Fun Shiranian Facts For Kids

The small dog breed, also known by several other names like Pom Tzu, Shih Pom, or Shih a Pom, is a mixed breed. The breed is a result of interbreeding between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian.

The Shih Tzus originated in China, believed to be bred by the Tibetan monks as companion dogs for the royal members of the society. The name Shih Tzu means 'lion dog'.

Like the Shih Tzu, the Pomeranians were the favorites of the nobility. The breed originated in the land of Pomerania from where its name was derived.

Therefore, the intermingling of the two breeds attributed the Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix with an elegant and intelligible nature meant for people with fine taste in dogs. The breed is extremely playful, lively, benign, friendly, obedient, and loyal.

Shih a pom is a designer breed famous in several parts of the United States of America.

The demand for these designer dog breeds has increased dramatically due to their widespread popularity among celebrities. Purebred organizations like the American Kennel Club do not support these mixed breed dogs as they have the propensity to inherit the diseases and health issues common to their parent breeds.

The Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix is an otherwise healthy dog with a long life span but they do come with some health conditions that might prove to be dangerous if not administered with immediate medical treatment.

If you adore small-sized dogs then these shiranian facts are absolutely unmissable. If you want to know more about other dog breeds then check out Brazilian terrier facts and Victorian bulldog facts.

Shiranian Interesting Facts

What type of animal is a shiranian?

A shiranian is a mixed breed dog, the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian being its parent breeds.

What class of animal does a shiranian belong to?

A shiranian belongs to the class Mammalia of the Animalia kingdom.

How many shiranians are there in the world?

To put it in simple words, there are innumerable shiranians across the entire world (apart from Antarctica). However, the number of currently existing dogs of the breed cannot be ascertained due to the lack of adequate data.

These dogs are widely available for adoption and are bred in abundance which implies that they do not face the threat of extinction at the present moment.

Where does a shiranian live?

A shiranian or commonly, Pom Tzu lives in cozy homes with their human companions. The dog breed can be found all over the world except for Antarctica. These dogs have gained a lot of fame in several parts of the USA.

What is a shiranian's habitat?

Shiranians have made their place in innumerable homes across the world where they live with the owner and other family members. However, shiranians can also be found in rescues and shelters.

Who do shiranians live with?

The shiranians have been bred to be companions to human beings. These dogs live with their masters and their family.

They cannot live in packs or in the wilderness owing to their vulnerable and incompetent minuscule size. In fact, they are highly dependent on their human counterparts to the extent that they suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for more than two to three hours.

How long does a shiranian live?

Shiranians are long-living dogs and they enjoy a comparatively longer life than medium dog breeds like a labrador (10-12 years) or large breeds like a mastiff (6-12 years) and a rottweiler (8-10 years). A healthy shiranian can live for 15 years. Generally, the average life span of the dog breed ranges between 13 to 15 years.

How do they reproduce?

The reproduction process commences with the attainment of puberty. When both the males and females of the dog breed reach maturity, the breeding process can be initiated but the ideal age for copulation is normally around two years of age.

It takes about eight to nine months for a shiranian puppy to mature sexually. The females get their heat cycles during which they become highly receptive towards the males.

A professional breeder adept at the task must be consulted before initiating the breeding process. Once the dogs engage in mating, the females enter into the gestation period after conception.

The gestation period lasts for about 60 to 64 days during which the female dog must be kept under stringent protection and care. A healthy female gives birth to a litter of four to six puppies.

What is their conservation status?

The conservation status of shiranians is Not Evaluated under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This is perhaps because the preservation of the dog breed is not very significant at the moment as the breed is available in ample amounts.

Shiranian Fun Facts

What does shiranian look like?

A shiranian is a small breed available in a variety of shades and colors. The common shades of the breed are merle, black, white, gold, tan, brindle, red, orange, and sable.

The size and physical characteristics of the dog breed have their roots in its parent breeds, that is, the Shih Tzu-Pomeranian breeds where both are small-sized majestic dogs. The breed has a double coat that differs in quality.

Some are curly whereas some are straight. They can also be long, short, dense, or fluffy. They have black-to-brown eyes, small floppy ears, a short muzzle, and a black snout.

The exact color of their bottom paw is not known as it varies from one shiranian to another. If you trace a shiranian it would look exactly like an irresistible toy dog.

How cute are they?

Have you ever seen a well-dressed shiranian in a dog show? The appearance of the Pomeranian-Shih Tzu mix is so much more than just appealing. It is adorable beyond words owing to its size and furry appearance.

A shiranian dog donning a cute little dress with beautiful bows in its hair is a delightful sight to behold. No doubt it is called a designer dog. On the other hand, the shiranian puppies are so much more than just cute!

How do they communicate?

Like any other breed type, shiranians interact by using several modes of communication. Body language and gestures form an essential part of the communication process accompanied by explicit vocalizations of thoughts and feelings.

Rubbing the head, wagging the tail, and curling up on your lap are expressions of happiness, love, and affection while hiding under the bed that can suggest both playfulness and some kind of fear.

Vocalizations include barking, growling, snarling (when angry), whining, and whimpering (when in pain or hurt). Dogs normally express their love, affection, anxiety, fear, and other emotions by forming a bond with the owner and the family members so much so that with time, their companions know what is being expressed.

How big is a shiranian?

A shiranian or Pom Shiz is not big in size, just like its parent breeds, the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian. Quite contrarily, it is pretty minuscule and can be easily carried to places. If you are single and live in a small apartment then these dogs are perfect!

On average, a shiranian height ranges from 7-12 in (18-30 cm). Negligible differences in height can be witnessed between males and females. They are undoubtedly smaller than Labradors or Beagles but larger than Chihuahuas or Yorkshire Terriers.

How fast can a shiranian run?

Despite belonging to a small dog breed, this Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix is surprisingly very energetic and lively. The exact running speed is yet to be recorded but it can be assumed that the speed is almost similar to the Shih Tzus capable of sprinting at 6-8 mph (9.6-13 kph).

They can run and jump all around the house and even accompany you for short walks and runs. However, they cannot withstand extensive exercise regimes owing to their minute stature.

How much does a shiranian weigh?

A shiranian weighs between 4-16 lb (1.8-7.3 kg). They are normally extremely lightweight and easy to carry anywhere. It might even fit into your purse.

What are the male and female names of the species?

Like all other dog breeds, the male shiranian is called a dog while a female is regarded as a bitch.

What would you call a baby shiranian?

A baby shiranian is formally referred to as a shiranian puppy. It is also called a pup out of love and affection.

What do they eat?

Since shiranians are omnivores they can be offered a combination diet comprising the essential nutrients. Preferably a consultation with the vet is necessary before fixing their diet.

However, the diet must include raw meat (chicken, turkey, lamb), fish, vegetables, and fruits. They can also be fed with dry dog food available in the market. Apart from dog food, they can also be offered treats, especially during training.

Two to three meals can be offered to an adult Shih Pom with 300-350 calories per day. The meals must be wholesome, enriched with a combination of proteins, vitamins, minerals, omegas, essential fats, and carbohydrates to ensure good dog health.

Are they slobbery?

The small dog breed shows very low tendencies of drooling. If you find slobber spots on your clothes or large blobs of drool on your arms disgusting then this dog is the best option for you.

However, if a dog slobbers excessively and unnaturally at the mouth it should be rushed to a nearby vet without any delay to get it medically treated.

Would they make a good pet?

The sociable nature of the shiranians makes them the ideal family dogs. They are gentle and play with children as well as other house pets.

However, before heading for an adoption one major factor has to be kept in mind. The shiranians are really small dogs and they have a high chance of getting hurt easily. While the dog mingles well with children and other pets, it bears the risk of getting hurt or injured due to manhandling.

Children and other large pet dogs often do not understand how to treat a small dog with utmost gentleness and care. Therefore, these situations must be handled with delicacy and vigilance.

Another significant factor is that the shiranians are emotionally fragile as they often suffer from separation anxiety and depression when stranded for long durations. This problem can be countered if nipped in the bud with the help of proper training.

A shiranian puppy needs to be trained according to the requirements of the family as well as the norms of society. Training must be introduced at an early stage because, in the later stages, they might become stubborn and lethargic to learn new behavioral rules.

The dogs are eager to learn and are very receptive to training during their young ages.

However, it must also be realized that dogs need some time and attention. All they crave is love and adoration from their loved ones.

Did you know...

Queen Victoria patronized the Pomeranians and so did many other celebrated personalities like Mozart, Michaelangelo, Isaac Newton, and Martin Luther to name a few. While on the other hand, celebs like Bill Gates and Queen Elizabeth are proud owners of Shih Tzus.

Shiranians are excellent family pets and are very protective of the family members but this does not imply that they are good guard dogs. Quite contrarily, their calm nature does not allow them to be aggressive or violent even in the face of adversity.

They might not be able to protect, defend, or guard given that they possess a small and vulnerable body.

A shiranian loves to go for short walks same as it likes to doze under the wraps of a comfortable blanket. Indulging and motivating the dog for daily exercise is a must to ensure that it does not become slothful. A balance has to be maintained as too much exercise can prove to be strenuous for the little one.

People are divided in their opinions about allergic reactions from the dander or hair of a shiranian. Generally, shiranians are known to be hypoallergenic.

These dogs show moderate to low shedding tendencies which implies that they are ideal for people who are prone to allergies from dog fur or dander. However, it is also believed that these dogs are not hypoallergenic and there are possibilities of allergic reactions.

These dogs love to play fetch and other thrilling games. You might have a hard time playing hide and seek with these little fellows as they can just squeeze into nooks and corners quite impossible for you to reach!

Although the major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club are yet to acknowledge this dog breed, clubs like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and Designer Dogs Kennel Club have given recognition to the lovable little dog belonging to the toy breed.

Characteristics and health issues

Shiranians are lively yet gentle dogs. They are obedient and moderately easy to train. These dogs do not have the tendency to bark frequently.

They are very playful and can be found engaging in some kind of mischief. They can run around and play with small kids and also enjoy with other pets.

They become deeply attached to their owner and their family members. They can also gel up with complete strangers given that they are provided with proper social training from the very beginning. However, they cannot stand detachment for a long time and have tendencies to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.

Since the shiranians are mixed breed dogs, they have several health problems common to the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian. Some of the health problems include hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes, liver problems, reverse sneezing, epilepsy, umbilical hernia, hypoglycemia, cataracts, kidney stones, allergies, eye problems, collapsed trachea, hypothyroidism, a few others.

These medical issues need urgent treatment so that they do not aggravate to cause more suffering to the dog. These dogs are also prone to dental problems if not provided with proper dental care.

Along with regular exercise and training of half an hour, grooming plays a vital role in maintaining good health in any dog's life. The difference remains that some dogs have low grooming requirements while others need quite some attention in the field.

A shiranian is a moderate shedder but it comes with lots of grooming requirements. Firstly, a shiranian requires a cleansing bath with soap and water once or twice a month.

Secondly, they need daily combing and brushing since they have a double coat that can acquire dirt easily or even get tangled up.

Additionally, the dog needs dental care with regular brushing of the teeth. The ears need to be cleaned occasionally and the nails require trimming to ensure healthy paws.

Long nails can actually injure the dogs while they run and play around. Lastly, the dog must be taken for a medical examination to maintain a regular check on its health.

Getting your own shiranian

The Pomeranian Shih Tzu mix dog can be an exceptional pet if you are looking for a small breed of dog that is both outgoing and can adjust in a small apartment.

To make an extraordinary pet of the second generation dog, attention must be given to its daily requirements such as exercise, training, grooming, diet, and ultimately, medical needs.

Additionally, a brief knowledge about the temperament and health issues of the dog is necessary before adoption.

A shiranian puppy also comes at an affordable to expensive price range costing somewhere between $250 to $1,300. The price range depends upon various factors like the adeptness of the breeder, availability in the market, location, quality of the breed, type of coat, gender, and health condition.

Adoptions must be made from professional and ethical breeders followed by a medical checkup from the vet.

Maintaining a shiranian can prove to be quite pocket-pinching as it comes with innumerable expenses related to its lifestyle. However, the money spent on a lovable and loyal companion is worth it.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other mammals including Central Asian shepherd dog facts and lowchen facts.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable shiranian coloring pages.

Thank you to Kidadler Shae Laurie for providing the image of their pet Shiranian Dog in this article.