Pomeranian vs Shih Tzu

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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
12 to 16 years
Size:

Extra Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Medium

Best For

Cuddly and compact, Pomeranians thrive on attention and play. With a vibrant personality and moderate exercise needs, these affectionate companions are perfect for anyone seeking a lively companion who flourishes with love and quality time...

Cuddly and compact, Pomeranians thrive on attention and play. With a vibrant personality and moderate exercise needs, these affectionate companions are perfect for anyone seeking a lively companion who flourishes with love and quality time together.

Pomeranian Temperament

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...

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.

Pomeranian Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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Breed Snapshot

Life Expectancy:
10 to 18 years
Size:

Small

Maintenance Level:

Medium

Shed Level:

Very Low

Best For

With a charming personality and minimal exercise needs, Shih Tzus make perfect indoor companions for those seeking a loving and low-maintenance canine friend.

Shih Tzu Temperament

Small in size but big on personality, the Shih Tzu is adored by everyone they meet. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but they’re equally happy trotting by your side in the park. A fu...

Small in size but big on personality, the Shih Tzu is adored by everyone they meet. An agile and adaptable pet, your pint-sized pooch will love cuddling with you on the couch in front of the TV, but they’re equally happy trotting by your side in the park.

A fun-loving breed, Shih Tzus enjoy playing with older children, who understand how to play gently with a small dog, and other four-legged pets as long as proper introductions have been made (they are descended from royalty after all). They aren’t known for biting, but like any dog, they may bite if pushed too far in rough play. Be sure to teach all children how to gently interact with dogs, and to supervise your Shih Tzu puppy around young children who may mistake this adorable pup for their favorite stuffy.

With their ability to assess situations much faster than other small breeds, the Shih Tzu is so much more than a pretty face. They make excellent watchdogs; they are always on alert for someone approaching your home and will let you know they’re coming. Even though they may exhibit a stubborn streak and require extra patience when training, they are worth the effort. Their loyalty and calm manner in all types of situations serve them in good stead as emotional support animals when their small size is not an issue.

Shih Tzu Traits

Friendliness
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
Barking Tendencies
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
Training Needs
Good With Kids
Good With Cats
Good As A Service Dog
Good For Apartments & Small Homes
Biting Tendencies
Energy Level
Good With Other Dogs
Playfulness
Sensitive to Cold Weather
Sensitive to Warm Weather
Good For First Time Pet Parents
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