Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier
The two published breed profiles side by side: size, energy, grooming, lifespan, temperament ratings and health.
| Pomeranian | Yorkshire Terrier | |
|---|---|---|
| Size class | Toy | Toy |
| Adult weight | 1.4 to 3.2 kg | 3.2 kg |
| In pounds | 3 to 7 lb | 7 lb |
| Adult height | 15 to 18 cm | 18 to 20 cm |
| Energy | Moderate | High |
| Grooming | Moderate | High |
| Coat | Long double | Long silky |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years | 11 to 15 years |
| Good with children | Fine with supervision | Reliably good |
| Good with other dogs | Fine with supervision | Fine with supervision |
| Country of origin | Germany | Great Britain |
The main differences
- The Yorkshire Terrier is the bigger dog: 3.2 kg against 1.4 to 3.2 kg for the Pomeranian.
- The Yorkshire Terrier needs more exercise: high energy against moderate for the Pomeranian.
- The Yorkshire Terrier takes more grooming (high) than the Pomeranian (moderate).
- The Pomeranian usually lives longer: 12 to 16 years against 11 to 15 years.
- With children, the Yorkshire Terrier is rated reliably good and the Pomeranian fine with supervision.
Temperament
Pomeranian: Bold, inquisitive and lively, the Pomeranian pairs a tiny body with a commanding big dog demeanour and is alert, intelligent and easily trained.
Yorkshire Terrier: Affectionate and sprightly, the Yorkshire Terrier is tenacious, feisty and brave, showing all the traits of a true terrier in a toy size frame.
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.
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
Yorkshire Terrier
- Patellar luxation, with a patella evaluation recommended by the national breed club
- Eye disease, with an ophthalmologist evaluation recommended by the national breed club
Common questions
Which is bigger, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The Yorkshire Terrier. Adults weigh 3.2 kg, against 1.4 to 3.2 kg for the Pomeranian, going by the published breed profiles.
Which lives longer, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?
The published life expectancy is 12 to 16 years for the Pomeranian and 11 to 15 years for the Yorkshire Terrier. These are typical ranges across the breed, not a promise about one dog.
Is the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier better with children?
The Yorkshire Terrier scores higher for children (3 against 5 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