Breed comparison
Chihuahua vs Pomeranian
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
4Affection with family5
1Good with young children3
3Good with other dogs3
2Openness to strangers3
4Playfulness3
4Energy level3
3Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
4Adaptability4
4Watchdog / protective4
5Barking4
2Shedding2
1Coat grooming3
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Good with young children: the Pomeranian scores 3 out of 5, the Chihuahua 1.
- Coat grooming: the Pomeranian scores 3 out of 5, the Chihuahua 1.
They score the same on good with other dogs, trainability, mental stimulation needs, adaptability, watchdog / protective, shedding.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Chihuahua if you want an energetic exercise partner. Pick the Pomeranian if you have young children, you prefer a calmer dog, you want a quieter dog.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.