Bearded Collie vs Pomeranian
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Pomeranian
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Pomeranian Overview
Pomeranians are compact, fox-faced dogs with a distinctive fluffy double coat forming a ruff around their neck. Their alert carriage and bright expression reflect their bold, vivacious nature. Standing 6-7 inches tall with a weight of 3-7 pounds, these spirited companions feature a plumed tail carried high over their back, small pointed ears, and a characteristic proud gait that showcases their confident personality.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Pomeranians, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to Pomeranians.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Pomeranians.
- Trainability: Bearded Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Bearded Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pomeranians adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Pomeranian, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 6-7 inches 15-18 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 3-7 lbs 1-3 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Inquisitive, Bold, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Pomeranian Temperament
The Pomeranian is characterized by being inquisitive, bold, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Pomeranian, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Pomeranian
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Pomeranian
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Pomeranian Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pomeranians need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pomeranians require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Pomeranian Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Tracheal Collapse
- Heart Issues
- Dental Problems
- Eye Conditions
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Pomeranian
Pros
- Compact size
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Alert watchdog
- Intelligent
- Long lifespan
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- Stubborn streak
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Pomeranian, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.