Known for having a lovely disposition and their small size, Shiranian dog breeds are considered to be one of the best crossbreeds. A mix between Shih Tzu and Pomeranian Mix, Shiranian dogs are considered to be designer dogs. Although they are usually lively and playful, their behavior is highly affected by their parent’s attributes.
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Size and Description
Shi Tzu and Pomeranian crossbreeds are generally small and they are just seven to twelve inches in height. Meanwhile, fully grown adults usually weigh 1.8 to 6.8 kg.
Shih-Poms usually have thick coats which could have a long to medium length. They have a double coat which could be straight or slightly curly. The most common colors for the coat of these crossbreeds are brown, tan, white, black, red, merle, orange, gold or brindle.
Each litter has four to six puppies and they are usually hypoallergenic. This is a toy dog breed which originates from the United States of America.
Shiranian Breed: Temperament
These dogs make the best companion for children and for younger members of the family because they are warm and friendly. In fact, these dogs are quick to trust the people they meet that they do not make good watchdogs. This breed is more compatible for those who are looking for a pet that will bring warmth to their lives.
Given the characteristics of these dogs, they should never be left on their own for long periods of time. These dogs can grow attached to their family easily and they are prone to separation anxiety. When you are not in your home for long periods, this dog can get lonely and depressed.
Another important quality that these dogs possess is their desire to attract the attention of their owners. These dogs tend to do cute antics to make sure that they will capture their neighbor’s attention. These dogs are so friendly that they would rather lick than bark.
While these dogs may seem to be friendly, they can have a jealous streak. They tend to feel left out when you shower more attention to other animals. However, when they are socialized with other animals, they find it easy to get along.
Shiranian Grooming
Crossbreeds often have a long coat which means that they need proper grooming. Given the length of their coats, you need to do proper grooming so that their hair will not get tangled. If you plan to do the job yourself, you should be careful that they are towel dried. Blow drying these dogs is not the best choice because their coats are sensitive.
Regular grooming also helps to avoid shedding. However, if shedding happens, I think you may want to learn some super helpful tips to get rid of your buddy’s hair.
This dog has a double coat which means that the dog will require higher maintenance compared to other dog breeds. Plus, you will need to brush their coat daily to make sure that there are no tangles. Aside from that, it would be ideal to bath your pet occasionally using a mild soap to ensure that the coat will remain clean and shiny.
Health Issues
This crossbreed remains quite healthy and compared to its purebred parents it does not suffer from too many health complications. The biggest problem that these canines can have is depression. These dogs tend to feel lonely when their owners are away which is why this pet is not ideal for professionals who are out the house most of the day. Once Shiranians are depressed it can lead to different health problems.
The purebred parents of the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian mix are prone to hip dysplasia. There are some parents who inherit this problem although the chances of getting this trait are quite low.
Another possible problem that this breed can suffer from is respiration problems. It is important to maintain the health of their respiratory system since its parents are prone to respiratory issues. One possible reason for this problem is the size of the dog since they are quite small. This may also be due to the dog’s small nasal passages.
Living Arrangements
Shiranian crossbreeds are indoor dogs. They will not work as outdoor dogs because they cannot adapt to extreme temperature changes. The dog is also small and even if they are friendly and safe for small kids, it is important not to allow children to play with them all the time. Given the size of these dogs, they might sustain injuries easily and should be handled with care.
These dogs require exercise just like any other dog breed. However, you need to make sure that you will not tire out your dog or else it might be too tired. Short walks are great for these dog breeds and make sure to do it every day to make sure that your dog remains healthy. Since these dogs are energetic despite their small size allow them to play indoors as a form of exercise.
Surprisingly, these dogs have a fondness for toys. So, they would appreciate having a plaything. If you find them playing with fingers and toes, do not be surprised since that is common for these dogs.
Dog Training
These may be small dogs but they are highly trainable. In fact, they are quick learners which may be one of their ways to get the attention of their owners. If you have a Shiranian crossbreed, it would be best to start obedience training first.
After that, you can train them on proper socialization. Given this dog’s innate nature for attracting attention, they are quite easy to train. Then, there’s crate training. These three should be the ones you focus on when you own a Shi Tzu and Pomeranian mix.
Once your pups learn their basic commands, it would be time to teach them proper grooming and leash training. Always start the training process early to avoid bad behavior in the future. It is always better to teach a pup the right thing at first try than to correct a wrong practice.
When training your dog, always try positive reinforcement. This is better than to punish your canines for bad behavior. When your puppy does something right, give them praises and treats. Since this dog loves attention, they would try to do their best so you will give them a reward.
Diet
When you have a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian crossbreed, it would be best to choose holistic dog food. Of course, you need to make sure that you give them with food that contains chicken meat, beef, turkey, lamb, herring, and salmon as the primary ingredients. These products are rich in protein and they could provide your dog’s caloric needs.
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If you choose to feed your dog with commercial food, it would be alright if it contains rice, oatmeal or barley. However, be on the lookout for possible allergies as there are dogs that are prone to allergic reactions from products that contain grains. Giving vegetables and fruits occasionally is also acceptable.
It is important to give this dog high-quality food since they are prone to dental problems. Giving it dry dog food is also a better choice. This dog usually needs a cup of dry dog food every day. These dogs usually live for up to 15 years.
Final Thoughts
Shih Tzu and Pomeranian mix may be designer dogs but that doesn’t mean that they are less lovable. In fact, these dogs are so easy to get attached too because they are so sweet and cuddly. However, be sure to prepare shallow bowls and little doggie beds for them. The size of these dogs will make it difficult to allow them to sleep on your bed.
These dogs also tend to have a mischievous and stubborn streak, sometimes they can be naughty. Although they are easy to train, they may also misbehave and their jealous streak can rival a human’s.