Shiranian 

What is a Shiranian? 

A Shiranian is a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Pomeranian, and falls under the less common crossbreeds. The Shih Tzu originates from Tibet where monks have traditionally bred it as Buddha’s ‘lion dog’ for centuries. From there, these pups made their way as tributes to the Chinese Imperial Court – and from there, to the rest of the world. 

The Pomeranian, also referred to as the Pommerian in English, is a smaller variant of the classic German Spitz. This relatively young breed initially gained popularity in the USA and Great Britain. Nowadays, the Pomeranian is a globally known small dog. 

Mixes of two pre-existing breeds have been on trend since the Labradoodle boom. However, despite the common label of “Designer Dogs,” these hybrid dogs are a surprise package: it is impossible to know in advance which breed-specific characteristics the parents will pass on.

Appearance: What does a Shiranian look like? 

As with almost every Designer Dog, it is uncertain which parent the Shiranian will resemble most. Since the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian share many similarities in appearance, some predictions can be made. Shiranians typically weigh around five kilograms, with their weight usually ranging from two to eight kilograms. 

These hybrid dogs reach a maximum shoulder height of 27 centimeters. Snout length and ear shape vary. Like both parent breeds, the Shiranian carries its tail curled over its back. The long, silky fur can come in all colours. Character and Training of Shiranians 

Temperament of the Shiranian 

Each Shiranian is a genuine dog personality. Thanks to their parents, these pets usually have a very confident demeanor. 

They form strong attachments to their owners and are very affectionate. It’s important to get the Shiranian accustomed to being alone for a few minutes from an early age. Later on, you should extend the alone time. However, a Shiranian shouldn’t have to endure many hours without its human. 

Most Shiranians get along splendidly with other dogs. They’re perfect for a multi-dog household. Living with cats can also be harmonious, provided the cat is dog-friendly. A Shiranian scarcely shows any hunting instinct or tendency to stray. 

The Designer Dog enjoys learning and loves playing and frolicking with its owner. They also get along well with strangers, without being intrusive. But as easy as they may be to train, it’s important to maintain affectionate yet consistent obedience training.

Is a Shiranian the Right Gog for Me? 

The Shiranian is a great choice for first-time dog owners. It is just as happy in a family as it is with a single person. A key requirement for owning a Shiranian is taking pleasure in regular coat care. Don’t underestimate this, as it can be time-consuming. 

A Shiranian can do well in the city, as long as you can provide a nice meadow or another idyllic spot for frolicking daily. Due to its fur, it is less suitable for romps through the forest. 

The Shiranian shouldn’t be left alone for long. Thus, it’s suited to people who can and want to take their dog with them almost everywhere. It will happily join you in the office or accompany you on your travels. A dog kennel, however, could be stressful for a Shiranian that is heavily bonded to its owner. Consider this before finalising any holiday plans if you decide on such a mix. 

If you’re eager to delve more into dog training, the zooplus Dog Magazine offers many engaging articles. 

Shiranian Health 

Shiranians aren’t the hardiest of dogs, as their parents are prone to certain illnesses. However, when in good health, they can live to an average age of 15 years. 

Reputable Shiranian sellers only breed with demonstrably healthy parent animals. Don’t accept arguments like “crossbreeds are always healthier” when health checks are missing. After all, the seller is promoting a mix of two purebred dogs. 

Both the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian may be predisposed to certain diseases. Thus, Shiranian parents should be tested for elbow and hip dysplasia as well as patellar luxation before breeding. Pomeranians may also suffer from the skin disease Black Skin Disease (BSD), which involves hair loss and dark pigmentation.

In addition, one in ten male Pomeranian dogs has an abnormality of the testes, known as cryptorchidism. 

A Shiranian, like the Shih Tzu, may also be prone to teary eyes. The shorter the nose, the greater the risk of breathing problems. All small dogs can have difficulties during birth due to their small size, making a caesarean section necessary. Nutrition 

What Food does a Shiranian Need? 

Like all dogs, Shiranians benefit from high-quality food rich in animal protein – that’s to say, meat or fish. Always pay attention to the right combination of nutrients in the pet food. To satisfy your dog’s chewing needs, you can offer dried meat snacks or items made from beef rawhide. Always ensure your pet has access to fresh water. 

Important in nutrition: Be sure to watch your pet’s weight. To prevent your Shiranian from gaining too much under its thick coat, weigh it regularly for control. If you notice any weight gain, take action quickly. For instance, factor treats into the daily ration. When training your Shiranian, you could also use dry food kibble as a reward. This way, your little fur ball can earn its food. 

A wide range of high-quality wet and dry dog food can be found in the zooplus online shop. 

What coat care does a Shiranian require? 

Those opting for a Shiranian, despite its small size, should be prepared for regular coat care. If the mixed-breed inherits the coat characteristics from its Shih Tzu parent, reaching for the brush daily is advisable.

Dirt, small twigs, or leaves can easily get caught in the long fur. Therefore, after every walk, you should free your Shiranian from any pesky remnants. 

Some owners, overwhelmed by coat maintenance, opt to have their dog shorn. However, this isn’t a long-term solution as it can cause fur problems. Instead, get both yourself and your dog accustomed to the daily routine of brushing from puppyhood. This will also reduce loose hairs around your home. 

How do I best entertain my dog? 

Even folks who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, not favouring lengthy walks every day, can provide a suitable home for a Shiranian. More important to this dog than extensive walks are shared play and training sessions. It eagerly learns tricks with you or participates in little fetching games.

Agility or Dog Dance can bring much joy to many Shiranians. Because of their friendly disposition, these little fur balls can even be trained as therapy dogs. Explore different activities to find out what brings both you and your Shiranian the most delight. Breeding 

Where can I find a Shiranian? 

As the Shiranian isn’t an officially recognised breed, you’ll mostly find them advertised on the internet. Shiranian fans should nevertheless consider looking at breeders who breed with a reputable club. 

Also, make sure you can meet the parent animals and that the dogs come from a loving home. Only buy from a breeder that invites you to visit the puppies in their home before purchasing. This is because it’s difficult to correct poor imprinting and a lack of socialisation in the puppy after its first few weeks of life. Moreover, the young dogs should move into their new homes no sooner than at nine weeks old. 

Tip: The animals must have had multiple vaccinations and deworming upon handover. A pet passport inclusive of the chip number will confirm this. 

The Dark Side of Hybrid Dogs 

Unfortunately, finding reputable breeders of Designer Dogs isn’t straightforward. Many purebred dog breeders see a contradiction in terms like “Designer Dog” and “reputable.” This is something potential buyers should consider beforehand. 

Hybrid dogs are trendy. They can command disproportionately high prices that exceed those of purebred dogs. Remember: purebred dog breeders have to undertake several health checks and breed surveys with their dogs, all of which come with high costs. 

Breeders should be knowledgeable in genetics and have a breeding goal. With a Shiranian, defining such a goal is challenging. From the second generation, it becomes even harder to predict the traits. Therefore, breeders seldom mate Shiranians with each other, but repeatedly go back to Shih Tzus and Pomeranians. 

Many Designer Dog breeders also claim to combine the best qualities of two breeds. However, they often fail to answer how they ensure that the dogs don’t inherit the worst traits of the breeds. A “Designer Dog” from Animal Rescue? 

From puppy to senior: you can find beautiful mixed breeds in animal shelters, too. They may not have fancy names but they come with just as much charm. 

Dogs resembling Shiranians are quite popular. Browsing websites dedicated to pet rehoming, including those abroad, might help in the search for your dream dog. This is particularly true if you’re looking for a puppy. Dogs rehomed through animal rescue have been medically examined, properly vaccinated, and can offer just as many surprises as a Shiranian.

What are the alternatives to the Shiranian? 

Fancy a small dog with a charming character and luxurious fur? How about one of the Shiranian’s ancestors, the Shih Tzu or the Pomeranian? Equally friendly, playful, and small breeds that you might consider include the Bolognese, Bichon Frise, and Maltese. If you’re instead seeking a dog with colourful fur, take a look at Löwchens and Havanese.

All these fluffy pals have one thing in common: they love accompanying their owners just about everywhere.