Yorkshire Terrier vs Pomeranian

Though small and cute with flowing locks, the Yorkshire Terrier is a smart, spunky dog who isn’t aware of their diminutive stature. Originally bred to hunt rodents before becoming popular as lapdogs, the Yorkie retains much of that tough terrier ‘tude (and bark) today. These confident pups might just take full command of the household if you let them, not-so-gently letting you know when it’s time to wake up, put the food out and go for a walk.

Fortunately, this smart breed is eager to please, making them a quick study when it comes to dog training. With early training and plenty of opportunities for social interactions with humans and canines from a young age, Yorkies can be a loyal, playful and friendly best bud. However, they aren’t great with young kids and babies—or, rather, young children aren’t great with them, especially those who like to play rough and haven’t been taught how to respect a dog’s boundaries. As with any dog, be sure to supervise encounters to ensure a safe and positive playtime.

Yorkshire Terriers don’t mind being handled and carried, so they’re some of the most portable pups around. But be careful not to coddle them too much. Yorkshire Terriers still need exercise and independence so that they don’t grow afraid to be out of your arms. In fact, because Yorkies bond so closely with their people, many Yorkie parents get two so they can keep each other company.

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.