Papillon vs Pomeranian

Compare the Papillon to the Pomeranian. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Papillons and Pomeranians.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Papillon and Pomeranian are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Papillon and Pomeranian are child friendly, but the Papillon is a better choice for young children.
  • Grooming - The Papillon is easy to groom. The Pomeranian has high grooming requirements.
  • Barking - The Pomeranian bark/howls frequently. The Papillon has an average level of barking.
Choose Another Breed to Compare
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Papillon vs Pomeranian
White & Red Papillon Dog
Red Pomeranian Dog
Breed NamePapillonPomeranian
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan12-16 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Height8-11 in.7-12 in.
Weight4-9 lb3-7 lb
IntelligenceAverageHigh
History
Origin CountryFranceGermany
Origin Year1500 AD1500 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodGood
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodBelow Average
Pet FriendlyVery GoodBelow Average
Stranger FriendlyVery GoodGood
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Willing To Please
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 80°F55°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageVery Often
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredHighLow
Top Running Speed14 mph12 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowMedium
SheddingNone-LowMedium
DanderLowMedium
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NamePapillonPomeranian
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaYesYes
Family/PackNoNo
IndependentYesYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingVery LowBelow Average
GuardingVery LowBelow Average
HerdingVery LowBelow Average
HuntingBelow AverageBelow Average
ProtectionVery LowBelow Average
Remove VerminAverageBelow Average
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchAverageHigh
Health Comparison
Breed NamePapillonPomeranian
Lifespan
Lifespan12-16 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesNoYes
CataractsNoYes
Collapsed TracheaYesYes
Dry EyeNoYes
EpilepsyNoYes
Heat IntoleranceNoYes
HeatstrokeNoYes
Hip DysplasiaNoYes
HypoglycemiaYesNo
HypothyroidismNoYes
Legg-perthes DiseaseNoYes
Open FontanelYesNo
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Patent Ductus ArteriosisNoYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
SeizuresNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NamePapillonPomeranian
Coat
HairYesNo
FurNoYes
Coat Type
Single CoatYesNo
Double CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
SilkyYesYes
StraightYesYes
WoolyNoYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesYes
Coat Color(s)
Black, Brown, & WhiteYesNo
Black, Red, & WhiteYesNo
Brown & WhiteYesNo
Fawn & WhiteYesNo
RedYesYes
Red, White, & SableYesNo
SableYesNo
WhiteYesYes
White & BlackYesNo
White & LemonYesNo
White & LiverYesNo
White & RedYesNo
White & SableYesNo
White & SilverYesNo
White, Black, & TanYesNo
BeaverNoYes
Beaver SableNoYes
BlackNoYes
Black & BrindleNoYes
Black & TanNoYes
BlueNoYes
Blue & TanNoYes
Blue BrindleNoYes
Blue MerleNoYes
Blue SableNoYes
ChocolateNoYes
Chocolate & TanNoYes
Chocolate MerleNoYes
Chocolate SableNoYes
CreamNoYes
Cream SableNoYes
OrangeNoYes
Orange SableNoYes
Red SableNoYes
Tri-coloredNoYes
Wolf SableNoYes