If you’ve been scrolling through rescue sites or breeder galleries, you’ve probably seen the "Shiranian." It’s that tiny, exploding puffball of fur that looks like a stuffed animal come to life. Most people expect them to be tan, white, or maybe a patchy "party" color. But then you see one—a shih tzu pomeranian mix black as midnight. It’s a literal showstopper. Honestly, they don't even look real. They look like little soot sprites from a Studio Ghibli movie.
But there is a lot of confusion about these dogs. Is a solid black Shiranian actually a purebred mix? Does the dark coat mean they’ll overheat? Are they "meaner" than the lighter ones? (Spoiler: no, but people actually ask that).
What Exactly Is a Black Shiranian?
Basically, a Shiranian is what happens when you cross a Shih Tzu with a Pomeranian. Breeders started doing this on purpose in the late 1990s in the United States. They wanted the sturdy, affectionate vibe of the Shih Tzu mixed with the "big dog in a small body" spirit of the Pomeranian.
The shih tzu pomeranian mix black isn't a different breed. It's just a specific genetic lottery win. To get a solid black coat, both parents usually need to carry the gene for it. Since Pomeranians come in every color under the sun and Shih Tzus often have multi-colored coats, a pure, jet-black puppy is actually somewhat rare. You’ll more often find black dogs with a white "medallion" on their chest or little white socks.
Size and Build
Most of these guys weigh between 4 and 15 pounds. It’s a big range! If the puppy takes after the Pom side, they’ll be on the lighter, daintier end. If they lean Shih Tzu, they’ll be "sturdier." You know, that dense, brick-like feeling when you pick up a Shih Tzu? Yeah, that.
The Personality: Spunky or Sleepy?
Here is the thing about the shih tzu pomeranian mix black: you never quite know which parent’s brain you’re getting.
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Pomeranians are basically tiny alarms. They’re smart, alert, and—let's be real—a little bossy. They think they own the sidewalk. Shih Tzus, on the other hand, were literally bred to be foot warmers for Chinese royalty. They are the "Netflix and chill" champions of the dog world.
When you mix them, you usually get a dog that is:
- Insanely Affectionate: They will follow you into the bathroom. Every. Single. Time.
- Alert: They’ll bark when the mailman comes, but then they’ll probably want to lick his hand.
- Social: Unlike some toy breeds that are "one-person dogs," Shiranians generally like everyone.
The black coat doesn't change the temperament, despite some weird myths about "black dog syndrome." They are just as goofy and needy as their tan counterparts.
Health Realities You Can't Ignore
Look, designer dogs have "hybrid vigor," which is a fancy way of saying they’re often healthier than purebreds because of a wider gene pool. But they aren't invincible. If you're looking for a shih tzu pomeranian mix black, you need to watch out for a few specific issues that affect both parent breeds.
Patellar Luxation is a big one. This is basically a floating kneecap. If you see your dog doing a weird "bunny hop" or skipping a step while running, that’s probably what it is. It’s super common in small dogs.
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Dental Issues are almost a guarantee. Their mouths are tiny. Their teeth are crowded. If you don't brush their teeth (I know, it's a pain), they will lose them by age seven. Honestly, just get a finger brush and some poultry-flavored toothpaste. It saves you thousands in vet bills later.
Respiratory Concerns come from the Shih Tzu side. Because they have flatter faces (brachycephalic), they can struggle in high heat. Now, add a thick, black double coat that absorbs sunlight? That’s a recipe for heatstroke. You have to be careful during summer walks.
The Grooming Nightmare (That’s Actually Worth It)
I’m going to be straight with you: owning a shih tzu pomeranian mix black is like owning a high-maintenance rug.
Their fur is usually a double coat. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the top coat is longer. If you don't brush them at least three times a week, they will mat. And not just a little "oops" mat. I’m talking about "the groomer has to shave them to the skin" mats.
- The Black Coat Fade: Interestingly, many black Shiranians don't stay jet black. Due to a gene called the "G" locus (greying gene) from the Shih Tzu side, a puppy that starts out black might turn a smoky charcoal or "salt and pepper" by age two. It’s kinda cool, like they're aging into a distinguished wizard.
- The Tear Stain Mystery: On white dogs, tear stains are an ugly rust color. On a black Shiranian? You can't even see them! This is actually one of the biggest "pro" points for the black coat. They always look clean, even if they've got a bit of "eye gunk."
Why the Black Shiranian is Hard to Find
Most breeders aim for the "Teddy Bear" look—brown, honey, or cream. Because of this, they often pair lighter-colored parents. Finding a breeder who specifically has a shih tzu pomeranian mix black takes some digging.
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Don't fall for "rare black color" surcharges. Some shady breeders will try to charge an extra $500 because the dog is solid black. Don't do it. It’s a natural color, not a "premium" feature.
Training: The "What's In It For Me?" Attitude
Training a Shiranian is... an experience.
They are smart. The Pom side learns tricks in minutes. But the Shih Tzu side? They are stubborn. They’ll look at you while you say "sit," look at the treat in your hand, calculate if the effort of moving their butt is worth the piece of freeze-dried liver, and then decide.
You’ve gotta use positive reinforcement. If you get stern or loud, they will just shut down and hide under the couch. They are sensitive souls.
Actionable Tips for New Owners
If you just brought home a shih tzu pomeranian mix black, or you're about to, here is the "no-nonsense" checklist:
- Invest in a cooling vest: Since black fur absorbs heat, a swamp cooler vest is a lifesaver for summer walks.
- Get a high-quality slicker brush: Brands like Chris Christensen are pricey but actually get through the double coat without pulling the skin.
- Start dental care day one: Get them used to you touching their mouth. You’ll thank me when they’re 10 years old and still have all their teeth.
- Watch the weight: It is so easy to overfeed a dog this small. One extra ounce of cheese to them is like us eating three double cheeseburgers. Use frozen green beans as treats instead.
- Harness, not collar: Because both Poms and Shih Tzus are prone to collapsed tracheas, never pull on their neck. Use a Y-shaped harness that sits on the chest.
Owning a shih tzu pomeranian mix black is a commitment to grooming and companionship, but they are honestly some of the most charming, funny little dogs in existence. They’ll keep your lap warm and your neighbors asking, "What kind of dog is that?" every time you go for a walk.
To keep that black coat looking deep and shiny, look for dog foods high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Salmon oil is a great topper that helps prevent the skin from getting dry and flaky, which shows up easily as "dandruff" on a dark-coated dog. Regular baths with a color-enhancing shampoo specifically for black dogs can also help prevent the sun from "rusting" or browning the tips of their fur. Finally, schedule a professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain a "puppy cut" which makes daily brushing much more manageable for both of you.