Chiapom vs Caucasian Shepherd - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

This working dog is more than 2 000 years old, hailing from the Caucasus Mountains near the Georgian Republic, Russia.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is an ancient breed, always having been used to guard livestock in the mountains. Some believe they came from domesticated wolves, while others believe their ancestry includes Mastiffs and other breeds.

It was in the 1960s that the dog was used in Germany for patrol along the Berlin Wall. This dog is also known as the Caucasian Ovcharka and he is large and powerful, always being ready to take on anyone who threatens him or the livestock he is guarding.

His origins can be traced far back and eventually the dog found its ways to the USA where dog clubs were formed.The Caucasian Shepherd Dog is one of the oldest Molosser breeds, and today they are mostly appreciated for being wonderful family companions and watchdogs.

The Chi-Pom or Chiapom comes from mixing the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua, and both these dogs are toy breeds and known as companion dogs.

These little dogs each have their own individual histories, but but being a cross breed, the Chi-Pom’s history isn’t well documented particularly well.

Nobody seems to know precisely when this new dog breed came into being, but they were first bred in the United States.

The Caucasian Shepherd is a large, impressive looking dog standing at between 64 – 75cm in height and weighing between 45 – 70 kg. He has an almost bear-like appearance. His coat can be shortish or even fairly long, and in different colors such as white, tan, brindle, grey and cream with a black mask.

The puppies are born black and then lighten as they grow up. He has a large head with the muzzle being smaller than the skull, narrowing slightly. The nose is black and the ears are set high and are floppy with dark eyes. The tail is set high and is long.

Temperament:

The Caucasian Shepherd is an intelligent breed but he must be properly trained and socialized as he can be stubborn and want to go his own way.

He is a balanced dog and he won’t deliberately hurt whom he regards as family, but he shows distrust towards strangers. While socialization and training relax and calm a dog, the Caucasian Shepherd isn’t regarded as the best dog to have with children around. This is because he comes from a lineage of guard dogs, bred to fight and guard.

He is a dog breed that will require a firm, strong owner and if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands, the Caucasian can be difficult to manage and perhaps isn’t the best choice for a first-time dog owner.

The Chi-Pom or Chiapom isn’t a pure bred dog, but a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian. This toy breed’s coat can be shortish like the Chihuahua or feathery and medium to long like with the Pomeranian, and the coat will be soft and shiny.

He has pointed ears, much like a fox, and the long tail is carried upward and curls over the back. The coat can be a solid color such as white, tan, cream, fawn, brown or gray, with the most common color being light brown.

If he takes more after the Pomeranian, he may need to have his hair cut. The typical Pomchi dog’s head is more round that the Pomeranian but with the narrow muzzle. The eyes are large and dark.

The Chiapom is a small dog that measures just 15 – 25cm in height and weighs between 2 and 8kg.

Temperament:

Pomchis are intelligent and inquisitive, having a temperament which comes from either of the two breeds which are quite similar.You’re definitely going to have an entertaining little dog, one who is energetic, curious and alert.

He isn’t a good choice with small children as he gets nervous and aggravated when handled improperly. Nervous and hurt, he may nip and then often he gets the blame, whereas he just shouldn’t have to put up with small children.

He loves to be in the company of his human family who treat him well, and he doesn’t like to be left alone. He is an intelligent little dog and is eager to learn. Therefore, even though he is small, training and socialization will be good for him and give him an even more amicable disposition.

Loyal, strong, and brave, the Caucasian Shepherd Dog does an excellent job protecting his human family. He is a territorial dog and in the past he has always been ready to take on wolves and bear to protect his sheep. He isn't the best choice for first time dog-owners and where there are small children in the home.

He will do well to be trained and socialized as he becomes an obedient, patient, gentle, loving pet that becomes an excellent companion and protector.

Crossing two breeds of dog is the in-thing these days, and its not surprising that lovers of small breed dogs would think to mix the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian.

The Chiapom is affectionate, playful and good-natured with their human family. They are full of personality, are spunky and brave, believing they can protect their families. He may be too frail for this but he alerts you to danger with his barking.

With the Chiapom, you’re going to have an awesome little friend who will stand by you in thick and thin.

Like all breeds there may be some health issues, even though the Caucasian Shepherd is generally a healthy dog. There are some common illnesses that every dog can get and which every responsible dog owner should be aware of -

Diarrhea:

One or two episodes of diarrhea isn’t an emergency, but ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If your dog is vomiting, he is lethargic and constantly emptying his bowels, see your vet if the diarrhea persists.

Parasites:

Parasites such as fleas and ticks and even internal parasites such as intestinal worms can drain the life from your pet. It is wise to find out about different parasites so that you can protect your dog. Find out what your vet’s treatment options are for parasites.

Being a cross bred, the Chiapom will be healthier than the purebred Chihuahua or Pomeranian. He is full of personality, but sometimes he can have his fair share of doggy troubles too.

He is more prone to injuries just because he gets under your feet all the time. We look at one or two health issues with this small breed that you should be aware of -

Pancreatitis:

This is an ailment which can be found in all dogs but it occurs more in smaller dogs. An inflamed pancreas from trauma, infection or a metabolic disorder can mean your little dog vomiting, being uncomfortable with stomach pain and shivering.

Tracheal Collapse:

This is a disease which involves the trachea which is also known as the windpipe. When the windpipe weakens, it becomes difficult to breath. Obesity in your pet as well as dust and kennel cough can contribute to this ailment.

The Caucasian Shepherd Dog has a thick double coat that will certainly require brushing twice a week. The coat comes in different lengths – short, medium and long. The hair is mostly long and the long tail is also feathery. The best way to groom your large, furry pet is to invest in some good grooming tools such as a good brush to keep your pet’s hair in tip-top condition.

His nails will need to be trimmed regularly, his ears will also need to be checked to avoid wax build-up and the accumulation of grime. This can lead to an ear infection. His teeth should be brushed 2 or 3 times a week with special dog toothbrush and toothpaste.

Exercise:

The Caucasian Shepherd isn’t going to do well in a small home with tiny garden in the city. He is a big dog that will require a large yard even though he is a fairly low-energy dog. He will be suited to a family that is active, that will take him on daily walks, hikes and include some ball games.

Diet:

You will need to change your Caucasian Shepherd Dog’s food as he goes through the different phases of his life, from puppy to adulthood. Speak to your veterinarian about a commercially produced dog food is you’re unable to give him home-made food. These foods are available in breed-specific and age-specific formulas.

Reputable breeders will also help you ensure that you know how to start feeding your puppy. Caucasian Shepherds are a large breed and apart from their kibble, you’ll want to include rice, vegetables and cooked chicken from time to time in his kibble and also include raw meat occasionally.

If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian or breeder about the best diet to ensure his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

The Pomchi is a small dog who is looked upon essentially as an indoors dog, so it is quite able to adapt to apartment living as he won’t require large doses of exercise.

With some stimulating toys, he is able to exert energy indoors and will love to chase a ball down the passage. He certainly won’t do well in cold weather and being left outdoors.

Grooming:

The Chiapom often has the longer hair of the Pomeranian so it becomes necessary to give your little dog a good brush twice a week for the hair to remain tangle-free and to keep it shiny and silky.

Be gentle though as he has very sensitive skin.

You’ll notice with your Pomchi that he could possibly have overactive tear ducts so that they have a discharge. A small damp cloth can be used to wipe his eyes.

Diet:

Small breed dogs often require more calories than larger dogs because of their higher metabolic rates. He is a small dog that will require all the right vitamins and minerals.

Commercial dog foods are certainly convenient, and the best quality ones contain the nutrients a dogs needs to remain health. It is always beneficial for your 4-legged friend if you can include some brown rice, a little bit of cooked chicken and vegetables in his diet. However, if you are uncertain about the nutrition requirements of your pet, speak to your vet and get help with a food that caters for your dog’s age, breed and activity levels.