Pomeranian vs. Chihuahua

A Pomeranian and a Chihuahua are small canine breeds often favored as companion pets. They are both charming and vibrant so it can be difficult to choose between the two.

When it comes to size, Chihuahuas are generally smaller, ranging from 5 to 8 inches height, while Pomeranians can reach heights up to 11 inches. However, Pomeranians may have more weight than the Chihuahuas, usually weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, where Chihuahuas average between 2 and 6 pounds.

Their personalities are quite distinct too. Chihuahuas are known to be more loyal, territorial, and can sometimes exhibit jealous behavior and tend to bond deeply with one person, while Pomeranians have friendly and lively personalities, they are often good with children and are social butterflies.

Both breeds require regular grooming, but the fluffy double coat of a Pomeranian is more high-maintenance needing daily brushings, while Chihuahuas’ grooming needs vary based on their coat type, smooth or long-haired. Thus, your choice might ultimately depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle.

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

The Pomeranian is very similar to the Chihuahua, so it is difficult to decide which dog is best for you. Both are very social and energetic, which will make you laugh for hours. They also love to snuggle up on your laps for a good afternoon of cuddles.

The Pomeranian, a more recent breed in America is slightly more sought-after, but comes with a higher price tag. The Chihuahua’s original charm is still very popular.

The Chihuahua is known to live longer than the Pomeranian, while the Pomeranian is known to be slightly more barky. This decision is largely based on the individual’s appearance and their preferences.

Pomeranian vs. Chihuahua

Breed History

The Chihuahua and Pomeranian come from different parts of the globe and have fascinating histories. It is important to look at their history and learn more about the reputations of these two closely related breeds.

Pomeranian

Pomeranians belong to the German Spitz family. This term refers to the Pomeranian, its cousins, who have fox-like features, triangular-shaped ears and thick, heavy, pluming coats. The 6,000-year-old German Spitz was bred to be smaller in size in the region of Pomerania, which is now north=eastern Germany and west Poland. This smaller version was known as the Pomeranian.

Pomeranians gained popularity among royalty, nobles, and wealthy families of the time. Some of the most prominent Pomeranian owners were Isaac Newton, Michelangelo and Mozart. They have continued to be a popular option for a pet, so much that the AKC has ranked the Pomeranian as the 23rd most popular dog in America.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas have an long, mysterious history. All of it begins with the Techichi, a breed that was thousands of years old. This ancient breed then belonged to the Toltecs, but it was the Aztecs who overthrew the Toltecs and took the Techichi in the 12th Century. The Aztecs created the Techichi as a small dog that people loved. The Spanish conquered the Techichi and the Techichi was lost.

In the 19th Century, Americans discovered the modern Chihuahua in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, which very much resembled the lost Techichi. These puppies were brought to America, where they quickly became very popular. The Chihuahua is 10 places behind the Pomeranian as the 33rd most popular dog in America. Although the Pomeranian is more popular at the moment, the Chihuahua is still the most iconic and beloved of all toy breeds.

Appearance

When it comes to the Pomeranian, they all look the same except for their colorations, so once you have decided on a color that you like, then all you have to do is find the pup. However, there are a few more decisions to make when it comes to the appearance of the Chihuahua.

Firstly, you will have to decide between a long-haired and a short-haired Chihuahua, and of course, they both have different grooming needs from one another. Second, Chihuahuas have different-shaped heads. Some Chihuahuas have apple shaped heads and some have deer shaped heads, and with the different shaped heads come slightly different health issues.

Temperament

The temperaments of the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian are similar. They are both bold, and they don’t fear much. However, this can sometimes be to their disadvantage! They are both sociable and they love to be the center of attention. They both make equally great companion canines, and they crave human companionship so much that they rarely like to be left alone, and as such, they are both known to suffer from separation anxiety.

Many owners comment that the Pomeranian barks a lot more than the Chihuahua, so if you live somewhere with noise level restrictions, or you are simply not a fan of a noisy pup, then the Chihuahua may be a better option for you.

Both the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian are small dogs who, despite their feisty personality, are more delicate than most people think. These dogs should not be housed with children under the age of six as they can injure them easily if they aren’t taught proper animal handling. This shouldn’t be a problem if children are taught how they should handle animals and how to behave around them.

Exercise

The Chihuahua and the Pomeranian, despite their small stature, are both medium energy dogs and they both require at least 30 minutes of exercise. These dogs are some of the most energetic in the toy breed group. This is a crucial factor to remember. Many people looking for toy puppies are looking for a dog that is easy to exercise and can be a lap dog all day. However, this is not the case with these dogs.

Two 15-minute walks during the daytime will suffice and be sure to keep them entertained throughout the day with interactive games or puzzle toys. They can be quite destructive despite their small size.

Training

The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are, again, similar in their trainability, in that they are independent and stubborn, and so you should not expect the most obedient of pups straight away, if ever. Even after learning their commands, they may wake up in the wrong place and refuse to listen to their owners. This is why they are not well-suited for owners who want consistently obeying dogs.

With that being said, the best way to train these guys is with consistent positive reinforcement training and to ensure that you begin their training straight away as the earlier you start your training, the better your chances are of having a well-behaved pooch.

As long as both breeds are socialized early, and they are socialized with dogs of all shapes and sizes, then they can get along with other dogs. They can bark at other dogs and may be aggressive towards others if they don’t like them. If you’re considering buying one of these breeds for your puppy and already have pets in the house, this will ensure that they are comfortable with other pets. As with most things dog-related, it all comes down to early and efficient training.

Health

The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are generally healthy dogs who both live up to the age of around 16, but often the Chihuahua lives a little bit longer than the Pomeranian. The average dog’s lifespan is much longer than the Chihuahua. You can keep your Chi or Pom happy by giving them stimulation and a healthy diet.

The Chihuahua’s skull often shows a soft place, which is similar to a newborn baby. They are both susceptible to the same health problems, other than the molera. Both should be tested for the following:

  • Patella Evaluation
  • Cardiac Exam
  • Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Overall, both the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian are healthy dogs with a long life expectancy. However, the Chihuahua tends to be more resilient as he lives longer.

Nutrition

Both of these breeds are tiny and their stomachs are small. Both will consume 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups food per day. This is dependent on their size and activity. Generally, the Pomeranian will eat slightly more food than the Chihuahua, but generally, this will not be a significant difference.

It is important to feed your Chi or Pom high-quality kibble formulated for their tiny bodies. You should look for kibble that is suitable for small or toy breeds. These special formulas will provide the right nutrition to support them. These breeds need to be fed a healthy diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acid.

Grooming

The short-haired Chihuahua requires only one brush per week to keep its coat shiny and healthy. If you have a Chihuahua with long hair, you will need to spend more time grooming and brushing him. This is to ensure that any dirt is removed from their coat and that their long hair is kept tangle-free. The Pomeranian with his thick, luxurious hair , will need a little more attention than the Chihuahua with long hair.

The Chihuahua sheds about as much as the Pomeranian. Both have double coats which means they shed a lot, especially during the shedding season. You should thoroughly research the breeds of hypoallergenic dogs that you would like to have.

Neither the Pomeranian nor the Chihuahua is on our list of hypoallergenic dogs, so if any of the family members living in your house has dog allergies, then it is advised that neither of these breeds would suit your family.

Puppy Prices

The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua puppy price is significantly different. This is undoubtedly because the Pomeranian breed is more popular than the Chihuahua. As such, there is a higher demand.

The price of a Pomeranian starts at $1,000 and can be as much as $6,000, depending on factors such as color, breeder location, and lineage. There are some Pomeranians that are considered special, like the Black Pomeranian, that can cost more than an average Pom. The average cost of a Chihuahua starts from around $800 and up.

Final Thoughts

Possibly, the Chihuahua’s and Pomeranian could be brothers if they were born from the same mother. In general, all factors that potential families might consider are very similar.

It might come down to how they look and what you like about them. They are approximately the same size and are equally stubborn. They can be great friends with other pets and children. You will get a popular and well-loved pup for the whole family, no matter what size you choose.

If you are still unable to decide between the Chihuahua and Pomeranian, why not combine them? You can have the best of both the Pomeranian’s and Chihuahua’s in one dog. The Pomeranian and Chihuahua have become a more popular crossbreed, also known as the Pomchi, is a relatively new designer dog, that generally looks like a Chihuahua, but with the Pomeranian’s fluffy and luxurious coat.

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