What Makes Chihuahuas and Pomeranians So Cute, and Which Breed Is Cuter?

Quick Take

• Science explains why you can't resist those Chihuahua eyes, and the reason has nothing to do with dogs. See the eye science →
• Both breeds share a personality quirk that's equal parts adorable and a headache for unprepared owners. Explore the shared quirk →
• Pomeranians hide one surprising behavior beneath all that fluff that catches most new owners completely off guard. Discover the hidden behavior →
• Asking which breed is cuter might be the wrong question, and getting it wrong has real consequences. Find the right fit →

Chihuahuas and Pomeranians are some of the smallest dog breeds. When it comes to which is cuter, both dogs have their adorable points. Chihuahuas have ears half the size of their heads, cute babydoll eyes, and big personalities. Pomeranians have full, dense coats and foxy faces, and make lively companions. In this article, we’ll talk about what makes Chihuahuas and Pomeranians cute, and you can decide which is cuter.

What Makes Chihuahuas Cute?

Take an in-depth look at the different aspects of a Chihuahua’s appearance and personality that make them endearing.

Chihuahua Appearance

Chihuahuas are just 5-8 inches tall and weigh less than 6 pounds. If you want a dog you can easily carry, they’re perfect! Their big, upright ears give Chihuahuas an alert, intelligent look. They’re especially adorable when compared to their tiny faces in proportion. These dogs also have large, dark eyes. Seeing animals with big, round eyes can activate the brain’s reward circuits, triggering the release of neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin and prompting feelings of warmth and caregiving. This response evolved to help us bond with and care for babies, who depend on their parents for survival.

Whether you love long-haired or short-haired dogs, there’s a Chihuahua to fit your preferences. Short-haired Chihuahuas have a smooth texture and are lower maintenance when it comes to grooming, though they actually shed more than their long-haired counterparts and may require consistent vacuuming to manage loose hair. Long-haired Chihuahuas have silky fur that sheds significantly, particularly during shedding seasons, which can require regular cleanup. They should be brushed at least once a week to avoid any tangles or matting.

Chihuahua coats also come in various colors, including:

• Black
• Black and tan
• Blue and tan
• Chocolate
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Fawn
• Fawn and white
• Red

Chihuahua Personality

Chihuahuas love their people. They’re loyal, affectionate, and cuddly. Chihuahuas also get cold easily, so they’ll love curling up on your lap or by your side with a warm blanket. They can be reserved with strangers and might try to hide shyly away, but they also have a “big dog” mentality and may try to act tough around strangers if they are afraid. Chihuahuas can be quite fierce and think they’re bigger than they are. It’s important to socialize your Chihuahua at a young age to try to temper these behaviors. After all, we want our dogs to feel confident around new people and animals, not terrified and aggressive.

Chis are very playful dogs who love playing a gentle game of tug or chasing a ball around the living room. The little “yip yip” barks that a Chihuahua makes are adorable to most people, for short periods. Some people don’t even mind more consistent barking. However, Chihuahuas are prone to excessive barking, especially if they’re bored or lonely. They might also bark while acting as a watchdog. Chihuahuas are intelligent pups with an independent streak. While they’re people pleasers at heart, it will take time and patience to train them.

What Makes Pomeranians Cute?

Now, let’s take a closer look at the different traits of the Pomeranian. We’ll compare their appearance and personality to the Chihuahua so you can decide which breed is cuter.

Pomeranian Appearance

Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are similarly sized. Poms are 6-7 inches tall and weigh 3-7 pounds. Like Chihuahuas, they can be easily carried around and are easy to handle on leash. Poms have foxy little faces and tiny, erect, slightly pointed ears that almost seem as if they blend into their abundant fur. Like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians have big eyes, but they don’t appear to bulge as much due to the Pom’s longer fur.

Pomeranians are known for their big, fluffy coats. Their thick, dense coats make Poms perfect for cuddling, but their coat needs frequent brushing to stay in good condition. These dogs need to be brushed down to the skin once a week to keep their hair from getting matted.

Pomeranian coats also come in a multitude of colors, including:

• Blue merle
• Blue sable
• Black
• Black and tan
• Blue
• Blue and tan
• Chocolate
• Chocolate and tan
• Cream
• Cream sable
• Orange
• Orange sable
• Red
• Red sable
• Beaver
• White
• Wolf sable
• Tricolor

Pomeranian Personality

Pomeranians love to snuggle close to their owners. When they aren’t cuddling, they might lie at your feet or follow you around the house. Poms make good watchdogs, though obviously they aren’t great guard dogs due to their size. Like Chihuahuas, they have a commanding personality and think they are bigger than they are. These sweet pups are alert and protective, and will generally bark at strangers. You might not think “cute” when you think of a vocal dog, and it’s true that most people will tire of it eventually, but Pomeranians do have cute, high-pitched voices. Fortunately, Pomeranians are easily trained.

Pomeranians are also active, but since they are so small, they can be exercised easily both indoors and outdoors. However, they are notorious escape artists, so they must be supervised outside at all times. Like Chihuahuas, they love being lapdogs, and Poms are also highly intelligent and attentive. Pomeranians excel at canine sports, and some are even trained as therapy dogs.

Are Chihuahuas or Pomeranians Cuter?

In the end, everyone has a different opinion on which breed is cuter. If you have one or the other, you’re no doubt biased toward them! Personally, I love both breeds, but I especially adore fluffy Poms and long-haired Chis. That’s not to say short-haired Chihuahuas aren’t precious, though!

If you’re still deciding between these breeds, I suggest deciding which will be a better fit for your household. Pomeranians often make better companions for children and other pups, while Chihuahuas require less daily exercise and grooming. Neither is well-suited to being left alone for long periods, as they’re clingy and prone to separation anxiety. Both are great if you want a sweet lap pup with an independent streak.