Pomeranian vs Chihuahua
Pomeranian or Chihuahua? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Pomeranian | Chihuahua | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Toy | Toy |
| Size | Toy · 3–7 lb | Toy · up to 6 lb |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 14–16 years |
| Coat | Thick double coat, sheds | Smooth or long, sheds |
| Temperament | Bold, lively, alert | Bold, loyal, alert |
| Best fit | Adults, homes without toddlers | Adults, apartments |
| Energy | ●●●●● Short walks, lots of play | ●●●●● Short walks, play |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Smart, a bit willful | ●●●●● Smart, slow potty train |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Brush 2–3 times a week | ●●●●● Minimal, teeth need care |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Barky, fragile | ●●●●● Fragile, can be snappy |
| Observed price | $1,200 median (417 prices) | $1,200 median (444 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Pomeranian rates higher than the Chihuahua (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Trainability: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: the Pomeranian rates higher than the Chihuahua (4 of 5 vs 1).
- Beginner fit: about the same (3 of 5 each).
The Pomeranian
The smallest of the spitz breeds, the Pomeranian was bred down from larger sled-type dogs into a tiny, fluffy companion. Bold, bright and lively, it thinks it is far bigger than it is, and barks accordingly.
Poms are fragile around small children, bark readily and can be hard to house-train. The thick coat sheds and needs regular brushing, and dental disease is common.
The Chihuahua
The world's smallest breed, named for the Mexican state where it was found, the Chihuahua is bold, loyal and often devoted to one person. It is portable and long-lived, but fragile, vocal and sometimes wary of strangers.
Chihuahuas are easily hurt by falls and rough play, feel the cold and can be snappy if handled carelessly. House-training can be slow, and dental disease is almost universal.
Questions
Is a Pomeranian or a Chihuahua better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 3 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Pomeranian: Barky, fragile. Chihuahua: Fragile, can be snappy.
What is the main difference between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua?
Poms are fragile around small children, bark readily and can be hard to house-train. The thick coat sheds and needs regular brushing, and dental disease is common. By contrast, chihuahuas are easily hurt by falls and rough play, feel the cold and can be snappy if handled carelessly. House-training can be slow, and dental disease is almost universal.
Which costs more, a Pomeranian or a Chihuahua?
On the prices we observed, the Pomeranian median is $1,200 (417 prices) and the Chihuahua median is $1,200 (444 prices).