Chihuahua vs Pomeranian

Chihuahuas are charming little scamps with an eye for mischief and a sense of bravery that outsizes their physicality. They’re playful pups who enjoy a good romp or game, even though it may not last long (depending on their energy level). And they love to snooze on laps and cuddle—that is, after all, what they’re bred to do.

They like a lot of attention and are quite portable. But even though they’re easily carried, they do still need to learn how to walk on their own and be able to engage in normal dog behaviors, like sniffing, exploring and playing. In other words, don’t pop them in a purse or a stroller and tote them everywhere—unless, of course, it’s somewhere risky with lots of feet that could hurt a tiny paw, like an airport or street festival.

The Chihuahua dog breed is said to resemble a terrier with their demeanor and can become quite feisty, especially if they feel threatened. Some sites report that the Chihuahua bite force is 3,900 pounds per square inch (psi), but those so-called Chihuahua facts are wildly inaccurate, when a lion is only at 600 psi. In truth, Chihuahuas usually inflict no more than a Level 1-3 bite, with no puncture deeper than half the length of one of their canine teeth.

To help your Chihuahua puppy overcome a nipping or protective tendency, socialize them by safely and slowly introducing them to new people and places from the get-go and start training when they are young. Early training will also help this smallest of dog breeds become wonderfully friendly and receptive to all members of the family, including other pets.

Happy-go-lucky is a Pomeranian’s middle name, as their personality is equal parts friendly and inquisitive. They live for social interactions and to make their pet parents laugh out loud.

If you have kids at your house, you’ll be glad to learn that aggressiveness isn’t typically in this dog’s nature. Pomeranians aren’t known to be biters, although any dog may snap if provoked. So, teach children to handle dogs with care, and keep a close eye on toddlers and preschoolers who may accidentally drop or clutch this fluffy furball too tightly—it’s easy to mistake a tiny Pomeranian for a favorite stuffed animal. Still, this breed is known to be rather compatible with their extended family, whether it includes other dogs, cats or children.

Not only do they have the looks, but also the smarts. Poms have competency in spades and they’re adept at picking up fun new tricks. If you’re hoping to try obedience classes with your Pomeranian, this breed is keenly intelligent and likely to get good grades!

Not surprisingly, the Pomeranian excels at jobs such as work as a therapy dog and is also known to make a fine watchdog since they’re not afraid to bark. And if looking absolutely adorable is considered a type of employment, then a Pom fills this requirement too—and you should hire this fur baby, pronto!

Pomeranians are sometimes described as cocky, which likely refers to their proud gait and bouncy personality. Smart, perky and alert to everything around them, the Pomeranian breed’s generally positive temperament makes them worthy of top-dog status in many types of families.