Selecting the right dog breed is a major decision for anyone considering becoming a pet parent.
Today, we’ll be comparing two popular small dog breeds – the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and the Pomeranian – to help you decide which might be the better fit for you and your family.
We’ll compare the two across various aspects including:
➡️ Appearance
➡️ Temperament
➡️ Care needs
➡️ Price
➡️ Health
➡️ Adaptability
So, let’s dive in!
Appearance
While appearance is the be all and end all, most people have a preference right off the bat. And these two dogs certainly look different!
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, often referred to as Yorkies, are small dogs, typically weighing in between 4 to 7 pounds and standing around 7 to 8 inches tall. They are known for their long, silky hair which is often likened to human hair rather than traditional fur. It’s commonly seen in a steel blue and tan color combination. Many Yorkie owners enjoy grooming their pet’s hair into a variety of styles.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also small, with an average weight between 3 to 7 pounds and a height of about 7 to 12 inches. They boast a distinct fluffy double coat, with a softer undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat. Their coat color varies widely, from orange, black, and cream to more exotic shades like blue and sable.
| Yorkie | Pomeranian | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4-7 lbs | 3-7 lbs |
| Height | 7-8 inches | 7-12 inches |
| Coat | Long, silky hair | Fluffy double coat |
Temperament
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of choosing a dog is knowing what they’re like! While these two have some similarities, they also have their different distinct traits. So it’s worth focusing on this area when making a decision.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are known for their confident and lively personalities. Here are some key points about a Yorkie’s temperament:
- Bold and Confident: Yorkies are known for their fearless personalities. They’re not afraid to stand up for themselves, even against larger dogs.
- Energetic: Yorkies are active and love to play. They enjoy daily walks and interactive games.
- Protective: These small dogs can be quite protective of their families. This trait also makes them excellent watchdogs.
- Affectionate: Yorkies form strong bonds with their families and love to spend time with their humans.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lively, intelligent, and sometimes independent. Here are the key temperament traits for Pomeranians:
- Lively and Outgoing: Pomeranians are known for their cheerful and outgoing personalities. They love to be the center of attention.
- Intelligent: Poms are smart and quick learners, which can make them both a joy and a challenge to train.
- Independent: Pomeranians have a bit of an independent streak. While they love their families, they’re also perfectly happy to explore on their own.
- Affectionate: Despite their independent nature, Pomeranians are very affectionate with their families. They enjoy cuddling up with their owners and love to be spoiled.
Remember, individual temperament can vary even within a breed. These traits offer general guidelines, but each Yorkie or Pomeranian will have their own unique personality.
Consider which of the above traits are more important to you and your family?
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Care Needs
Knowing the daily needs of each dog is important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Both of these breeds have similar care needs, yet some consider the Yorkie to be a higher maintenance dog than a Pomeranian.
Yorkshire Terrier
Caring for a Yorkie involves meeting their grooming needs, ensuring they get enough exercise, and providing mental stimulation. Here are the key care needs:
- Grooming: Due to their long, silky hair, Yorkies need regular brushing to prevent matting. Many owners also choose professional grooming.
- Exercise: Yorkies are an active breed and require regular exercise to keep them healthy. This could include walks, playtime, or interactive games.
- Mental Stimulation: Yorkies are intelligent dogs and need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be provided through puzzle toys or training sessions.
- Diet: Feeding your Yorkie a balanced, high-quality diet is crucial for their health.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians, while somewhat lower maintenance than Yorkies, also have specific care needs:
- Grooming: Pomeranians have a fluffy double coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting and to keep it looking its best.
- Exercise: While they’re not as high-energy as some breeds, Poms still need regular exercise. A daily walk, along with playtime, can help keep a Pom happy and healthy.
- Mental Stimulation: Like Yorkies, Pomeranians are intelligent dogs and will benefit from mental stimulation through interactive toys or training exercises.
- Diet: Providing a balanced, nutritious diet for your Pomeranian is key to their overall health.
Remember, regular check-ups with a vet are important to ensure your pet is healthy and their care needs are being met. Taking the time to understand and meet the unique needs of your pet, whether a Yorkie or a Pomeranian, will go a long way in ensuring their happiness and wellbeing.
Price Comparison
While the initial cost of purchasing a Yorkshire Terrier or a Pomeranian can vary depending on factors such as the breeder, location, and lineage of the puppy, there’s a general price range you can expect for each breed.
Yorkshire Terrier
A Yorkie from a reputable breeder will generally cost between $1,200 to $1,500, though it could be higher for show-quality dogs. Remember, the initial cost of purchasing your Yorkie is just the beginning. Be prepared to spend on regular grooming, quality food, vet check-ups, vaccinations, and potential health concerns down the line.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians generally range from $1,000 to $3,000 from a reputable breeder, with the price being higher for show-quality dogs. Like with Yorkies, there are additional ongoing costs to consider including grooming, feeding, regular vet care, and potential health costs.
| Yorkie | Pomeranian | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200-$1,500 | $1,000-$3,000 |
In conclusion, both Yorkies and Pomeranians are somewhat similar in price range, but the costs can add up over time with routine care, grooming, and potential health issues.
Health
Something that excite owners often skip over is the health of each breed. While both of these dogs have a nice lifespan, they are prone to similar and also different health issues.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. While not all Yorkies will get any or all of these diseases, it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed:
- Luxating Patella: This condition, where the knee joint slides in and out of place, can cause pain and mobility issues. It’s fairly common in small dogs, including Yorkies.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a family of eye diseases that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind, with the loss of sight occurring as the disease progresses.
- Hypoglycemia: This is a condition characterized by low blood sugar, especially common in small dogs and puppies. It can be managed with a balanced diet and regular feedings.
- Dental Disease: Smaller breeds like Yorkies often suffer from dental issues due to the size and positioning of their teeth. Regular dental care is essential.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also generally healthy but are predisposed to certain genetic health problems:
- Dental Problems: Like Yorkies, Pomeranians can have dental problems due to the size and placement of their teeth. Regular dental care is essential to prevent issues.
- Patellar Luxation: Also common in small dogs, this is a condition where the knee cap can slip out of place.
- Tracheal Collapse: This is a common condition in small breeds where the trachea, which carries air to the lungs, tends to collapse easily. Symptoms include a honking cough, difficulty breathing, and intolerance to exercise.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination.
Remember, regular check-ups with a veterinarian are vital to catch any potential health issues early. It’s also crucial to get a puppy from a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for genetic diseases.
| Yorkie | Pomeranian | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Health Issues | Luxating Patella, PRA, Hypoglycemia, Dental Disease | Dental Problems, Patellar Luxation, Tracheal Collapse, Hyperthyroidism |
While there’s a fair amount to consider regarding potential health issues, remember that both Yorkies and Pomeranians are generally healthy breeds.
Adaptability
How adaptable is each dog? How easy will the dog adapt to the kind of home and environment that you live in? This is not something often thought about, but again, it’s crucial. So take a look at how the two differ.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are adaptable and do well in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes. They can be sensitive to cold, so a warmer climate or indoor living is preferable. They’re also a great option for individuals with allergies as they are a hypoallergenic breed.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also quite adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses. However, they’re not the best breed for extremely hot climates due to their thick double coat. In this case, if you are living a hotter country, a Yorkie would technically be a better option due to them adapting easier.
Training and Socialization
Both breeds are fairly similar when it comes to training and socialization needs. Both dogs can be easy but also difficult to train as they have stubborn streaks in them. In my experience, Pomeranians have much more of an “attitude” than Yorkies. So this could be something to keep in mind.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are smart and quick to learn, but their independent nature can sometimes make training a challenge. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise. Early socialization is key for Yorkies to help them become well-rounded dogs.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also intelligent and can be trained easily with consistency and patience. Like Yorkies, they can be independent and a bit stubborn, so they may need a firm, yet gentle hand during training. Poms can be prone to excessive barking, and it’s crucial to address this behavior early on.
Lifespan
Both dogs enjoy a health lifespan. Check it out!
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies tend to have a relatively long lifespan for dogs, often living between 13 to 16 years. Of course, this can vary based on individual health and care.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians also enjoy long lives, typically ranging between 12 to 16 years. Again, lifespan can depend on factors like genetics, diet, and overall care.
Compatibility with Families and Other Pets
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies can be a great choice for families, but their small size can make them vulnerable to accidental injury. They’re best suited for families with older children who can understand how to handle them gently. Yorkies can get along well with other pets if they are socialized properly, but they might be somewhat territorial.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are also suitable for families, but due to their small size and sometimes bossy nature, they’re best with families with older children. Pomeranians can get along with other pets, but early socialization is key.
| Yorkie | Pomeranian | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Medium difficulty | Medium difficulty |
| Lifespan | 13-16 years | 12-16 years |
| Family Compatibility | Good with older children | Good with older children |
So Which Is Better?
Ultimately, it’s hard to say which breed is “better”. They’re just different.
Depending on their individual traits, either the Yorkie or the Pomeranian might be a better fit for you and your family.
Only you’ll know this by analyzing the comparing information given above.
But make no mistake, both dogs are wonderful companions, are loving, affectionate and make excellent pets. Either way, you’ll likely love your new pup whether it’s a yorkie or pomeranian.