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Chihuahua vs Pomeranian

Two tiny, loud toy dogs for adult homes; the Chihuahua needs far less brushing, the Pomeranian is more trainable but sheds and needs frequent grooming.

Chihuahua profilePomeranian profile

Verdict

The Chihuahua and the Pomeranian weigh only a few pounds, fit apartments with ease, ask for 20 to 30 minutes of activity and bark a great deal. Both are rated poorly with young children, so each fits best in a home of adults or older family members who will supervise the dog and are fine with a noisy small companion.

Coat and manners set them apart. The Pomeranian has a coat that sheds more and needs frequent brushing, and it scores higher for trainability, so a quiet cue is realistic. The Chihuahua is described as clingy and sassy, needs less grooming, and handles heat better but feels cold more.

Choose the Chihuahua if

  • You want a portable, loyal companion that needs little brushing
  • Your climate is warm, or you can keep the dog warm in winter
  • You can watch the dog around larger dogs and visitors
  • You accept constant barking and a clingy streak

Choose the Pomeranian if

  • You enjoy a lively, extroverted small dog and will groom it often
  • You want a dog that takes more readily to training
  • Your climate is on the cooler side
  • Someone is around to give it attention through the day

Side by side

Chihuahua Pomeranian
AKC group Toy Group Toy Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 3 to 6 lb 3 to 7 lb
Height 5 to 8 in at the shoulder 6 to 7 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 14 to 16 years 12 to 16 years
AKC popularity, 2025 24 of 202 19 of 202
Shedding Moderate Heavy
Grooming needs Low High
Energy Moderate Moderate
Trainability Average Easy
Barking Barks very often Barks very often
With children Poor Fair
Apartment living Excellent Excellent
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Good Below average
Cold tolerance Poor Average
Temperament
  • alert
  • bold
  • loyal
  • clingy
  • sassy
  • lively
  • bold
  • curious
  • extroverted
  • vocal
Health concerns to know about
  • patellar luxation
  • dental disease
  • tracheal collapse
  • mitral valve disease
  • hypoglycemia in puppies
  • patellar luxation
  • tracheal collapse
  • alopecia X
  • dental disease
  • heart disease
Suits
  • adults and older families
  • apartment dwellers
  • owners who want a portable companion
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who tolerate barking

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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