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Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier

Two tiny, vocal toy dogs for adult homes; the Pomeranian sheds more and trains more easily, the Yorkie sheds little but needs the most grooming.

Pomeranian profileYorkshire Terrier profile

Verdict

The Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier weigh only a few pounds, are lively and vocal, and are rated poorly with toddlers. Both fit apartments with 20 to 30 minutes of activity, and both suit adults and older families who are home for part of the day.

The coats pull them apart. The Pomeranian sheds a fair amount and needs frequent brushing, while the Yorkie sheds very little but rates highest for grooming and often needs regular trims. The Pomeranian is also more trainable and the louder of the two, and it tolerates cold better. The Yorkie is feisty, confident and affectionate, copes with heat somewhat better, and does well with older people.

Choose the Pomeranian if

  • You want a lively, extroverted small dog
  • You will train a quiet cue
  • Your climate is cooler
  • You do not mind brushing often and tolerating some shedding

Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if

  • You want a very low-shedding small dog
  • You are happy to brush daily or arrange trims
  • Your household is made up of older adults
  • You prefer slightly less barking and a feisty character

Side by side

Pomeranian Yorkshire Terrier
AKC group Toy Group Toy Group
Size class Small Small
Typical weight 3 to 7 lb 4 to 7 lb
Height 6 to 7 in at the shoulder 7 to 8 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 12 to 16 years 13 to 16 years
AKC popularity, 2025 19 of 202 13 of 202
Shedding Heavy Minimal
Grooming needs High Very high
Energy Moderate Moderate
Trainability Easy Average
Barking Barks very often Barks often
With children Fair Fair
Apartment living Excellent Excellent
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Below average Average
Cold tolerance Average Below average
Temperament
  • lively
  • bold
  • curious
  • extroverted
  • vocal
  • bold
  • spirited
  • affectionate
  • confident
  • vocal
Health concerns to know about
  • patellar luxation
  • tracheal collapse
  • alopecia X
  • dental disease
  • heart disease
  • patellar luxation
  • tracheal collapse
  • portosystemic shunt
  • dental disease
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
Suits
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who tolerate barking
  • apartment dwellers
  • adults and older families
  • people who enjoy daily grooming

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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