Pomeranian vs Whippet
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
Whippet
Hound 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.
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Pomeranians are less energetic than Whippets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Pomeranians require more grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Pomeranians tend to be more reserved with strangers than Whippets.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Whippets 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 Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Pomeranian | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Pomeranian | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-7 inches 15-18 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 3-7 lbs 1-3 kg | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Pomeranian | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Inquisitive, Bold, Lively | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Pomeranian | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is characterized by being affectionate, playful, calm, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Whippet, 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Pomeranian
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Pomeranian
Rating: 1/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Pomeranian
Rating: 4/5
Whippet
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.
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets 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
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
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
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Pomeranian and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.