One of the more odd hybrid breeds in the realm of designer dogs is the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix. This feisty hybrid, a mix between the cuddly Pomeranian and also the headstrong Shiba Inu, will undoubtedly win your heart.
You may have also heard ‘Pomshi’, ‘Shi-Pom’, as well as ‘Shipom’ used to describe this designer dog breed. This unusual mix of parent breeds produces a dog that is sociable, bright, and energetic — a wonderful friend for active individuals or families.
Due to its watchful parents, this mixed-breed dog possesses all the qualities required to be regarded as a companion dog, but the Pom-Shi can also have a watchdog streak.
Although these small dogs may not appear frightening to newcomers, they will make every effort to keep them away by barking. While their vigilant side may be a welcomed plus for some pet owners, others may not enjoy the yappy aspect of their protectiveness.
You should make sure to teach and socialize your cute Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix as soon as possible if you reside in a condo or actually prefer quiet dog breeds.
Pom-Shi dogs make excellent pets for energetic singles and families since they are devoted and loyal.
What Is A Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix
You already know how cute the Pom-Shi can be if you’re familiar with them. But, that’s just until you experience them as puppies.
These cute little mixes are a cross between a Shiba Inu or a mini Shiba Inu and a Pomeranian.
These little goofballs, which resemble little wolves, will make you chuckle all day long. They are adorable, but also independent, with a huge, brash temperament. These tiny fellas need to be trained as well as socialized immediately because of their witty and independent character.
They have a tendency to mature quickly, and failing to teach them appropriate behavior might lead to several problems in the future. Having said that, it does not imply that you should skip their cute puppy years.
This designer breed was first descended from a Prussian Pomeranian. Even though this dog has long been a well-liked companion dog, no one knows where it came from.
This dog was formerly much larger than it is now, according to records. They were originally employed as herding dogs, in fact.
On the other hand, we have the Shiba Inu – a Japanese breed. This dog was designed to hunt small rodents in the underbrush, so that it could get them out of farms and homes. The Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is self-assured, self-reliant, and protective because of both of their forebears.
Not to mention their intellect, which enables them to learn not only what will satisfy you, but also how to amuse themselves.
Origin Of The Pom-Shi
All designer dog breeds have always had an unidentified origin and a slightly enigmatic past. Intentional crossbreeding to produce a new, and preferably improved dog breed is a relatively new phenomenon despite the fact that mingling different breeds is not.
The previous two decades have seen a rise in the popularity of breeding designer dogs; therefore, it is plausible to infer that the Pom-Shi originated during this time.
Additionally, it’s safe to assume that this gorgeous Pom as well as the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix was bred specifically in the U.S. as most (if not even all) hybrid dogs were.
The Pom-Shi breed is not inherently mysterious despite the fact that there is little known about its history. From these canines’ parents, we may infer a lot about them.
The Pomeranian and Shiba Inu are both Spitz breeds of dogs. These breeds developed over the course of their history from being herding and hunting dogs to being bred solely for companionship.
Even today, their descendants continue to demonstrate how perfect a family pet these two magnificent dogs are.
Pomeranian Parent Breed
There was a region known as Pomerania in a region that bordered Poland, Germany, and the Baltic Sea. Though it’s actually a historical area, it is nevertheless occasionally mentioned as being in Poland.
The majority of Pomerania was made up of lakes, farmland, minor towns, and forests. However, after World Wars I and II, the Pomerania province had to be divided, which resulted in significant population changes.
The tiniest of the Spitz dog breeds – the Pomeranian was previously a larger-sized dog. Spitz-like dogs have been depicted on several artifacts dating back to 400 B.C.
The Pomeranian breed is a direct descendant of a very long tradition of Arctic working dogs, which were frequently seen in what are now known as the Pomeranian territories of Poland as well as in Northern Germany.
Laugh all you want, but it’s true: modern Poms have a strong affinity for the large, powerful working dogs of the Arctic, especially when you consider how much they resemble wolves.
These dogs have been heavily used by people for several purposes, including guarding homes, dragging sleds, and defending livestock. Smaller dogs were regularly taken care of as friends and pets.
Germans didn’t adopt the moniker ‘Pomeranian’ until 1974, when they began calling them simply ‘German Spitz’, and asserting that they were a German national breed.
This German Spitz seems to have been a robust, healthy dog. It was a large working dog that was frequently seen in the Arctic regions of Northern Europe. He used to go by the name ‘Wolfspitz’, which was a reference to his tiny, perked ears.
These Spitz dogs are known by a number of ancient regional names in Germany, which are translated into English as ‘Wolf Spitz’, ‘Lion Spitz’, ‘Bear Spitz’, as well as the ‘Big’ (or Gross) Spitz.
Shiba Inu Parent Breed
The Shiba Inu is a long-standing dog breed in Japan. One of the six canine breeds in the area, they are well-known across contemporary culture. They come in valuable gacha forms, well-known dog memes, and bitcoin cryptocurrency forms.
Shiba Inu dogs are said to have been brought to Japan by the first visitors in 7000 B.C. They were originally taught to hunt small creatures like rabbits, moles, and wild birds in the alpine shrubbery.
The Samurai used them as hunting dogs and as friends as well. Shiba Inus of today still possess strong hunting instincts, but because of their outgoing, sociable personality, they are increasingly kept as pets in Japan.
They are committed to their owner, and confident in their independence. The current Shiba Inu is a hybrid of all three of the ancient Shiba breeds.
The first, Sanin type, was produced in the regions of Tottori and Shimane. They had a patchy black coat, and were bigger than modern Shiba Inus. They had reserved attitudes, which explains today’s Shiba Inu’s individuality and persistence.
The Gifu Prefecture was the birthplace of the Mino type. The Shiba Inu as we see them now inherited their distinctive fleshy, triangular, and upright ears, and tilted eyes from the smaller Sanin.
In Japanese, ‘inu’ denotes a dog, while ‘shiba’ denotes brushwood. The Shiba Inu may have gotten its name either from the region in which it hunted or from the coat color, which resembles autumn brushwood.
According to an etymology interpretation of their official name from a dialect of the Nagano Prefecture, their alias also means ‘small brushwood dog.’
What Does A Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix Look Like?
Shiba Inus with Pomeranian cross breeds, sometimes known as ‘Pom-Shis,’ are indeed very small, short dogs that are frequently referred to as ‘designer dogs,’ due to their purse-friendly size.
They have the fox-like features of their parent breeds, and their poofy double coat can be any color from white, cream, brown, or tan to a variability of black and yellow, cream, and tan, and occasionally red, chocolate, white, peach, etc.
Color as well as overall looks are based on which genes were more dominant.
In addition, they have tiny feet, almond-shaped eyes, and triangular, upright ears that match their fox-like, triangular nose.
The Spitz group of dogs includes the Pomeranian as well as the Shiba Inu, which are both distinguished by having a thick coat, a pointy muzzle, and a twisted tail.
This means that the Pom-Shi will undoubtedly have two coats: a straight topcoat, and a softer, furrier undercoat. The coat may be fluffier or denser, like a Shiba, based on which parent is preferred more.
What Kind Of A Personality Does The Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix Have?
This tiny dog has a huge personality. Due to what is regarded as ‘small dog syndrome,’ they act and behave more like a larger-sized dog. They possess independence, intelligence, and self-assurance.
They are also extremely loyal to their family, and won’t hesitate to express their discontent. This tiny man is nonetheless also kind, loving, and affectionate. They enjoy a nice snuggle, and develop strong bonds with their family.
As previously indicated, the Pom-Shi is not afraid to speak out against anything it perceives to be out of the ordinary. It also often barks, and it is pretty vocal. This pup is a wonderful watchdog since it is naturally protective, and has the ability to express its suspicions.
Unless they were trained from a very young age, you can anticipate hearing their high-pitched, yappy voice rather regularly. This breed might not be the best choice for you if you live in a neighborhood with noise restrictions.
On the other hand, it could take them some time to become acclimated to meeting new people. When meeting new people, they are frequently more guarded, if not hostile.
Pomeranian Shiba Inu hybrids continue to carry the genes for hunting and herding. It feeds their “little/big dog syndrome” and explains why they are often seen chasing or managing other tiny animals. These fluffy-coated dogs will often make you smile.
It’s vital to keep in mind that because they are close to the ground, they can quickly trip you as you cross the floor when they are pursuing you. Generally speaking, seniors with a balance issue should not be around them.
Is The Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix A Good Family Dog?
The Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix can be excellent for families. Unfortunately, “can” is the key word. Much of their autonomous personality can be bent into a decent dog persona if they are taught early enough.
In the absence of that, this breed may be neurotic. Smaller kids may have a problem with this since they might nip at their fingers and toes. However, because of their flamboyant personalities, they also have no trouble nibbling an adult or a larger animal.
They can be fantastic family pets, especially if you have older kids or if you can teach your Pom-Shi from a young age. As previously noted, they grow quite close to and protective of their pet parents. But, nipping can be done once more.
You will have to pay attention at the dog park because these small dogs have big personalities and they really like to challenge other, larger dogs.
Since they require less grooming, these little guys also adapt nicely to both larger homes and smaller apartments. For their average levels of energy, a nearby dog park or any other place will do.
Because of their independence, this pup is unlikely to experience separation anxiety. They can be abandoned for a reasonable period of time. Just be aware that while they won’t be disturbed by anxiousness, they might get bored.
No pet parent likes to have to cope with a Pom-Shi that is bored. Because of this, it’s important to ensure they get enough movement, and you should give them additional toys so they can channel any extra energy.
Pom-Shi And Other Animals
Generally speaking, the Pom-Shi performs best in a household wherein they serve as the only pet.
On the other hand, they can get along with other animals if you socialize them from the time they are young puppies.
They still have their instinct for hunting and herding; therefore, they occasionally exhibit some aggression. However, their training and perseverance will guarantee that they get along well with others.
It’s also crucial to remember that the protective instincts of Pomeranian Shiba Inu Mixes occasionally make them jealous.
But, compared to another human, this is much more likely to occur with a dog or other animal companion. It usually boils down to their rearing in their early years, like with most breeds.
Is The Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix A Healthy Dog Breed?
The Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix’s susceptibility to specific diseases will depend on whose parent they inherit more characteristics from.
Inevitably, each dog has a chance of experiencing some problems based on their dietary habits, lifestyle, and overall health.
There are some significant issues with this designer hybrid as well as some minor ailments that you should be aware of.
Their lifespan will be from 12 to 16 years.
Possible Health Issues Of The Pom-Shi
The notion that crossbreeding could result in enhanced features, including fewer health problems, is one of the reasons why there are numerous designer dog breeds in existence today.
The realm of designer dog breeding has seen many accomplishments, from the eradication of significant congenital disorders to the development of hypoallergenic coats.
It doesn’t always happen that way, though; occasionally, adding a different breed to the gene pool just makes matters worse, and adds a whole new set of issues to the mix.
Fortunately, trustworthy Pom-Shi dog breeders are not affected by this issue. These dogs are generally in good health, and do not have many inherited conditions.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, or Patent Ductus Arteriosus (congenital cardiac defect) are a few possible disorders they may have.
1. Hip Dysplasia
Dysplasia is defined as “abnormality of development.” A hereditary disorder known as hip dysplasia in dogs is characterized by a propensity for the early development of hip laxity.
Due to the affected dogs’ morphologically normal hips at birth, hip dysplasia is not a congenital condition. During the first few weeks of life, the ligaments and joint capsule that ordinarily stabilize the hip joint become loose.
The ‘ball and socket’ hip joint, which is typically quite congruent becomes significantly less congruent as a result of this laxity.
2. Cataracts
Young and old dogs both develop cataracts. Genetic predisposition (dogs with cataracts shouldn’t be bred), metabolic disorders, nutritional imbalance, as well as chronic uveitis are some of the causes of cataracts.
The retina can easily receive all incoming light because healthy lenses are translucent or clear. However, the lenses become opaque with cataracts, preventing light from reaching the retina, and causing loss of vision and eventual blindness.
Any focused or diffuse opacity of the ordinarily transparent lens is referred to as a cataract. Cataracts are typically brought on by proteins in the eye that cluster together and cause the eye to become clouded. Surgery can be used to fix this.
3. Tracheal Collapse
The trachea is a strong, flexible tube with cartilage rings that are fashioned like a ‘c.’ This cartilage maintains the trachea’s opening, so that air may enter and exit the lungs.
When these cartilage rings that line the trachea break, it can lead to tracheal collapse… a progressive respiratory disease. As the windpipe collapses, it may result in your dog having breathing difficulties. This may cause a dry, gruff cough.
The reason for canine tracheal collapse is mostly unknown. It might, however, be a congenital condition. Your dog may have a birth defect that causes its trachea to collapse because it lacks adequate cartilage rings in the cellular structure.
4. Cryptorchidism
This syndrome occurs when one or both testicles remain in the belly after failing to descend into the sac (usually by the time they are two months old). It can either be mono Cryptorchidism or dual.
By the time your Pom-Shi is four months old, if one or both testicles are not visible in the scrotum, your veterinarian will advise performing a normal surgical procedure to have the trapped testicles removed.
This will stop your dog from later getting a testicular tumor.
How To Take Care Of A Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix
Taking care of this pooch won’t be a pain in the neck. They are great companions that have a lot of energy. They won’t need much grooming, but they have high energy levels, and will need a lot of playtime.
Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning to prevent ear infections, baths from time to time… and you are good to go.
Taking good care of this purebred dog mix will definitely prolong its lifespan and minimize health problems. They are perfect dogs for moderate climates since they don’t really like too hot or too cold climates.
Therefore, we recommend following certain guidelines that we will discuss below.
Grooming
The silky, thick coat of the Pom-Shi is medium to long in length. It’s interesting to note that they just moderately shed. To prevent the majority of mats and tangles, it is essential to brush them several times every week.
During the time when they are shedding, it is also a smart idea to comb them every day.
Their ears are something else to take into account. You must keep an eye out for wax accumulation and other indications of redness or pain in this breed because they are prone to ear infections.
Additionally, you ought to clean them several times every week by using a cotton ball as well as warm water.
Their teeth should receive the same attention. Although you should try to brush your Pom-Shi’s teeth every day, even a few times a week will assist with their oral hygiene remaining at its best.
These grooming drills must be included in their puppy training as well, which is one of the simpler teachings for the Pom-Shi to learn, particularly when combined with encouragement. They will relish getting brushed and held.
With this designer breed, their nails are a little bit more unusual. You must watch them carefully, and clip them every week because they have a tendency to grow quickly and be thinner.
Trimming their nails should be included in puppy training as cutting their nails too short might make them fragile and bleed. Therefore, it is advised that you seek professional advice if you are unsure.
Exercise Needs
The Pom-Shi is a playful small dog. It is often bold and inquisitive, and it adores visiting parks where it can explore every crevice and interact with other animals.
The Pom-Shi requires moderate amounts of exertion despite being more active than the average small-breed dog. For this designer dog, walking around the neighborhood, enjoying fetch, or pursuing squirrels in an enclosed back yard are all excellent ways to burn off energy.
Your mixed-breed dog will stay healthy and happy with approximately 30 to 45 minutes of activity every day on average.
Regarding the exercise of Pom-Shi dogs, there is one crucial point to remember: if you’re going on an outdoor trip or to a park, never take them off the leash!
Although this should apply to all dogs, the Pom as well as the Shiba Inu mix is an exception. Always keep your pet securely attached close to you since their curiosity and urge to explore can easily get them into trouble.
You are aware of the Pom-Shi’s exceptional agility. They have extremely sure feet, and reflexes that are almost cat-like. Do not be shocked if you discover them somewhere that you would generally assume a little dog couldn’t access.
The tiny legs of this tiny dog are another crucial aspect to consider. Brisk walks are usually enjoyable, but jogs and other strenuous activities could be too much.
Additionally, this breed thrives in mild climates. The degree of exercise should be reduced if it’s too hot or muggy outside. In the winter, additional snow gear, such as a coat or a sweater may be required.
Nutrition
One of your key objectives should be finding the greatest food for your Pom-Shi. A diet that is balanced will promote your pet’s general health over the course of its lifetime.
The best choice for the majority of dogs is premium dry dog food. As many businesses manufacture food that is tailored to your pet’s specific needs, be careful to consider your pet’s size and activity level.
The Pom-Shi is a little dog that may easily put on weight if you allow them to overeat. This unique dog breed is especially vulnerable to obesity since they are prone to joint problems, which extra weight might make worse.
They can consume as much as one and a half cups each day. It is crucial to remember that the appropriate food quantity for your pet should always be discussed with your veterinarian. Usually, it depends on their age, weight, and state of health.
In general, the Pom-Shi does not have any significant dietary limitations or sensitivities. An excellent place to start is with natural and organic dishes that are high in protein and other nutrients.
However, you should also be on the lookout for weight gain. You must ensure that these young puppies’ diets are modest in calories, and only include healthy fats because they can put on weight quickly.
You should think about giving your Pomeranian Shiba Inu Mix snacks and treats in addition to their regular meals. They will not only help you and your pet form a strong bond, but they will also support training via positive reinforcement.
Read more about 15 Best foods for a Shiba Inu.
Training And Socialization
Despite the fact that both the Pomeranian as well as the Shiba Inu were indeed known for being independent and difficult, their hybrid should be simple to train.
With the correct approach to training, the Pom-Shi’s exceptional intellect from both of its parents might be a huge advantage.
Instead of resorting to more severe forms of punishment, you can be sure that your dog will find your commands more desirable by rewarding it with goodies and praise.
A tasty treat will undoubtedly encourage your Pom-Shi puppy to obey itself while on a leash or teach it how to “drop it,” even if he inherited a little bit of the stubborn character from his Pom dad.
You might also train your mixed-breed dog to engage in agility if he prefers his Shiba Inu mother over his other breed. The Pom-Shi is undoubtedly capable of handling it.
Does The AKC Approve Of The Shiba Inu Pomeranian Mix?
Our favorite cuddle buddies are designer dog breeds. They aren’t a purebred dog breed such as a Border Collie, a Pitbull, a German Shepherd, or a Chihuahua. They were made by mixing two purebred dog breeds.
The American Kennel Club does not stand with designer dog registries nor do they approve of them. However, both parent breeds are approved by the AKC as official purebred dog breeds.
Final Word
Generally speaking, the Shiba Inu Pomeranian mix is indeed a smart, active, and lively pet that will make you smile with its actions and adorable tricks.
They will be a wonderful part of your family, and will shower you with love and the best protection they are able to provide despite the fact that they can occasionally be a little vocal.
Additionally, their outsized ego will make them operate as your personal watchdog at all occasions.
Remember that positive reinforcement and persistence will go a long way, even though this tiny kid can be a little trickier to train.
If you are looking to bring the Pom-Shi into your household, simply keep in mind that all good things are worth preparing for, and the best gifts come in small fur coats!
Raising them as soon as possible, along with a lot of love and perseverance, can have a major impact.
Read Next: Japanese Spitz Pomeranian Mix – The Best Little Comedians