Are you trying to decide between a Havanese and Pomeranian? Which breed is the best? Both breeds offer bundles of affection, tend to be good with children, and are hypoallergenic. On the surface, these two furry friends have quite a few similarities. But what sets them apart? In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at the differences between Havanese and Pomeranian breeds so that you can determine which one is best for you or your family.

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Comparison Table
Features | Havanese | Pomeranian |
Physical Characteristics | Small Weight 7-13 pounds Height 8.5-11.5 inches Long, silky coat | Small Weight 3-7 pounds Height 6-7 inches Long, fluffy double coat |
Temperament and Personality | Gentle, loving, and adaptable | Playful, alert, and outgoing |
Exercise and Activity | Moderate exercise needs, enjoy daily walks and playtime indoors | High energy levels and more intensive exercise needs |
Training and Intelligence | Intelligent and eager to please, respond well to positive reinforcement | Smart and confident |
Grooming and Maintenance | Require frequent grooming and maintenance due to their longer coats | Require regular grooming, but their double coat sheds more |
Physical Traits of Havanese

Havanese, also known as Bichon Havanais, is a toy dog breed with a friendly, lively, and affectionate personality. Their physical characteristics make them stand out from other toy dog breeds. Here are some of the key distinguishing features of the Havanese breed
They typically weigh 7-13 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall. They have a long, dense, and silky coat in various colors, including cream, gold, white, and black. It has a short snout with a black or brown nose, almond-shaped eyes, and high-set, dropped ears. They have a sturdy body with a straight back, a plumed tail that curls over their back, and long, straight legs.
Physical Traits of Pomeranian

Pomeranian, also known as Pom Pom, is a toy dog breed known for its spunky, alert, and intelligent personality. Their physical characteristics make them one of the most popular toy dog breeds. Here are some of the key distinguishing features of the Pomeranian breed:
They typically weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand about 5-11 inches tall. It has a thick, plush coat can come in various colors, including black, white, red, and cream. They have a fox-like face, short snout, black or brown nose, and bright, almond-shaped eyes. Also, it has a compact body with a level back, a feathery tail that curls over its back, and short, sturdy legs.
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Havanese: A Loyal and Affectionate Companion

Havanese dogs are known for their affectionate and loyal personalities. They are extremely people-oriented and thrive on attention and affection from their owners. Let’s delve more into their personality traits.
- Patient and Tolerant
One of the key traits of Havanese dogs is their extreme patience and tolerance. They are known for being gentle around children and other animals and can tolerate excitable behavior without becoming aggressive. This makes them ideal pets for families with young children.
- Bright And Inquisitive
These dogs are bright and curious, eager to explore their surroundings. They love to play, learn new tricks, and quickly follow commands. Their intelligence and trainability make them great pets for families who want a dog that can learn and grow with them.
- Eager to Please
Havanese dogs are eager to please their owners. They thrive on positive reinforcement and respond well to a calm, patient training approach. They truly value their bond with their owners and will do their best to make their families happy.
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Pomeranian: A Spirited and Lively Companion

Pomeranians are known for their spunky, energetic personalities. They are lively and spirited, with a mischievous streak that can sometimes make them a handful. Let’s delve more into their personality traits.
- Confident And Independent
Pomeranians are confident and independent dogs who are unafraid to assert themselves. They can sometimes be stubborn, making them more challenging to train than other breeds. Their confidence and independence also mean they are less nervous around strangers than other small dog breeds.
- Playful And Spirited
Pomeranians love to play and have plenty of energy to burn. They are always up for a game of fetch or a walk around the block and thrive on physical activity. Their playfulness makes them great companions for families with children or other dogs, as they have plenty of energy to match their playmates.
- Protective And Vocal
One trait distinguishing Pomeranians from Havanese dogs is their protective and vocal nature. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and will bark to alert them to any perceived danger. It can make them great watchdogs, but it also means they may be more prone to barking than other breeds.
Exercise And Activity For Havanese

Havanese love to go for walks, run, and play. They are also agile and enjoy participating in various sports such as flyball, agility, and obedience trials. These dogs require at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily to maintain their physical health and optimal weight.
They are well-suited for apartment living since they can fulfill their daily exercise needs through indoor playtime. However, it is important to remember that even with indoor playtime, Havanese dogs still need outdoor time to get fresh air and experience the world beyond indoor walls.
Exercise And Activity For Pomeranian

Pomeranians enjoy short walks, indoor playtime, and light activities like fetch.
Pomeranians can also adapt well to apartment living since they do not require extensive exercise. However, it is important to note that Pomeranians can be prone to obesity if they are not given regular exercise and a healthy diet. It is essential to provide regular exercise and activity to maintain their health and well-being.
Havanese Training and Intelligence

The Havanese are a highly trainable breed with a bright personality, making them popular in obedience competitions, agility trials, and other training situations. They are known for being smart, eager to please, and quick learners, which makes training a positive experience for both the pet and the owner. They are also highly adaptable and can learn new routines quickly.
One unique trait of the Havanese breed is their tendency to be motivated by food rewards. If you are consistent with positive training techniques, your Havanese should be easy to train. They respond well to verbal commands, gestures, and motions, so owners can use various training methods to achieve desired behaviors.
Pomeranian Training and Intelligence

Pomeranians can be more challenging to train than other breeds, requiring more patience, consistency, and creativity from their owners. Pomeranians may also be motivated by rewards besides food, such as affection, praise, or play, making positive reinforcement training essential.
One of the unique challenges with training a Pomeranian is their small size. Owners must find appropriate training methods for their size and adjust behaviors accordingly, such as using stairs or training equipment that is small enough to use comfortably.
Grooming Requirements for a Havanese

Havanese dogs are known for their long and silky coats requiring frequent grooming. Owners are advised to brush their Havanese daily to keep their coats tangle-free and prevent matting. If not brushed regularly, the Havanese’s coat can form small painful knots or mats that are tough to untangle. It’s important to note that Havanese sheds very little, which makes them suitable for people with allergies.
Grooming Requirements for a Pomeranian
Pomeranians are low-maintenance dogs that require moderate grooming. Pomeranians are known for their fluffy double-coated fur, which needs attention mainly during shedding seasons. Owners are advised to brush their Pomeranian’s coat once every other day during shedding periods to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Health Concerns
- Havanese
Havanese are generally healthy dogs, and they can live for up to 15 years with proper care. Nevertheless, they are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts, luxating patella, and deafness. Havanese can also suffer from hip dysplasia, a condition wherein the hip joint is not properly formed, leading to arthritis. Maintaining a regular checkup with a veterinarian is important to manage any health problems that may arise.
- Pomeranian
Pomeranians have an average lifespan of 12-16 years, but like most breeds, they are susceptible to health issues. Eye diseases are the most common health concern of Pomeranians. Some eye issues include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. Pomeranians also have a higher risk of collapsing trachea compared to other breeds. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian and proper preventive measures such as vaccinations, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can help ensure your Pomeranian’s healthy and happy life.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Havanese is known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are also intelligent and easy to train.
The average lifespan of a Havanese is around 12-15 years, although they have been known to live up to 18 years with proper care and attention. They are generally a healthy breed with few major health issues.
Pomeranians tend to be good with children, but they may not be suitable for very young children due to the breed’s fragile size.
Key Points
Havanese and Pomeranian are hypoallergenic. |
Havanese and Pomeranian are hypoallergenic. |
Pomeranian is a toy dog breed known for its spunky, alert, and intelligent personality. |
Pomeranians are low-maintenance dogs that require moderate grooming. |
Havanese dogs have extreme patience and tolerance. |
Wrap Up
Which fur friend did you choose between a Havanese and Pomeranian? It ultimately comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Havanese are known for their social and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families with children or elder people who want loyal friends. Conversely, Pomeranians are spunky and energetic, making them a great fit for active individuals.
Both breeds have hypoallergenic coats and require regular grooming, but Havanese may require more maintenance due to their longer hair. Additionally, Havanese tend to be more trainable and easier to housebreak, while Pomeranians can be more stubborn and challenging to train. No matter which breed you choose, both Havanese and Pomeranians have lots of love, joy, and companionship.
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