Pomeranian vs Mastiff
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Pomeranian
Toy Group
Mastiff
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Mastiff Overview
Massive and powerful, the Mastiff embodies strength with a gentle soul. Their distinctive wrinkled forehead and broad skull create an imposing yet noble appearance. Standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder with a deep chest and muscular build, these giants possess a short fawn or apricot coat with a dark mask. Despite their intimidating size, Mastiffs display remarkable gentleness and dignified composure.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pomeranians are less energetic than Mastiffs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pomeranians require more grooming attention compared to Mastiffs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pomeranians tend to be more reserved with strangers than Mastiffs.
- Trainability: Mastiffs may be slightly easier to train due to their Mastiff's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pomeranians adapt better to apartment living, while Mastiffs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pomeranian and Mastiff, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pomeranian | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Giant |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 6-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pomeranian | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-7 inches 15-18 cm | 27-30 inches 70-76 cm |
| Weight | 3-7 lbs 1-3 kg | 120-230 lbs 54-104 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pomeranian | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Inquisitive, Bold, Lively | Courageous, Dignified, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pomeranian | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Pomeranian Temperament
The Pomeranian is known for being inquisitive, bold, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Mastiff Temperament
The Mastiff is characterized by being courageous, dignified, good-natured, 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 Pomeranian and Mastiff, 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
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pomeranian
Rating: 1/5
Mastiff
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pomeranian
Rating: 4/5
Mastiff
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Pomeranian Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pomeranians 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, Pomeranians require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Mastiff Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Mastiffs 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 medium coat coat, Mastiffs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Pomeranian Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Tracheal Collapse
- Heart Issues
- Dental Problems
- Eye Conditions
Mastiff Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Pomeranian
Pros
- Compact size
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Alert watchdog
- Intelligent
- Long lifespan
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- Stubborn streak
Mastiff
Pros
- Gentle and patient nature
- Excellent guard dog
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Shorter lifespan
- Requires significant space
- High food costs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pomeranian and Mastiff, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.