Pomeranian vs Chihuahua
Are you considering a new puppy for your home and looking to decide between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua dog? While both dog breeds share many similarities, including appearance and personality, there are significant differences and characteristics to consider before you decide which pup is best for you.
What Do Chihuahuas and Pomeranians Have in Common?
The Chihuahua and the Pomeranian dog breeds are similar in size and energy. You’ll find these pups thrive in an active environment where they can socialize, play, and exercise. If you’re a new pet owner, you’ll find a variety of Pomeranian Chihuahua mix breeds, which offer personality traits from both dogs.
Each small dog breed is ideal for an inexperienced or new dog owner, and they are typically good with families and children. However, Pomeranians may require additional socializing and training to get accustomed to small children.
While the Pom and Chihuahua make great companion dogs, they also bark frequently, which can be challenging if you live in an apartment or small living space. Generally, both small dog breeds adapt well to their home, though you’ll find some significant differences in how they develop, grow, socialize, and train, which is essential to know before you adopt a new pup.
History of the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian
Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua, which they have been named after. They first appeared in the mid-1800s and may have roots in ancient times, when they originated from the Techichi breed.
Pomeranians originated from the German and Polish border in a region called Pomerania and were first seen in the 1500s. Initially, Pomeranians were larger but gradually decreased to a small breed.
Personality and Behavioral Traits: Breed Comparison
Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are generally friendly and socialize well with families and other pets. Chihuahuas tend to be friendlier, more patient with their human companions, and don’t need the same training to adapt as Poms. If you adopt a Chihuahua Pomeranian mix (Pom Chi), you’ll find they are relatively friendly as purebreds. Generally, it takes a bit longer for Poms to become comfortable in a new home, especially young children, which requires patience and care.
Always supervise your pet around kids, especially if they are just acquainted with your family. Chihuahuas tend to be more receptive to kids and families than Pomeranians, though, over time, both dog breeds are great with children. Pomeranians handle contact with strangers better, initially with Chihuahuas, who prefer familiar people and pets.
Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are affectionate and may become jealous of other attention from pets or people as they become attached to their owners. They also enjoy and require lots of attention, are eager to please, and prefer company to being alone.
Physical Appearance
Pomeranians and Chihuahuas have double coats with straight, silky fur textures. The Pomeranian’s coat tends to be thicker and woolly, while the Chihuahua’s fur is thinner and easier to manage. Both small dogs are easy to groom, requiring low to moderate-level maintenance.
One of the most significant differences between these tiniest dog breeds is their variety of coat colors. While coat maintenance is easy due to their fur type, you’ll find Pomeranians in many coat colors, including black, blue, tan, black and tan, cream, red, chocolate, chocolate and tan, and a variety of sable and merle colors.
Chihuahuas are available in many different coat colors and patterns, including white, silver, gold, tan, cream, chocolate and white, chocolate blue, red and white, red and white, red and white, and a variety of brindle and sable colors.
Whether you adopt a Chihuahua or Pomeranian puppy, you’ll find a wide variety of coats between both, with distinctly different appearances. Mixed Chi Pom puppies come in various unique coat colors, patterns, and blends.
When it comes to size, Pomeranians are slightly larger, with a maximum height of twelve inches, whereas Chihuahuas grow no more than nine inches. They typically weigh the same, usually between three and seven pounds, and the fur style of a Pomeranian can add volume to its appearance, making this little dog appear larger.
Health and Life Expectancy
Both the Pomeranian and Chihuahua can live long, healthy lives with proper care and nutrition. It’s advisable to adopt or purchase your puppy through a reputable breeder, where you can obtain important information about your pet’s family, medical history, and breed-specific details, unlike a backyard breeder or puppy mills, which often provide unsubstantiated claims. Pomeranians typically live between twelve and sixteen years, whereas Chihuahuas live between fifteen and twenty years.
Like many purebred dogs, Pom and Chihuahua are prone to specific medical conditions, which can be addressed early if detected by a veterinarian. Pomeranians are at higher risk for heart problems and heatstroke due to their lower tolerance for heat and humidity.
In contrast, Chihuahuas are more likely to suffer from hypoglycemia and other conditions. It’s essential to monitor your pets, as various illnesses and medical conditions can affect one or both dog breeds. Regular visits to your local veterinarian will ensure that your dog has all the necessary vaccinations and care for a healthy, enjoyable life.
Which Dog Is the Best Option for Your Home?
Overall, both the Chihuahua and the Pomeranian make excellent pets for your home. The only major drawback for these tiny dog breeds is their loud bark, which can be difficult in a small or compact living space. They are generally well-behaved and great for new dog owners.
Chihuahuas are definitely better suited to households with smaller children, as they are eager to please and handle kids well. In contrast, Pomeranians tend to be a bit stubborn and may take longer to develop a relationship with their human companions.
While both dog breeds are exceptional in many ways, reviewing their unique characteristics is always best before bringing a new puppy home to the family.