Pomchis are a popular choice of toy cross breed owing to their small size and cute appearance. These Pomeranian and Chihuahua crosses are known for being loyal and friendly – as well as totally adorable! One of the first questions Pomchi owners, or potential owners may have is whether or not they shed – and how to take proper care of their coats. This is what you need to know!
So, do Pomchis shed? Pomchis do shed regularly throughout the year but how much depends on what type of coat they inherit. If a Pomchi inherits their coat from their Pomeranian parent, they may have a thick, double-layered coat so will shed quite a lot. If a Pomchi inherits their coat from their Chihuahua parent, the shedding will be less.
It is common for Pomchi puppies to inherit a mix of the two coats.
Pomchis will also shed seasonally – twice per year – between during both the spring and the fall. Shedding is heaviest in the spring as they prepare for their summer coat.
Whilst shedding is inevitable for Pomchis, this does not necessarily mean that they are a high maintenance choice of dog in terms of their coats.
Typically, during the Autumn and Winter months, they will shed very little if at all.
It is important for owners of a Pomchi to educate themselves about the traits and characteristics of their dog – including how to take care of their coat – to ensure that they remain comfortable, happy, and healthy.
Let us now take a closer look at the Pomchi coat and explore their shedding in further detail. We will also be covering some of the main and similarly related questions; including whether or not they are hypoallergenic.
Lastly, we will include some tips and recommendations for owners to keep the coat healthy. So be sure to keep on reading until the end!
The Pomchi Coat
A cross-breed of the Pomeranian and Chihuahua – it is unsurprising that Pomchis typically have coats that resemble their parents.
However, what coat they have can vary largely depending on the genes they inherit, and what parental dog they most take after.
In fact, a Pomchis coat can either be long or short, single or double-layered. It can come in a number of different colors too, most commonly in sable or fawn, and sometimes you will find a mix of colors.
However, black Pomchis are rare to find. Either way, the coat will be soft to touch. It will also be straight.
- If a Pomchi were to take after their Pomeranian parent, their coat will be longer, more dense and double layered.
- If they were to inherit the coat of the Chihuahua parent on the other hand, the coat will be longer, the hair will be thinner and it is also likely yo be single layered.
Due to the fact that the Pomchi is a crossbreed, there is no recognized breed standard, and hence, why they can differ so much but still be classified as the same breed.
In terms of their overall appearance, they are commonly oval in body shape (just like the Pomeranian), yet fluffy and with a face that resembles the Chihuahua. Ears typically stand up, as does their tail which curls up and over their body.
For the most part, Pomchis grow out longer coats that need regular grooming and maintenance.
Daily to weekly is generally advised. For this reason, they are not the most ideal breed for allergy sufferers.
Equally, they do not fare particularly well in weather extremes; the hot nor the cold.
Do Pomchis Shed A Lot?
Pomchis are known for their shedding. However, the amount each individual Pomchi will shed does vary.
It will largely depend on the coat that they inherit from the parental dogs (as discussed in the section above).
So, for us to get a better understanding of what to expect, we must consider the coats and shedding of each parental breed.
Chihuahuas are known for shedding a small amount year-round, and will generally require weekly grooming and brushing.
However, they do encounter seasonal shedding – during both the spring and fall. This process is set in motion with a change in daylight, temperature, and weather.
It is during the spring that they shed the most, as they prepare their coats for the warmer summer months.
Equally, Pomeranians are also known for shedding a small amount year-round, but this is considered to be in line with what you would expect in most breeds.
Again, Pomeranians will also shed seasonally and this is when you can expect heavier shedding in this breed.
So, back to the Pomchi; they will follow suit; shedding throughout the year, but more so during the change of seasons.
The truth is, all dog breeds do shed to some extent (excluding hairless breeds of course). For some, it may only be a small amount, whereas for others it can be more substantial.
The Pomchi falls somewhere on the lower end of the spectrum.
Are Pomchis Hypoallergenic?
Pomchis are not considered to be hypoallergenic. In fact, there is technically no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs will be allergenic to some extent; yet some are considered to be a lot better for allergy sufferers than others.
This is because both shedding and dander, are released by all dogs (in differing amounts). This is what causes allergies to be triggered in those most sensitive.
Therefore, dogs considered to be hypoallergenic do not usually set off sufferers because the amount they shed or the amount of dander they release is minimal.
In humans, allergic reactions are set off when somebody comes into contact with an animal’s dander (microscopic saliva, sweat, or skin particles). These often attach to the hair.
So, the more hair that falls and is released; the more this dander spreads and can come into contact with the environment and more can ultimately be exposed to the sufferer.
As such, all dogs have the potential to set off allergies, but there are some breeds that are known for triggering these left often or being less likely to.
For the Pomchi, they are not hypoallergenic because they do shed a small amount year round. During their seasonal shedding episodes, where they shed more heavily, allergies are more likely to arise in sufferers.
If you are concerned about allergies, it’s generally recommended not to get a Pomchi, or at the least, get the allergy to suffer to spend time around one for extended periods of time to see how they react.
Moreover, more regular grooming, brushing and coat maintenance along with routine cleaning of the home and hoovering, can be an effective remedy to lower the amount of dander released and deposited, and to lower chances of allergic reactions for the most sensitive.
Tips For Maintaining and Grooming The Pomchi Coat
Pomchis are not too challenging to look after and care for, but they do require regular grooming. This does not just include their coat, but their eyes, ears, and teeth as well.
Grooming is all about keeping a dog hygienic, clean and preventing the buildup of harmful substances that can cause health complications if left for too long without resolve.
It should also ensure your Pomchi remains comfortable at all times, improving their well-being and general mood and temperament.
Pomchis will require daily brushing. Many owners use a tool known as a slicker brush (with this one being the best to get from Amazon).
This type of brush prevents any matting, is comfortable on the skin, and prevents hair from falling to the ground. It is also very easy to clean.
When brushing your Pomchi, do so in the direction of hair growth on their coat. Be gentle, and be careful not to harm your dog’s skin.
Some owners like to trim the hair on their Pomchi’s body; especially for those with longer hair. If you decide to do so, make sure you use blunt-edged scissors and be careful.
You only want to remove a small amount of hair under the tail and around the paw pads. This will help keep these areas clean and your dog comfortable.
It is also advised to book your dog into a professional groomer from time to time. Once every couple of months tends to work well for the Pomchi breed.
They will be able to provide a haircut that is most suitable for the breed, and also will be able to do so safely and effectively.
You’ll also want to clean the area under your Pomchis eyes. Only do so with a cloth damped in cold water.
Slowly and gently remove any discharge that has fallen from the eyes. This can help remove and prevent tear stains, and any infections that this can cause.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is also recommended, as is providing dental toys or chews to keep your dog’s mouth clean and breath fresh.
This will remove the buildup of bacteria and tartar which can result in tooth decay, pain, and other oral issues.
Pomchis do not require regular bathing, and in doing so too often, can strip their coat of the natural oils that supports growth and prevents the buildup of bacteria.
So, you should only bathe your dog if they are dirty or smelly from landing in something undesirable.
Be sure to use lukewarm water and shampoo designed for dogs only. This all-natural product from Amazon is a best-seller and exactly the kind you want to use.
Your Pomchi will require their nails to be trimmed every couple of months. Only use designated dog nail clippers (like these) to prevent cutting too far and harming your dog.
Keeping Allergies At Bay
If you know of someone who suffers from dog allergies, there are some practical things you can do to help minimize the chances of your Pomchi setting them off.
We’ve covered grooming above, and this is perhaps one of the best things you can do to keep allergies at bay. The more you groom them the less dander that there will be floating around your home.
From here, consider the following techniques:
- Establish separate living spaces; this could be areas, bedrooms, or even furniture for your dog.
- Keep your living space as clean as possible; routinely vacuum your floor and do not leave any clothing lying round that your dog may cuddle up to. Keep all surfaces clean.
- Keep your dog away from carpets; or consider keeping them only on hard-flooring, or installing this in your home.
- Have anti-histamines at hand; which can safely be used to lower the allergenic response.
- Consider getting a HEPA air filter and allergen remover; to remove particles from the atmosphere.
- Always wash your hands after stroking your dog; to prevent transferring dander to other parts of your home.
- Wash your dogs bedding, toys and items; frequently, at least once per week.
Finally
Pomchis do shed and they are not considered to be a hypoallergenic dog breed.
They are not the most ideal of dogs to keep if you suffer with allergies, or know someone in the family who does and will be spending time in your home.
That being said, there are a number of proactive things you can do to prevent the buildup of hair and dander in your home; resulting in a cleaner and more hygienic living environment and drastically reducing the chances of allergies from being set off altogether.
Regular and consistent grooming, especially around and during shedding season, is a prerequisite for owning this dog.
Brushing their coat daily can go a long way to ensuring shedding does not become a problem when keeping this breed.
Wondering what other dog breeds shed? Then my following guides may be of interest:
- Do Pumi Dogs Shed?
- Do Schipperkes Shed?
- Do Cairn Terriers Shed?
- Do Border Terriers Shed?
- Do English Mastiffs Shed?
I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.