This quick-reference table provides the essential data you need to know about the Shiranian, giving you a clear snapshot of their unique traits and what to expect.
Affectionate, Intelligent, Playful, Loyal, Sensitive
7-12 inches
4-16 pounds
12-16 years
High; Daily brushing and regular professional grooming required
Low to Moderate; Short daily walks and indoor play are sufficient
Singles, couples, seniors, and families with older, gentle children
Low
The Shiranian is a true companion dog, bred to be by your side. They pack a world of personality into a tiny frame, often exhibiting a calm yet playful demeanor. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and bond deeply with their families, thriving on being the center of attention and soaking up every ounce of love you can give. Their sensitive nature and devotion make them not only wonderful pets but also excellent therapy dogs.
Don’t let their small size fool you; the Shiranian is highly intelligent, a trait inherited from both parent breeds. In fact, their Pomeranian parent ranks #23 on the list of smartest dog breeds, while the Shih Tzu parent ranks #70. This intelligence means they pick up on training quickly, but it’s often paired with a stubborn streak. They know how to use their adorable looks to their advantage! While generally quiet, they can be prone to barking if not taught otherwise. They are friendly and open with strangers once comfortable, making them a sociable companion for nearly any occasion.
The Shiranian’s small size and loving nature make them an appealing choice, but they are best suited for a specific type of home environment. It’s crucial to ensure their needs align with your lifestyle.
Apartment dwellers: Their small size and low-to-moderate exercise needs make them perfect for apartment or condo living.
First-time dog owners: Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train with consistency.
Seniors or singles: They thrive on close companionship and are content with being a devoted lap dog.
Families with older, respectful children: They get along well with children who know how to play gently with a small, fragile dog.
You have very young children or toddlers: A Shiranian can be easily injured by rough play due to their delicate size.
You’re looking for an active, outdoor adventure partner: They enjoy short walks but cannot handle strenuous exercise or long hikes.
You don’t have time for grooming: Their beautiful coat is high-maintenance and requires daily attention to prevent painful mats.
You are away from home for long hours: This breed needs constant companionship and does not do well when left alone.
Shiranians require a high-quality small-breed dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Due to their small size, they can be prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so it’s important to feed them small, regular meals throughout the day rather than one large one. Always provide fresh, clean water.
While they can be energetic and playful, Shiranians have relatively low exercise needs. They enjoy short bursts of play and will happily zoom around the house. A few 15-20 minute walks throughout the day are sufficient to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Be mindful of their limits; they will try to keep up with you but can overexert themselves easily. They are very sensitive to both heat and cold, so take precautions in extreme weather.
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This is the most demanding aspect of Shiranian care. While they are a low-shedding breed, their long, fluffy coat is high-maintenance. Daily brushing is essential to remove tangles and prevent painful matting. Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is also necessary to keep their coat in good condition. Additionally, small breeds like the Shiranian are prone to dental disease. Daily teeth brushing and regular vet check-ups are crucial for their oral health. Nails should be trimmed monthly, and ears checked weekly for signs of infection.
Shiranians are smart and trainable, but their stubborn streak requires a patient and consistent approach. Use positive reinforcement techniques with plenty of praise and treats. Early socialization is key to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults who are comfortable around new people and other animals. Puppy training classes are an excellent resource for both training and socialization. It’s also important to train them not to bark excessively from a young age, as this can become a nuisance behavior if left unchecked.
Shiranians are a generally healthy hybrid with a long lifespan of 12 to 16 years. As a mixed breed, they can potentially inherit health conditions common to the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian. Responsible breeders screen for these issues, but it’s important to be aware of them.
Choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder who performs health screenings on parent dogs is the best way to ensure a healthy start. While a mixed breed is not a guarantee of superior health, responsible breeding practices significantly reduce the risk of genetic problems.
As a designer breed, the Shiranian’s history is the story of its two parent breeds. The Shih Tzu, whose name means “lion dog,” originated in the imperial palaces of China, where they were cherished lap dogs for centuries. The Pomeranian is a descendant of larger Arctic Spitz-type sled dogs, selectively bred down to their current tiny size in the Pomerania region of Germany and Poland. The Shiranian was created to combine the Shih Tzu’s loving, companion-focused personality with the Pomeranian’s fluffy coat and spirited intelligence, resulting in an ideal modern-day companion.
Your search for the perfect, fluffy companion ends here. The Shiranian puppies you see below are raised with immense love and care by our network of ethical breeders. They are socialized from day one and are eager to bring their big personalities into a loving forever home.
PuppyGuyz is proud to offer our premier, safe, and convenient nationwide delivery service. No matter where you are, we can bring your new Shiranian puppy directly to your door. We have a strong network of exceptional breeders in and around the following states:
Looking for a Shiranian puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:
We’ve compiled and answered every common question about the Shiranian to create the most complete and trustworthy resource you’ll find anywhere.
A Shiranian is a designer dog, a cross between a purebred Shih Tzu and a purebred Pomeranian. They are also known as a Shih-Pom, Pomshi, Pomatzu, or a Shih-A-Pom.
They have a long lifespan for a dog, typically living for 12 to 16 years.
They are a small or toy-sized breed, usually standing 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder.
A full-grown Shiranian typically weighs between 4 and 16 pounds. Some breeders may offer a “Teacup Shiranian,” which would be at the lowest end of this weight range.
They are considered a low-shedding breed. However, their long hair requires significant grooming to prevent matting.
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but because Shiranians are low-shedding, they are often a better choice for people with mild allergies compared to heavy-shedding breeds.
Yes, Shiranians are very intelligent. This is thanks to their parentage from two smart breeds, the Pomeranian and the Shih Tzu.
They are not typically excessive barkers, but they are alert and will bark if provoked or to let you know someone is at the door. This can be managed with early training.
No, they are not known to be an aggressive breed. They have a gentle and affectionate nature. Any uncharacteristic aggression could be a sign of fear or a symptom of separation anxiety.
Yes, their intelligence and desire to please their owners make them fairly easy to train. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key.
Shiranians get along well with older, gentle children. Due to their small and fragile size, they are not recommended for homes with toddlers or very young children who may accidentally hurt them.
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