When it comes to dog breeds, the Chow Chow and Pomeranian may have similar coats, but they are completely different in other ways. From size to temperament and health issues, these two breeds have unique qualities that make them better suited for different families.
Chow Chows are large, sturdy dogs that originated from northern China and belong to the spitz category. They are known for their fluffy coats, particularly around their necks, giving them the appearance of having a majestic mane. The breed comes in several colors, including black, red, cream, and blue.
Despite being kept mostly as pets, Chow Chows have strict guarding instincts and are fiercely protective of their home and people. However, they require a lot of socialization at an early age to prevent aggression. Chow Chows aren’t super active, so they can be housed in an apartment or smaller home, but they get bored easily, requiring plenty of stimulation. Toys, puzzle feeders, and games are vital to keeping a Chow Chow entertained on top of meandering walks.
These dogs tend to be one-people dogs and bond closely with one or two people within the family, making them less suitable for families. Chow Chows are naturally well-behaved indoors but are resistant to training, with a tendency towards stubbornness. They’re plenty intelligent enough to know what their owners want, but they tend not to listen. Moreover, they are particularly aggressive towards dogs of the same gender, making them better suited for homes without any other dogs.
Chow Chows are susceptible to a few different conditions, such as eye problems, autoimmune diseases, and different types of cancer, such as gastric cancer. They have fuzzy coats that require grooming and shed heavily in the spring and autumn.
On the other hand, Pomeranians are much smaller than Chow Chows, though they have a similarly fluffy coat. They’re also spitz-type dogs but originate from Poland and Germany. They’re classified as toy breeds as they are smaller, though they were bred as working dogs initially.
Pomeranians have been kept as companion animals for a long time and are friendly and playful. They are often described as “personality dogs” due to their fun, bubbly personalities. They may be prone to aggression towards dogs and humans, and “small dog syndrome,” which is a term used to describe small dogs that attempt to prove themselves by being aggressive towards larger animals. This behavior occurs when smaller dogs like the Pomeranian aren’t confident and become aggressive because they’re fearful. Early socialization and training are vital to ensure they are well-behaved dogs.
Pomeranians are intelligent and obedient when trained. They’re very extroverted and people-oriented, making them great dogs for families. However, they may be prone to separation anxiety, and training your puppy to be alone is vital to success. They are relatively healthy dogs but may develop health issues such as luxating patella, tracheal collapse, exercise fatigue, fainting and similar problems.
Although they have a fluffy coat, Pomeranians don’t require extensive grooming. They only need to be brushed a few times a week to reduce shedding, though they may need to be brushed daily during heavy shedding seasons. Their nails must be trimmed like every other dog, and they may need their ears cleaned. They are generally easy to groom.
In conclusion, when choosing between a Chow Chow and a Pomeranian, it is essential to consider the differences between their size, temperament, health issues, and grooming needs. Chow Chows are best for single-person households or couples, while Pomeranians are great for families looking for a low-maintenance companion. If you are interested in owning either breed, ensure you have time to socialize and train them properly to make them well-behaved dogs.
