy playing fetch, tug-of-war, and other games that engage both their mind and body.
It's important to note that Shih Poms are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so it's best to avoid exercising them during the hottest or coldest parts of the day. Additionally, since they have short legs and a compact build, they may not be suitable for very strenuous activities like long hikes or runs.
Interactive toys and puzzles can also stimulate your Shih Pom mentally and help prevent boredom and destructive behavior. With proper exercise and mental stimulation, your Shih Pom can live a happy and healthy life.
Health
The Shih Pom is a relatively healthy breed, it is important to stay vigilant and provide proper care to ensure they live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Shih Poms may be prone to respiratory issues, such as collapsing trachea and respiratory infections. It is important to monitor their breathing and seek veterinary care if any respiratory problems are observed.
Another health concern for Shih Poms is patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent this condition.
Other potential health issues for the Shih Pom include eye problems, such as cataracts and dry eye, and skin allergies. Regular grooming and veterinary care can help manage these conditions.
Lifespan
The Shih Pom is a hybrid breed that boasts a relatively long lifespan compared to many other dog breeds. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, a Shih Pom can live between 12 and 16 years on average.
There are several factors that can impact a Shih Pom's lifespan. One of the most important factors is genetics. Breeding dogs with good genetics, free from any hereditary diseases or conditions, can help ensure a longer and healthier life for their offspring. Proper nutrition and exercise are also crucial for a Shih Pom's longevity, as a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help prevent obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.
Training
Shih-Poms are intelligent and eager-to-please dogs, making them relatively easy to train with consistent and positive reinforcement methods. Early socialization is crucial to ensure that they grow up to be well-adjusted and friendly adults. Shih-Poms thrive on positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise, treats, and playtime, and will become disinterested or even stubborn if trained using punishment or harsh methods.
Crate training and housebreaking are essential for the Shih Pom breed. They are small dogs and may need to relieve themselves more frequently than larger breeds, so it's important to establish a consistent routine and praise them when they exhibit good behavior.
Shih Poms may also benefit from agility training, which can help improve their physical fitness and mental stimulation. Positive reinforcement training can be used to teach them to navigate obstacles, perform tricks, and engage in other activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation.
History
The Shih Pom, a hybrid breed, is a relatively new addition to the dog world. It combines the best of both breeds as a cross between the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian, resulting in a cute and fluffy companion dog.
The history of the Shih Pom is not well-documented, as the breed has only been around for a few decades. However, we can look at the history of its parent breeds to gain some insight.
The Shih Tzu has a long and rich history, originating in China. It was originally bred as a companion dog for Chinese royalty and was highly valued for its beauty and charm. The breed was kept in strict secrecy for centuries, with only a few select individuals allowed to own them. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the Shih Tzu was introduced to the rest of the world, and it quickly became a beloved breed.
The Pomeranian, on the other hand, has a shorter history. It originated in Germany in the 19th century and was initially bred as a larger sled dog. However, the breed quickly became smaller due to breeding for the specific purpose of being a companion dog. The Pomeranian also became popular with royalty, particularly Queen Victoria, who helped popularize the breed in England.
The Shih Pom itself likely originated in the United States, where designer breeds have become increasingly popular over the past few decades. Breeders sought to combine the desirable traits of the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian, resulting in a charming and affectionate hybrid.
Today, the Shih Pom continues to gain popularity as a beloved companion dog, known for its friendly and outgoing nature. While its history may be relatively short, the breed's bright and playful personality makes it a wonderful addition to any family.
