Chihuahua vs Pomeranian
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Chihuahua | Pomeranian | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Toy | Toy |
| Adult weight | Up to 2.7 kg | 1.4 to 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | Up to 6 lb | 3 to 7 lb |
| Adult height | 13 to 20 cm | 15 to 18 cm |
| Energy | High | Moderate |
| Grooming | Low | Moderate |
| Coat | Short to medium smooth | Long double |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Good with children | Not recommended | Fine with supervision |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Mexico | Germany |
The main differences
- The Chihuahua is the bigger dog: Up to 2.7 kg against 1.4 to 3.2 kg for the Pomeranian.
- The Chihuahua needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Pomeranian.
- The Pomeranian takes more grooming (moderate) than the Chihuahua (low).
- The Chihuahua usually lives longer: 14 to 16 years against 12 to 16 years.
- With children, the Pomeranian is rated fine with supervision and the Chihuahua not recommended.
Temperament
Chihuahua: Charming, graceful and sassy, the Chihuahua is a balanced little dog of terrier like demeanour, gay and spirited but neither snappy nor withdrawn.
Pomeranian: Bold, inquisitive and lively, the Pomeranian pairs a tiny body with a commanding big dog demeanour and is alert, intelligent and easily trained.
Health worth asking about
Conditions each breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable: it means ask the breeder for the parents' test results.
Chihuahua
- Patellar luxation, graded by a veterinary orthopaedic exam
- Cardiac disease, detected on a veterinary cardiac examination and echocardiography
- Eye disease, screened by an annual ophthalmologist eye examination
Pomeranian
- Patellar luxation, trouble with the knees in the hind legs
- Broken legs caused by jumping down from height, which is why a toy breed puppy needs ramps and steps rather than sofas
- Alopecia, abnormal hair loss of unknown cause
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian?
The Chihuahua. Adults weigh Up to 2.7 kg, against 1.4 to 3.2 kg for the Pomeranian, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian?
The published life expectancy is 14 to 16 years for the Chihuahua and 12 to 16 years for the Pomeranian. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Chihuahua or the Pomeranian better with children?
The Pomeranian scores higher for children (1 against 3 out of 5). Any dog needs supervising around young children, whatever their breed rating.
Related comparisons
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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the two breed guides, which cite:
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin
- akc.org for adult weight and height, life expectancy, energy, grooming, shedding and the temperament ratings, coat type and health notes
- fci.be for country of origin