The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are very similar dogs, and such is a very difficult decision to make when deciding which one is better for your family. They are both very sociable, they are both energetic pups who will provide you with hours of fun, and they equally fit perfectly in laps for an afternoon of cuddles.
The Pomeranian is a newer breed in America, and as such he is currently a slightly more popular breed, but with that comes a higher price tag. However, the Chihuahua is still popular and many people like his original handbag dog charm.
The Chihuahua tends to live slightly longer, and the Pomeranian is said to be a bit barkier. Though, for the majority of people, this decision solely comes down to their appearance and what they prefer.
Breed Comparison
Pomeranian
- Height 6-7 Inches
- Weight 3-7 Pounds
- Temperament Inquisitive, Bold, Lively
- Energy Average
- Health Average
- Lifespan 12-16 Years
- Price $1,000 and Up
Chihuahua
- Height 5-8 Inches
- Weight 3-6 Pounds
- Temperament Charming, Graceful, Sassy
- Energy Average
- Health Average
- Lifespan 14-16 Years
- Price $800 and Up
Breed History
The Pomeranian and the Chihuahua come from very different parts of the world and have interesting histories. In order to understand these two similar breeds and the reputation surrounding them, it is important to consider their past and where they came from.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are part of the German Spitz family. this term is used to describe the Pomeranian and its cousins who have fox-like faces, erect triangular-shaped ears, and a thick, heavy coat, and a pluming tail. 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 became known as the Pomeranian.
Pomeranians gained popularity among royalty, nobles, and wealthy families of the time. Mozart, Michelangelo, and Isaac Newton were some of the most famous Pomeranian owners. 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 a long and mysterious history. It all begins with a breed thousands of years ago known as the Techichi. 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 bred the Techichi to be a smaller dog that was beloved by the people. When the Spanish conquered, 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 pups were taken to America where they became popular. The Chihuahua is 10 places behind the Pomeranian as the 33rd most popular dog in America. Though the Pomeranian is currently more popular, the Chihuahua has undoubtedly been the most popular and iconic of all the 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. Secondly, Chihuahuas also 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 Pomeranian and the Chihuahua have similar temperaments. They are both bold and there is not much that they are scared of, sometimes this can be to their detriment! 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. Many people say that you should not house these guys with small children as small children can often injure them simply because they are not taught how to handle animals appropriately. However, if children are taught how to handle them properly and how to behave around them, then this should not be an issue.
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 two dogs are amongst the most energetic breeds in the toy group. It is really important to consider this factor because many people who seek toy pups are seeking a lap dog who does not need much exercise and will happily be an all-day-long lap dog, but this is certainly not the case for these two.
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. Despite their small size, they have been known to wreak havoc with their destructive behavior if they become bored.
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. And even once they have learned their commands, they will often have days where they wake up on the wrong side of the crate and they will simply not listen to their owner, for this reason, they are not well suited to owners who desire consistently obedient 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. However, they are both known to bark a lot at other dogs if they are not. If you are buying either of these breeds as a puppy, and you already have other household pets, then this early exposure should mean that they will be fine 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. This lifespan is longer compared to the average canine! Keep your Chi or Pom healthy by burning off energy with stimulation, feeding a well-balanced diet, and keeping them up-to-date on checkups and vaccinations.
The Chihuahua often has a soft spot on his skull, called a molera, similar to that of a newborn baby. Other than the molera, they are both prone to the same health issues, and they are both recommended to be tested for the following:
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Overall, both the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua are healthy dogs who enjoy a long lifespan, but the Chihuahua is a slightly more resilient dog as he tends to live longer.
Nutrition
Both these breeds are teeny tiny, so their stomachs are equally as small. They will both eat, on average, between ½ and 1 ½ cups of food a day, and this is entirely dependent on how big and how active they are. 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. Look for kibble labeled for toy-sized or small breeds. These special formulas will also provide them with the balanced nutrition needed to sustain them. A healthy mix of protein, carbohydrates, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals is necessary to keep these breeds living long lives.
Grooming
The short-haired Chihuahua is relatively easy to groom, and he only requires a brush once a week to keep his coat looking shiny and healthy. However, if you have a long-haired Chihuahua then he is similar to the Pomeranian, in that you have to invest more time into grooming him and brushing him several times a week, if not most days. This is to ensure that any dirt is removed from their coat and that their long hair is kept tangle-free. Generally, the Pomeranian, with his thick and luxurious locks, will require a bit more tending to than the long-haired Chihuahua as he has thicker hair.
The Chihuahua sheds about as much as the Pomeranian. They both have double coats and as such, they both shed, particularly during shedding season. If you are seeking a hypoallergenic dog, then be sure to thoroughly research which dog breed would be the best for your family.
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. Undoubtedly this is because, being a newer breed, the Pomeranian is currently more popular and as such, the demand is higher.
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
Arguably, the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian are so similar that they could be brothers from another mother! Generally, every factor that prospective families may consider is very similar to one another.
Ultimately, it might just come down to their appearance and who you prefer the look of. They are roughly the same size, they are equally as stubborn, they are both great fun and they both get on well with children and other pets. So, whether it is a fluffball pooch or a slick pup that you are after, know that you are getting a well-loved and popular pup for your whole family.
If you still can’t decide between the Pomeranian and the Chihuahua, then why not combine them both and have the best of both worlds 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.
