Havanese vs Pomeranian: Which Suits Your Home?

The Pomeranian is the smaller of the two, 3-7 lbs against the Havanese's 7-13 lbs, though both stand a similar 8-11 inches tall. A Pomeranian can weigh less than half what a Havanese does while looking proportionally similar — most of that difference is a fluffier coat creating visual bulk the scale doesn't back up.

The Havanese needs less exercise, Low (2/5) against the Pomeranian's Moderate (3/5), though both tie at a lively-ish energy level. A Pomeranian's bold, energetic temperament shows up as more demanding indoor activity even when its outdoor exercise need stays modest by most breeds' standards.

Grooming ties at High (4/5) for both breeds — neither coat is low-maintenance. Shedding is where they split: Low (2/5) for the Havanese against High (4/5) for the Pomeranian, whose double coat blows out with the seasons. Between similar brushing schedules, expect noticeably more loose fur from the Pomeranian.

Both tie at Very High (5/5) for apartment suitability, so this one's a wash on space. Barking favors the Havanese, Moderate (3/5) against the Pomeranian's High (4/5) — a known trait for the breed and a common complaint from owners in shared buildings. Alone-time tolerance is low for both, though the Pomeranian's Low (2/5) beats the Havanese's Very Low (1/5).

The Havanese rates higher across the board here: High (4/5) trainability against the Pomeranian's Moderate (3/5), and Very High (5/5) for first-time owners against the Pomeranian's Moderate (3/5). A Pomeranian's boldness can translate into stubbornness during training that a newer owner may not be prepared for.

The Havanese leads clearly in this section: High (4/5) with kids against Moderate (3/5), Very High (5/5) with other dogs against Moderate (3/5), and High (4/5) with strangers against a notably low 2/5 for the Pomeranian. Despite its playful, loyal temperament, the Pomeranian's numbers suggest a dog that bonds tightly with its own household rather than warming quickly to outsiders.

Four conditions overlap between the two — patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, allergies, and eye problems — more shared risk than most pairs on this site. Lifespans are close, 13-16 years for the Havanese against 12-16 for the Pomeranian, with real overlap at the top end. The Pomeranian's added risks, like tracheal collapse and hypoglycemia, are common toy-breed concerns tied to its small size.

Cost level favors the Pomeranian, Moderate (3/5) against the Havanese's High (4/5), though the dollar figures land close enough to call it a tie: $80-150 monthly versus $80-160, and $1,200-2,200 versus $1,200-2,300 in year one. The Havanese's higher cost rating likely reflects grooming needs more than any single big expense.