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Papillon vs. Pomeranian: The Key Differences (With Pictures)

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

Papillon vs Pomeranian

The Papillon and Pomeranian dog breeds are both classified as toy breeds. They are both very small and adorable. They both make excellent companion dogs and are often confused with one another. They do have many similarities, but they also have their differences.

If you’re unsure which is which or are just trying to decide which one you want to give a forever home, we’re here to help. In the guide below, we’ll talk about the similarities and differences between the Papillon and Pomeranian, so you can not only tell them apart but also figure out which one will make the best pet for you and your family.

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Visual Differences

Papillon vs Pomeranian side by side
Image Credit: (L) Jumpstory | (R) skorchanov, Pixabay

At a Glance

Papillon
  • Average height (adult): 8 to 11 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 7 to 9 pounds
  • Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
  • Exercise: 45 minutes daily
  • Grooming needs: Moderate
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Easy
Pomeranian
  • Average height (adult): 6 to 7 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 3 to 7 pounds
  • Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
  • Exercise: 20 to 45 minutes a day
  • Grooming needs: Moderate to high
  • Family-friendly: Yes
  • Other pet-friendly: Often
  • Trainability: Moderate

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Papillon Overview

papillon
Image Credit: Fayzulin Serg, Shutterstock

If you’ve ever met a Papillon, you already know that they are one of the most adorable dog breeds in the world. These dogs are energetic, loving, and affectionate and come in a tiny package. We’ll discuss the breed in the sections below.

Personality / Character

Papillons are perfect companions because they are loving, affectionate, and loyal. This tiny bundle of joy is always ready to play but has no problem curling up in your lap for an afternoon of watching TV. This breed is quite needy, so make sure that you have the time needed to devote to your furry friend. If they don’t get the attention they crave, it isn’t shy about letting you know about it. Unlike many small breeds, they don’t bark excessively or seem nervous or fearful around new people.

Training

An intelligent, attentive breed, the Papillon is pretty easy to train. They are emotional, sensitive dogs, however, so if you’re yelling at or scolding your dog during training, you’re not going to get very far. Make sure to use positive reinforcement, love, and plenty of treats if you want your Papillon pet to respond to your commands. Starting when the dog is young is best, and most Papillons respond better to brief training sessions, especially when they’re puppies.

Health & Care

Papillons are usually pretty healthy dogs, but as with any dog breed, there are a few issues you’ll need to look out for.

  • Cataracts
  • Obesity and weight gain
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Patella luxation
  • Deafness
  • Collapsed tracheas

These are issues that you should look out for with your furry friend, but that doesn’t mean that your pet will develop these diseases. Maintaining regular veterinary visits will ensure your Papillon enjoys a healthy life.

papillon jump
Image Credit: BIGANDT.COM, Shutterstock

Cost

You can expect to pay between $800 and $3,000 for a Papillon puppy from a reputable breeder. However, it’s important to remember that the initial cost isn’t all you’ll pay. You need to factor in items you need to give your dog a happy and healthy home as well. Although Papillons are not frequently available at rescue centers or shelters, it’s worth it to call them to inquire since you’ll pay much less and provide a home for a needy animal.

Suitable for:

Papillon puppies are a friendly breed and will work with a family, couple, or a single person looking for a companion. Make sure that you have the time to spend with your furry friend, as they love to be with their pet parents. They can be wary around strangers, so make sure that you socialize and train your pet as a puppy to get along with others. They get along with children but should not be left alone with toddlers. Because of the dog’s tiny size, it could get injured playing with excited kids.

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Pomeranian Overview

pomeranian dog looking up
Image Credit: h2namcamera, Pixabay

The Pomeranian is also a tiny dog with a big personality. They are intelligent, cuddly, loving, energetic, and can be quite vocal. It is a purebred dog that makes the perfect lapdog because of its tiny size. The breed originated in the 1700s in Germany. They are extremely popular pets and are known to be loving but quirky. We’ll talk more about the Pomeranian Dog breed in the section below.

Personality / Character

Even though the Pomeranian only weighs 7 pounds as an adult, they make up for their tiny size with their big personalities. They are full of energy and love to play. They quickly form a close attachment with the person who spends the most time with them and is happy when playing or cuddling beside their favorite person on the couch.

They will always be looking for attention and can suffer from separation anxiety if they don’t get the attention they need. The Pom is a yappy little dog with a very high-pitched bark. They have no problems barking to get what they want, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to give this little creature a forever home. You can reduce the barking with adequate training, but they’re naturally more vocal than Papillons.

Training

Pomeranians are eager to please and intelligent, so they aren’t tough to train when it comes to being housebroken or following commands. However, they can be more stubborn than Papillons and require more patience when training. As with any dog, it’s best to train your Pomeranian with praise, love, and treats.

Health & Care

Pomeranians are vulnerable to a few health issues, but they’re generally healthy dogs. Some of the conditions to look out for include the following:

  • Tracheal collapse
  • Pomeranian Reverse Sneezing
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Teeth problems
  • Liver shunts
  • Severe hair loss syndrome
  • Patellar luxation
  • Heart disease
  • Eye problems

If your Pomeranian displays any troubling signs, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for an appointment.

pomeranian dog on the log
Image Credit: KristinaSh, Shutterstock

Cost

Depending on the coat color, age, and breeder, a Pomeranian can cost you from $800 to $2,000. Finding a breeder that knows Pomeranians and their health issues is essential if you want a healthy puppy. If you’re lucky enough to find a Pomeranian at a local rescue shelter, you’ll pay between $75 and $300, including the adoption fee, vaccines, and microchipping in most cases.

Suitable for:

The Pomeranian is suitable for energetic families but will probably form an attachment with one or two people. Pomeranians love being with their pet parents, so if you’re on the road a lot, it might not be the best choice for you since they can suffer from separation anxiety. The dog can be shy and withdrawn with strangers, and they bark a lot, so keep that in mind when making your final decision.

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Which Breed Is Right for You?

As you can see, there are quite a few similarities and differences between the Papillon and the Pomeranian. Either of them will make an excellent pet for someone looking for a loyal companion. They each have health problems that you need to be on the lookout for, and the Pomeranian has a high-pitched bark that could bother some people. Papillons may be better suited for first-time owners because they’re easier to train and aren’t as clingy as Pomeranians.

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: (L) Mariya Kuzema, Shutterstock | (R) Trent Pickering, Unsplash

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