Welcome to our guide to the Shiranian – a cross between the Shih Tzu and Pomeranian dogs.
A Shiranian is also known as a Shih A Pom, Shih Pom and Pom Tzu.
Why Choose a Shiranian?
Sally Gersten: “Our first Shiranian was a tiny, black ball of fur when we got him about 14 years ago. We named him Nemo. I wanted that breed because I had seen my friend’s Shiranian and fell in love with how cute he was. Nemo did not look anything like him – he was definitely more Pom and his proportions were odd, but he was a doll and we loved him. Sadly, he was in my backyard last April and a coyote got him. We already had our second Shiranian, Bella, at that time. She’s almost one, and she is probably the cutest dog we’ve ever had – full of personality and really, really smart and sweet. For a small breed, neither of mine were ‘yippie’ although when Bella sees any animal on tv (horses, dogs, cats, moose ) she alerts us to the danger! I think this is a fantastic breed. We paid $600 for her, and our first one we got for $200. Our breeder is in Athens, Ga.”
Bella the Shiranian dogThis is Bellami from owner Linda Bertelsen…
Shiranian Breeder Interview With Sarah Kelly
I have just bred a litter of 8 pups, 5 boys 3 girls, they’re 13 weeks old. I have both parents as family pets, mum daisy is pure Shih Tzu, dad Charlie is pure Pomeranian.
We decided to keep one puppy and chose a little girl honey. I think Shih Tzu tend to be the dominant breed and definitely in our litter the pups have taken more of mums looks although me as ‘human mum’ can see Pom in there too. One of the nice parts is we will not know how they will look when grown as both breeds can change colour from puppyhood as both mine have.
I like in Kent, UK. The cross breed is not very well known and there are not an abundance of litters available. I had two new owners who already had shiranians and wanted a second, but the rest had not heard of them before seeing my advert. I had a mix of people who were looking for a small fluffy lapdog. I charged £500 for my puppies as I wanted to ensure good homes were found but didn’t want to make them too expensive so families were unable to afford them. I took reservations early so I could get to know the new owners.
Daisy had a large litter and so did experience some minor birthing issues but Shih Tzu are known to be good whelpers so she did really well with no veterinary help needed.
The reason for breeding was to try to combine the stunning personalities and looks of both breeds, daisy is loyal, loving, playful, fun, naughty, alert, independent, fantastic with children. Charlie is devoted, loves his human family and worships daisy, he is bouncy, kind, sweet, hilarious to watch, loving, very tolerant of children. Both dogs have to cope with rough and tumble games with two young children and their friends.
Charlie made a fantastic dad and took equal share in caring for the puppies, both are still very much looking after honey. The puppies were very fluffy, they all seemed to have a mixture of coat, fluffier than a Shih Tzu, but not as dense as a Pomeranian, I don’t think they will have the length of a Shih Tzu coat so somewhere in between, certainly the Pom coat is easier to take care of so I am hoping honey will take this from dad.
I would recommend this cross to families with children, couples with lots of time, such as retired, or people with other dogs. These little dogs are far too entertaining and sparky to be left at home alone, they love life and want to be doing or sleeping, they keep themselves active by following their owners everywhere, and love to watch you in the home. They need to have space to run and play and this should if possible be in a secure garden and outside walks. These are fairly confident dogs but too small to defend themselves so care should be taken around larger dogs off the lead.
I expect life expectancy to be 16 yrs for these little dogs.
Sarah Kelly
I will be having another litter in June 2018.
Sarkel77@googlemail.com
07846736411
The DogExperts.info website aims to ask questions to breeders, vets and experienced owners to get the answers to your most frequently asked questions about the Shiranian breed of dog.
You can also help too!
If you can answer any of the questions below, then please add your comments to the box at the bottom of the page or you can email us at sales@dogexperts.info.
We would love to feature your dog and publish any photos or pictures of your Shiranian you would like to email us.
Are you a Shiranian breeder or do you know any? Please contact us so we can list them on this page.
What type of owners buy a Shiranian?
What in your opinion are the best things about the Shiranian breed?
Why do you think the Shiranian is special?
What are your favourite things about the Shiranian?
Are you glad you choose to buy a Shiranian and not another breed?
How would you describe the Shiranian temperament?
What advice might you give to people thinking about whether they should buy a Shiranian over other breeds?
History & Origins
What are the history and origins of the Shiranian?
About The Breed
What colors of Shiranian are most popular?
What does the Shiranian look like?
What are the pros/cons of the Shiranian breed?
What can a new owner expect in terms of differences between the Shiranian and other breeds?
Do they attract a lot of interest and curiosity from the public?
What type of typical personality does the Shiranian have?
Is it possible to describe a fairly typical Shiranian?
What is the breed standard/description for the Shiranian?
Were there particular colors people preferred and that maybe you focused on?
Are there any downsides to owning a Shiranian that prospective owners should be aware of?
Is the Shiranian breed of dog suitable for first-time dog owners?
Some breeds can be described as greedy and prone to weight issues, would this apply to the Shiranian?
What are the key differences when compared to other breeds?
Is the Shiranian breed suitable for a person or family that are out at work all day?
Some owners seek a breed suitable for barking and offering a guard dog role – how does the Shiranian match up to that role?
Are there myths about the Shiranian – in other words do new potential owners come to you with misconceptions about this breed?
We asked a number of breeders in the UK and America what essential advice they would give to new owners of Shiranian puppies and this is what they said:
What types of questions do you get once owners get their Shiranian home?
Can you tell us something most owners would not know – tips, secrets etc from your years of experience?
What is the typical temperament of a Shiranian, so people know what to expect from their new pet?
When fully grown how much on average does a Shiranian weigh?
When the Shiranian is full grown in size what is the maximum height and length expected to be?
Is the Shiranian ever crossed or mixed with other breeds of dog?
Does the Shiranian smell or drool a lot?
Do you have a Shiranian growth chart?
What breed group does the Shiranian come under?
What type of coat do they have?
Can they swim?
What does the movement of the tail show, does it mean they are trying to ‘talk to us’ or give us some message?
Suitability
Are there some types of people that you can suggest the Shiranian is not suitable for, perhaps families?
How is the Shiranian with children?
Do you think the Shiranian is suitable for families with young children?
How does the Shiranian get along with other (existing) pets and do you have any tips or advice for new Shiranian owners in terms of successful integration?
Is it better to buy one Shiranian or two?
Should prospective new owners be aware of any differences between males and females?
Would the Shiranian be suitable as a guard dog?
Can I leave my Shiranian during the day while I go to work?
Lifespan
What is the expected average lifespan of the Shiranian?
In terms of life expectancy, how long on average would the Shiranian breed live to?
Food & Diet
Do you have any special feeding routines or diet?
Do you have any feeding advice or brands that you prefer?
How to handle the Shiranian puppy to start off – how much food, what type, how often?
What feeding routines and types of food/supplements do you recommend?
What to buy in terms of equipment? Bowls etc
Do owners need to consider supplements for their Shiranian?
How about for older dogs?
Buying – How Much Do They Cost?
How much did your Shiranian cost to buy?
Can you offer advice to people looking to buy a Shiranian and how much should they spend?
What advice would you offer new Shiranian owners?
What types of people are buying the Shiranian and why?
Where can I buy Shiranian rescue dogs or find a Shiranian for adoption? Please note that buying or searching for a ‘cheap’ Shiranian can be false economy as they may have health issues that cost you far more in the long-term – always buy from a good and responsible breeder!
Do I need public liability insurance or a license?
Puppy
How would you describe the Shiranian puppy to potential new owners?
What types of owners are best suited to owning a Shiranian?
What colors and sizes are most popular?
Are there things new owners do that perhaps frustrate you?
What can people expect when they become a new owner?
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Shiranian?
As a Shiranian breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Are there specific times of the year that you breed?
Choosing a puppy from a litter, what advice could you offer potential new owners in terms of selecting ‘the one’?
How long does it take to housetrain/potty train a Shiranian?
When can you take them out in public and how do you handle them around other dogs?
Will they run off – when is it safe to let them off the lead?
We invite you to email us your Shiranian’s pictures, in particular we are looking for photos showing Shiranian puppies at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 weeks old as well as early pictures such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 months old to a year old.
Do they have any nicknames or does the Shiranian have popular names?
If my Shiranian is pregnant what might the litter size be?
Could the Shiranian be dangerous around young children?
Problem Behaviors
How do you deal with a problem barker – any tips and advice to new owners?
How do you prevent a Shiranian biting?
How do you prevent a Shiranian chewing?
How do you stop a Shiranian jumping up?
Does the Shiranian have an issue with excessive digging?
Why does my Shiranian keep growling and barking?
Is there a reason my Shiranian dog is often scratching excessively?
Do they suffer from separation anxiety and how can I prevent this?
Exercise
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what can you say about the Shiranian and their exercise needs and do you have any tips or advice for new Shiranian owners?
As a breeder of the Shiranian , do you prefer a collar or harness?
As an expert of the Shiranian breed do you prefer a standard leash or retractable?
Can you offer any dog walking tips for Shiranian owners?
Playtime & Tricks
What games and toys can you recommend for the Shiranian?
Are there toys you suggest avoiding?
How intelligent is the Shiranian compared to other dog breeds?
How much can they understand?
Grooming
Do you have any special grooming routines or tips and advice for new Shiranian owners?
How much time is involved?
What accessories are required to be purchased for grooming a Shiranian?
Any advice/tips you can give concerning maintenance of nails?
How much do Shiranian shed and how do I maintain their hair and how often?
How can I prevent or cure ear infections?
Do you have any tips for eye care?
Is the Shiranian a hypoallergenic breed?
Bathing
Any advice/tips you can give concerning cleaning and bathing your Shiranian?
Can you offer new Shiranian owners advice concerning fleas and maybe products you use in treatment and prevention?
Showing
What advice and tips could you offer to owners who might wish to follow your path in showing the Shiranian?
What started your interest in showing the Shiranian?
If a new owner perhaps wanted to meet other owners or find out more – perhaps they have an interest in joining a local club or maybe they wonder how they can start showing their Shiranian – where would they begin?
Can you offer any advice to others who may be wondering if they can also start showing?
How would an owner know they have a show-quality Shiranian and how would they start off?
Can you give away any of your secrets?!
Is showing very expensive and why do you think people like to do it?
What do judges look for in a winner?
Breeding
What inspired you to become a breeder and did you start with the Shiranian?
What official organisations are there for the new Shiranian owner and what benefits or services do they provide?
In buying a Shiranian, can you offer advice and tips to new owners?
How did you go from being an owner to getting into breeding?
Do you think the breed’s popularity has increased, decreased or remains the same?
How did you progress to becoming a breeder and why focus on breeding the Shiranian out of all the breeds you could have chosen?
What do you think makes the Shiranian special to you?
Are there things that you see owners doing that frustrate you?
As a breed expert, are there any ‘essential’ tips you would like to share with new owners?
Training
In comparison perhaps to other breeds what is it like to train a Shiranian and do you have any tips or advice for new Shiranian owners?
How should new owners approach bringing a new Shiranian home, any advice and tips you can give?
Should I allow my Shiranian to sleep in my bed or elsewhere in the house?
Do you recommend crate training and how long does this take?
Should my Shiranian sleep in a kennel or crate?
Health
Health is always a major concern when buying a dog, do you have any advice for new Shiranian owners to be aware of in particular?
Are there any health-related tips you can give to owners?
What sort of health issues should owners be on the lookout for?
What is the recommended schedule for vaccinations for your Shiranian?
Can you offer any advice on how to treat and prevent worms?
What type of health issues can a Shiranian have and how do you deal with preventing these?
Why does my Shiranian have diarrhea?
Do they suffer from itchy and sensitive skin and if so why?
Why is my Shiranian vomiting and do I go to the vets?
When should I take my Shiranian for vaccinations and which ones do they need and how often?
How often will my Shiranian be in heat?
Should I consider getting my Shiranian spayed or neutered and when and how much does this cost and what are the benefits?
My Shiranian is limping, what should I do and should I go to a veterinarian surgeon?
Do they suffer from allergies?
Why is my Shiranian not eating?
How much does it cost to insure my Shiranian?
What healthcare issues or diseases might be excluded from companies that provide Shiranian dog health insurance?
Old Age
What age would you class as an ‘older or senior’ Shiranian?
Do you notice any changes in their behaviour?
What changes in food and diet would you suggest making for an older Shiranian?
Do you feed any supplements to an older Shiranian – or anything else which helps them as they age?
Are there any health issues particular to a senior Shiranian dog?
Do you have any advice for owners of an older/senior Shiranian or tips you can pass on?
Our first Shiranian was a tiny, black ball of fur when we got him about 14 years ago. We named him Nemo. I wanted that breed because I had seen my friend’s Shiranian and fell in love with how cute he was. Nemo did not look anything like him – he was definitely more Pom and his proportions were odd, but he was a doll and we loved him. Sadly, he was in my backyard last April and a coyote got him. We already had our second Shiranian, Bella, at that time. She’s almost one, and she is probably the cutest dog we’ve ever had – full of personality and really, really smart and sweet. For a small breed, neither of mine were ‘yippie’ although when Bella sees any animal on tv (horses, dogs, cats, moose ) she alerts us to the danger! I think this is a fantastic breed. We paid $600 for her, and our first one we got for $200.