Pomeranian vs Welsh Terrier
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
Welsh Terrier
Terrier 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.
Welsh Terrier Overview
Welsh Terriers showcase a sturdy, compact frame with distinctive rectangular heads and dense, wiry black and tan coats. Standing 15 inches at the shoulder, these spirited terriers possess alert, dark eyes and V-shaped ears that fold forward. Their balanced proportions and confident carriage reflect their heritage as capable hunting dogs, while their intelligent expressions hint at their quick-witted nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pomeranians are less energetic than Welsh Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pomeranians require less grooming attention compared to Welsh Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pomeranians tend to be more reserved with strangers than Welsh Terriers.
- Trainability: Welsh Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Welsh Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Welsh Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Pomeranians typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Pomeranian and Welsh Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pomeranian | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pomeranian | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-7 inches 15-18 cm | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm |
| Weight | 3-7 lbs 1-3 kg | 20-20 lbs 9-9 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pomeranian | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Inquisitive, Bold, Lively | Friendly, Spirited, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pomeranian | Welsh Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Welsh Terrier Temperament
The Welsh Terrier is characterized by being friendly, spirited, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Pomeranian and Welsh Terrier, 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
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pomeranian
Rating: 1/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pomeranian
Rating: 4/5
Welsh Terrier
Rating: 4/5
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.
Welsh Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Welsh Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Welsh Terriers 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
Pomeranian Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Tracheal Collapse
- Heart Issues
- Dental Problems
- Eye Conditions
Welsh Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Lens luxation
- Allergies
- Glaucoma
- Epilepsy
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
Welsh Terrier
Pros
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Low-shedding
- Good with children
- Adaptable
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- Needs regular grooming
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pomeranian and Welsh Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.