A Mix Between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian? Internet User Shares Photos of His “Shiranian”
This mixed breed is known as Shiranian.
By Gabriele Tancredo Stella in Dogs
Have you ever wondered what a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian puppy would look like? It’s definitely something to be curious about, right? Our reader, Viviane Machado, is the proud owner of a dog from this mix — meet Paçoca.
In an interview with Amo Meu Pet, Viviane shared that she is from Brasília, Brazil, and that Paçoca is three years old — full of energy and cuteness. Paçoca is the result of a cross between a Shih Tzu named Lilica and a Pomeranian named Thor.
Paçoca’s parents belong to the coordinator of the school where Viviane works. While the coordinator was away on a trip, the dogs ended up mating by accident.
“The coordinator said she didn’t know what to do, so I asked for one of the pups,” she explained.
But before adopting her permanently, Viviane talked to her husband — and of course, he agreed, as long as the puppy was a boy.
However, when it came time to choose a puppy, Viviane picked the only girl in a litter of four. But it didn’t matter, because the dog quickly became the sweetheart of the house!
“She was a little rascal. She used to bite, destroy every box in sight, and nibble on my husband’s feet,” she recalled.
Now that Paçoca is a bit older, her playful puppy days are behind her—she’s turned into a total sweetheart, the kind that makes you want to scoop her up and squish her with love!
As for the other three puppies, they were given away — one of them stayed with the school coordinator and was named Alfredo. Alfredo and his little brothers took after their father Thor, the Pomeranian. But Paçoca looked a little “different” — more like a Yorkie.
“She looks quite different, and people always ask me what breed she is. It’s funny to say she’s a mutt, since she’s actually a mix of two breeds, right?”
Paçoca is a sweetheart, although a little temperamental. She doesn’t like noise — and if someone makes too much, she’ll bark until they stop. On the other hand, she is very affectionate. According to Viviane, “She definitely doesn’t take after the Spitz breed — they’re usually much feistier.”
Check out the video of what Paçoca does when she doesn't like a noise:
Now let’s learn a bit about the breeds of Paçoca’s parents to better understand her mix — the Shiranian.
Now let’s learn a little bit about the breed's characteristics of Paçoca’s parents, so that we can know more about his mixed breed, the Shiranian.
The Pomeranian, also known as the German Spitz, is an adorable small dog breed with distinct features, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Weighing between 4 and 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.7 kg) and standing 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) tall at the withers, it has a compact and elegant body.
Their double coat is soft in the undercoat and dense and straight on the outer layer. The breed has a rounded head, a short muzzle, and expressive eyes. Pomeranians are known for being alert, intelligent, outgoing, and full of energy.
The Shih tzu according to the AKC, the Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy, and affectionate breed with distinct characteristics. Weighing between 10 and 16 pounds and standing 8 to 11 inches tall at the withers, the Shih Tzu has a compact, well-proportioned body. Its coat is long, dense, and can come in a variety of colors.
They have a round head, large dark eyes, and a short snout. They’re known for their affectionate, friendly, and sociable personalities, which make them excellent family companions.
The Shiranian, on the other hand, typically weighs between 10 and 16 pounds and stands 8 to 11 inches tall at the withers. This small and graceful pup inherits the long, dense coat from both of its parent breeds, according to Dog Time.
Their adorable faces feature expressive eyes and short snouts, combining the striking traits of the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian. The Shiranian is known for being affectionate, playful, and sociable — making it a loyal and loving companion for any family.
Given all these traits, what do you think of Paçoca? Let us know in the comments!
Crossbreeding of Different Dog Breeds
Although puppies produced by crossing these breeds may inherit striking traits from their parents, they are considered hybrids — meaning they don’t belong to a defined breed, as they come from two purebred parents.
So don’t be fooled — and be cautious! Depending on the breed combination, puppies can be born with health problems or even genetic mutations. According to veterinarian Sline Ambrogi Franco Prado, in an interview with the news portal Terra:
“Genetics isn’t mathematics — we can’t know exactly which traits the puppies will inherit. Brachycephalic breeds require caution to prevent puppies from being born with breathing difficulties,” the expert explained. “That’s why it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to determine whether it’s advisable for two specific breeds to mate,” she advised. “They can help you understand any health predispositions the puppies might have and provide proper monitoring to ensure the mating happens safely.”
So, if you own both a male and a female, remember: even with precautions like separating them during heat, a moment of carelessness can lead to mating. The best prevention is spaying or neutering — a safe and effective option.
