Advice On Choosing A Puppy, Papillon Or Pomeranian?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
Hi there everyone,
My family and I have been looking for a new puppy recently. We’ve been to view two litters, one of pomeranians and one of papillons, and we like all the pups equally so can’t decide which breed we should go for. I’ve heard that Pomeranians can be yappy and nippy which is something we wouldn’t really want. Could anybody who has experience of either of these breeds give me some information regarding their temperaments, training, grooming, and health matters? Any info would be much appreciated. We don’t have any young children in the family, we have a medium sized house and a VERY large garden, we also live directly opposite a large park. There is always at least one person in the house.
Thanks 
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Pomeranians and Papillons are both beautiful dogs. As far as temperment, Pomeranians tend to be stubborn and bark a lot. They are very smart but like to run the house,LOL. They can be territorial too, and sometimes don’t get along with strangers.
Papillons are not as hyper as Pomeranians and tend not to bark as much. They are very friendly and smart.
With grooming, Poms need to be brushed everyday because their hair will mat easily. Papillons hair does need to be combed but it won’t mat as easily.
As far as health problems, they both tend to have the same, like heart problems, skin problems but these run in most small breeds.
They are both great breeds, but if you do not want a “yappy” dog, you might be better with a Papillon. You can look on the AKC web site and look up both breeds to read about their history and traits more completely.
Best of luck on whatever dog you choose. Hope I helped.
There is a book called “The right dog for you” which gives details on all dogs from shedding, grooming, disposition, exercise, etc…… There are also some on-line tests you can find that may help. We were looking for a medium sized dog that did not shed and was absolutely great with kids. We ended up with a Portuguese Water Dog. She’s the most intelligent dog I’ve ever had. THINK about your purchase. Don’t rush into anything until you are sure.
I am really partial to the papillons … and not because I own one, but because I run into them doing amazing things every where I go.
I have an aussie that I do competative obedience/flyball and frisbee with. And every time I get out to do any of these things, there will, inevitably, be one of these little papillon guys there doing it better lol. And looking so sweet and delicate while they do.
They are are a neat little breed and I would highly recommend them.
I know people who have both. To me, it is all in the way they are raised. Any dog has the potential of the nipping and yapping (in bigger dogs it is called biting and barking).
So, I would say either dog and if you do not know how to obedience train, hire a good trainer to come to your home. Puppy classes at the pet store are okay but I prefer the one on one. A bit more pricey but worth it. That way you will have a balance happy puppy which in turn makes the owners happy.
Go to a shelter and sit down with some of the dogs and see how they act and let the shelter workers help you choose a puppy right for your family and your families needs. Everyone wins and you saved a life.
have a pap. she has less matting than a pom. i have know both to yap and mine has a deeper bark than a small dog and only barks at something strange. i’ve never heard foxy (pom) bark.
get one of each and they can keep each other company.
You might think about choosing by deciding which one is a better breeder. Choosing the right breeder can be just as important as choosing the *type* of dog you want. So be selective!
Check this out:http://www.doglirious.com/choose-dog-bre…
Personally I would never have a Pom, but would consider a Papillon
Pomeranians have very high energy levels which may or may not put u off but even so they don’t really need a lot of exercise although should still be given daily. They are not the most affectionate of dogs but in my experience of working at a kennels I did manage to find one that was really sweet and affectionate! They are still very playful, bouncy and curious and can bark a lot. They are not the easiest breed to train, however, so would only recommend if you are an experienced dog owner who knows a lot about training. Grooming requirements are average needing a brush about twice a week. Poms are common to Patellar luxation which is where there kneecaps can fall out of position causing lameness but this is the only major health concern of this breed.
Papillons on the other hand are very easy to train! Much better if this is one of your main priorities. Again they only need grooming twice a week. This breed is a lot calmer and gentle compared to the Pom but is still playful and is friendly and affectionate towards humans and animals alike. Some can be a bit timid and easily injured through rough play but doesn’t have any major health concerns, but can also suffer from the same condition as the Pom but less likely too. Needs daily walking but again exercise requirements are not huge.
Personally I would go for the Papillon as they are easier to train, are friendly and have less health concerns.
I have both breeds, two Papillons and one Pomeranian, They both need grooming because they are both long haired breeds although the pap doesn’t need as much grooming as the Pom does. Both breeds do bark or yap but it seems as though my pom does more of the barking then the pap’s do. The pom also wants to go outside more often then the paps do because poms do have an under coat were as the paps do not . Both breeds are very loving and both have very good temperaments at least mine do any ways, they love people and other dogs but i also socialized mine very well growing up, which everyone should do with any dog. None of my dogs have any health problems as of yet, but smaller breeds are prone to loose knee caps and eye problems some may also have food allergies which none of mine do thank goodness. As long as you buy your dog from a responsible breeder you shouldn’t have any problems with it, not saying that it isn’t possible there is always a possibility of health problems.
Pomeranian can be nippy but i think its more of a fear reaction and not being socialized very well, my pom has never nipped anyone shes just a lover.
I honestly think you would be happier with the Papillon breed, but they are very hyper just to give you a heads up..lol. And they do yap but its mostly cause they are excited about something.
So good luck to you, and enjoy your new four legged friend
A papillon is a working dog. They have the drive of a border collie. They can even do herding. They NEED a job. If you plan to do agility or searching, this is the small dog for you. A long walk won’t do, they need brain work. Hide and seek is a great game for them.
A pomeranian is better for somebody who just plans to go for walks. Yappy and nippy all depends on how you raise the dog. Don’t coddle it and don’t pick it up every time it gets scared. They should not be shaved, only clipped with scissors and not too close. Their coat often never grows back once shaved. Same thing happens with some shelties and huskies, they look rediculus for life because they were shaved once.
Poms do have a tendency to be yappy and nippy. This is because they suffer from a condition I like to call yap dog syndrome. its common in small breed dogs, especially poms. you see small dogs don’t like to think of themselves as being small, so to make up for it they’ll try and act like they’re 10ft tall and bullet proof. they will try to show dominance in any way they can. however, this can be avoided with proper training.
don’t treat your dog like royalty. you will end up becoming a servant.
don’t let your dog think that it is the head of the household. it will become the head of the household.
Don’t yell at an aggressive dog. this will only instill more aggression.
they best way to teach your dog is to make it associate the desired behavior with something positive. this usually takes the form of treats or attention. conversely you can associate bad behavior with something negative, like not being allowed to sit on your lap.
Papillons are not your typical small dog. They aren’t yappy and not “ankle biters.” They are extremely intelligent, very easy to train, versatile, active, affectionate and travel well. A Papillon will be equally happy sitting in your lap, as he will be going for a hike. They have very unique, distinctive personalities and steal the hearts of everyone who meets them- even people who usually don’t like small dogs. They don’t have demanding grooming needs- a quick brush once a day will keep their coat neat and keep knots out of the ear fringe and tail. If you get a Pap from a good breeder, they are typically extremely healthy. Some people find them difficult to housebreak, but I find them no more difficult to house break than any other dog. My first Papillon was housebroken within 2 weeks of getting him. Papillons love learning so agility, competitive obedience and tricks are great pass times for them.
Feel free to e-mail me with any more questions.
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Papillons are descended from sporting dogs but they are not working dogs. They were created to be companions. HOWEVER, they are so smart and easily trained that they do make excellent working dogs. There are herding Paps and they are getting very common as service dogs. They’re very eager to make their humans happy, which makes for a willing worker. However, unlike Border Collies, German Shepherd Dogs and other working dogs, they will still be happy just as pets, provided they get plenty of attention and exercise.
They must spend their lives in the house with the family. They must be indoor dogs only (with the exception of time outside with the family). They can make great apartment dogs but they are alert barkers so they’ll bark whenever they hear something outside of their home. This may be a problem in an apartment if you don’t have understanding neighbors.
Both can be wonderful dogs. The Pomeranian will require a lot more grooming, they have a cotton like undercoat when they get older and that has to be brushed up and out all the time. A lot of people that don’t like the grooming and keep their dogs in a puppy cut, lion cut or teddy bear style. The Papillon as far as grooming is concerned is easier. Both can be shy to strangers. And both breeds tend to find one person in the household they desire more than the others. They both love to be lap dogs and would prefer to sleep with you but can easily be crate trained. Don’t let the small size full you – they are full of energy. Be sure to get either one from a good breeder. A true pom should only be around 5 to 7 pounds. Both have good health but be sure to keep there teeth clean for that can lead to stinky breath and a bad heart. Good luck!
Hey there
I would advise you to get a Labrador Retriever.They have a kind, loving,personality and still stay on guard.