Dog breed comparison
Chihuahua vs Pomeranian
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Chihuahua | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder | 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 3 to 6 pounds | 3 to 7 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 18 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Good with children
The Chihuahua is better with children than the Pomeranian.
Easy to groom
The Chihuahua is easier to groom than the Pomeranian.
Shedding
The Pomeranian sheds more than the Chihuahua.
Barking
The Pomeranian barks more than the Chihuahua.
Exercise needs
The Pomeranian needs more exercise than the Chihuahua.
Friendly with strangers
The Pomeranian is friendlier with strangers than the Chihuahua.
Which to choose
Chihuahua or Pomeranian?
Choose the Chihuahua if…
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
Choose the Pomeranian if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian?
The Chihuahua is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Pomeranian can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Chihuahua sheds less than the Pomeranian. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
