The Pomeranian and Maltese are two small dog breeds that are more closely related than their appearances would suggest. While the Pomeranian looks like a little fox with its pointy ears, the Maltese looks like royalty with its gorgeous white coat. However, both pups are ancient breeds with histories shrouded in mystery. Archaeological and genetic evidence provides some clues to their origins, which reveal brushes with the upper class and sea travel.
The Pomeranian has an interesting history that dates back to the Spitz clade of dogs from Asia, which includes Chow Chows and Akitas. The term “Spitz” describes groups of breeds with similar features. When the Spitz dogs came to Europe, they further diverged with the so-called Victorian Explosion. The Pomeranian was a result of that development when it split off from the Spitz dogs in the mid-1800s. The first pups were much larger, with some weighing up to 30 pounds! However, Queen Victoria advocated for even smaller dogs, which led to the present-day size.
Despite its small size, the Pomeranian has a larger-than-life personality. It is a lively and spirited pup that is affectionate with its family, including kids. They are somewhat guarded around strangers, which isn’t unusual for a companion animal. The Pomeranian is intelligent and needs mental stimulation to be happy. Positive reinforcement is essential with this little guy, as it tends to bark a lot. Health concerns for the Pomeranian include collapsing tracheas and luxating patellas.
The Maltese is another ancient breed that likely has genetic links to the Pomeranian and the Spitz clade. The pup gets its name from the Mediterranean island. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Phoenicians, Egyptians, and Romans knew of this breed, although the modern-day breed probably differs quite a bit from its ancestors. Unlike the Pomeranian, AKC recognized the breed not long after its establishment, with the Maltese added to the ranks in 1888. Today, it is the 39th most popular pup.
The most noticeable feature of the Maltese is its pure white coat offset by its dark eyes. Its fur is like silk with no undercoat. Despite its small size, the Maltese has a spunky and sometimes feisty nature that is friendly and affectionate with its family. It’s not as welcoming of strangers, which is common for lap dogs used to being the center of attention. Like the Pomeranian, it is susceptible to separation anxiety, as it doesn’t like to be left alone.
The Maltese is intelligent and easy to train, making it an excellent choice for the first-time pet owner. It has a moderate tendency to be nippy, which you must control as a puppy. It can also be a barker, but it has low wanderlust potential. This dog seems to know a good thing when it sees it. Health concerns for the Maltese include heart issues and luxating patellas. Obesity and dental disease are other concerns to monitor, and their caloric and nutritional needs are similar to the Pomeranian.
In conclusion, the Pomeranian and Maltese are two small dog breeds that have shared ancestry, resulting in many similarities between the two breeds. Both are outgoing despite their small sizes and are adaptable and intelligent. The differences are minor, with the Pomeranian shedding, while the Maltese does not. However, both require frequent grooming. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference, but both breeds will bring joy into your life.
