Pomeranian vs Papillon: 5 Key Differences Explained

Pomeranians and Papillons are both very small, but adorable dogs classed as toy dogs because of their small stature. They are firm favorites, and they make excellent companion dogs. They have a lot of similarities, and it can be easy to confuse the two if you’re unfamiliar with them. But don’t worry, as when it comes to Pomeranian vs Papillon, there are some key differences that we can use to tell the two apart.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Pomeranians and Papillons. We’ll discuss their appearance – including their color, coat type, and the shape of their ears. We’ll also discuss their behavior and energy levels and discover where these breeds originated. So, join us as we discover all the differences between Pomeranians and Papillons.

Comparing Papillons and Pomeranians

Pomeranians and Papillons are both intelligent and active little dogs. Although they both enjoy the comfort of a house, they are active despite their small size. Although Pomeranians are best known for their thick and fluffy coats, they both have impressive coats. But that’s not all, so check out the chart below to compare the two breeds.

The 5 Key Differences Between Pomeranians and Papillons

The main differences between Pomeranians and Papillons are color, behavior, appearance, size of ears, and coat type. Pomeranians have a thick and fluffy double coat, while Papillons have a smooth and flowing single coat. Papillons also have ears that are extremely distinctive because of the long hair which flows from them. Although both are generally very good-natured, Pomeranians can be slightly more dominant and demand attention from their owners.

Let’s discuss these differences in detail.

Pomeranian vs Papillon: Coat

One of the most noticeable differences between Papillons and Pomeranians is their coats. Pomeranians have a double coat consisting of a short but incredibly thick and soft undercoat and a much longer outer coat. The hair on the outer coat is long and straight but not as soft as the undercoat. Pomeranians shed their undercoat twice a year which can cause the outer coat to become more tangled than usual. Therefore, they require regular grooming to keep their coat in top condition and free from knots. Additionally, the outer layer usually forms a thick mane or a distinctive ruff at the back of their neck.

Papillons have only a single coat that is soft and silky. Although they also shed twice a year, it is only moderate and often isn’t particularly noticeable.

Pomeranian vs Papillon: Color

Papillons are typically white with patches of any color. However, white with black, red, brown, or lemon is the most common. A white blaze (strip of white extending down the forehead and between the eyes) is the preferred marking for the breed over a completely solid-colored head.

Although the earliest Pomeranians were black, white, or brown, nowadays, they have one of the widest varieties of colors of any dog breed. However, common colors are black, white, tan, and orange.

Pomeranian vs Papillon: Ears

One of the most iconic aspects of a Papillon is its ears. Papillons have large ears for the size of dog that they are. They stand upright and are fringed with long, flowing hair, which gives the appearance of a butterfly wing. This is also why another name for Papillons is the “butterfly dog.”

Pomeranians have small ears which are triangle-shaped. They are noticeably pointed and stand upright.

Pomeranian vs Papillon: Appearance

Most Pomeranians have a fox-like face with a defined snout. However, their heads often have a rounded appearance with their thick hair. Pomeranians have sturdy bodies, and a thick, plumed tail carried high over their back.

Papillons have a much more petite appearance than Pomeranians. Their muzzle is short and thin, and their face has a much more defined appearance as they lack the abundance of hair around it that Pomeranians have. However, Papillons also have a tail covered in long hair and carried over their back which is why they are sometimes called squirrel dogs.

Pomeranian vs Papillon: Behavior

Papillons are friendly and energetic dogs. They are very sociable and affectionate towards people they know but can be wary of people they don’t know. This also makes them excellent watchdogs, and they regularly alert their owners to anything they consider suspicious or out of place. Although they are excellent companion dogs, Papillons have quite a high energy level, making them equally well suited to active homes.

Pomeranians are friendly and playful dogs. However, they can be defensive of their territory and often bark at noises they hear outside. They are also very intelligent dogs and are very good at getting what they want, which can sometimes lead to them becoming dominant.

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