Pomeranians are stinking cute, huh? If you like the Pomeranian, but arent quite sold on their temperament or personalities, there are a few other dogs out there that look like these adorable little fluff monsters.
The pomeranian is smart, agile, quick and an incredibly popular choice amongst lovers of small dogs, they’re spirited and every one of their very few pounds is packed with personality.
But they’re not for everyone! As a spitz type, they are known for their fox-like appearance and big thick coats, but also their loyalty and intelligence.
In the enchanting realm of small dogs, the Pomeranian stands tall—well, they’re probably tall in their minds…—due to its diminutive size and abundance of charm.
From the Finnish Lapphund’s ancient herding roots to the American Eskimo Dog’s larger-than-life fluffiness, and the regal demeanor of the Chow Chow, this comprehensive exploration of pom-a-likes is here to give you all the options you might. Join us as we navigate through their histories, distinctive traits, and unravel why these breeds are not just a good choice but a testament to the diversity and joy dog’s bring to our lives.
Pomeranian’s Personality: A Lot of Joy in a Small Package
The Pomeranian’s are easy to love. Their personality is a delightful mix of playfulness, intelligence, and loyalty, encapsulating a lot of joy in a small package. As a small-sized dog, Pomeranians bring a burst of energy and enthusiasm to their owners’ lives with their energetic antics and affectionate nature. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various living environments, from apartments to spacious homes. The Pomeranian’s fluffy coat, combined with its playful demeanor, creates a unique charm that has made it a favorite among dog enthusiasts. Their intelligence and loyalty further enhance their appeal, showcasing that good things indeed come in small packages. They’re often underestimated in their agility and overall ability, and you can often see them compete in agility competitions!
Note: Remember, no dog needs punishment to learn, positive reinforcement is the best way to train all dogs.
1 – Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund, often hailed as one of the oldest herding dog breeds, shares a captivating history that dates back to Lapland in the late 1700s. These remarkable canines were not merely companions but integral to the survival of the Sámi people, showcasing their intelligence and adaptability in the harsh climates of the region. Renowned for their shaggy coat, a testament to their resilience against the cold, Finnish Lapphunds played a pivotal role in herding reindeer, solidifying their place among the oldest and most intelligent herding dog breeds.
In addition to their historical significance, Finnish Lapphunds are celebrated for their playful nature, making them a source of good fun for families. Despite their small size, these dogs exude energy and joy, turning every interaction into a delightful experience. As a toy dog breed, their long coat, reminiscent of a fluffy pom pom, not only adds to their charm but also highlights their versatility. This shaggy coat, designed to withstand the elements, serves as both a practical asset and a visual delight, showcasing the breed’s adaptability and appeal as a playful companion.
2 – American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, though larger in size, shares a striking similarity with Pomeranian dogs, particularly in their fluffy coat and intelligent demeanor. Recognized by the American Kennel Club, these dogs were bred as companions, bringing a larger package of fluff into the lives of their owners. The thick, double coat of the American Eskimo Dog provides insulation, making them well-suited for colder climates. Despite their large size, their playful nature and Pomeranian-like face make them favorites among families seeking a fluffy and intelligent canine companion. The resemblance in their fluffy coats and overall appearance puts the American Eskimo Dog in the league of Pomeranian similar breeds.
3 – Long-Haired Chihuahua
Chihuahas really get a long rap. A well bred and well trained chihuahua is a wonderful dog.
The Long-Haired Chihuahua, a petite package of fluff, is another small dog breed with a distinct charm. While not sharing the same size as Pomeranians, these dogs boast long, shaggy coats that contribute to their fluffy allure. Known for their bold personalities, Long-Haired Chihuahuas make up for their small size with a big presence. Their adaptability and affectionate nature make them a favorite choice for families seeking a small-sized, fluffy dog. Despite the differences in size, the Long-Haired Chihuahua and the Pomeranian share common traits, emphasizing that fluffiness and intelligence can come in various packages.
4 – Japanese Spitz Dog
The Japanese Spitz takes the fluff level to the next tier, showcasing a dense, white coat and a fox-like face. Bred as companion dogs, Japanese Spitz dogs share some common features with Pomeranians, particularly in their soft fur and playful demeanor. Despite their small size, these dogs exhibit intelligence and agility, making them ideal for families seeking a charming, small-sized canine companion. The Japanese Spitz’s ability to take the fluff level to the next level further emphasizes the diversity within the spitz breeds, showcasing the range of appearances and temperaments that attract dog lovers.
5 – German Spitz Dogs
The Pomeranian’s roots can be traced back to the larger German Spitz dogs, making them close kin in the spitz line of dogs. While the Pomeranian has been selectively bred for its small size, German Spitz dogs come in various sizes, including standard and miniature. Both breeds share the characteristic spitz features, such as pointed ears, thick coats, and a fox-like face. The German Spitz, with its diverse size range, showcases the adaptability of the spitz breeds. Despite the size differences, the common ancestry is evident in their appearance and the shared traits that make them intelligent and loyal companions.
6 – Chow Chow
The Chow Chow, though larger in size, exhibits a Pomeranian-like face and a distinctive lion’s mane. Renowned for their regal demeanor and thick double coat, Chow Chows share some common features with Pomeranians, particularly in their recognizable wedge-shaped face. Originally used as hunting and guard dogs in ancient China, Chow Chows bring a unique blend of regality and loyalty to the table. Despite their larger package, the resemblance in facial features highlights the diversity within Pomeranian similar breeds, showcasing that the charm of a Pomeranian look can transcend size.
7 – Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies, known for their striking resemblance to wolves, belong to the spitz family and share certain traits with Pomeranians. While larger than Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies exhibit the spitz characteristics of pointed ears, thick coats, and a curled tail. Bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia for pulling sleds in harsh Arctic conditions, Siberian Huskies are known for their endurance, intelligence, and friendly disposition. Despite their large size, the Siberian Husky showcases the adaptability of spitz breeds to cold climates, emphasizing that the spitz lineage includes breeds of various sizes and purposes.
8 – Norwegian Elkhound
I love the elkhound. Despite their difference in size, the Norwegian Elkhound and the Pomeranian share a spitz heritage which influences their physical appearance, temperament, and energy levels. They both possess dense double coats designed for cold environments, and a profuse mane imparting a regal appearance. Behaviorally, both breeds are known for their affectionate, loyal, and intelligent nature. They are also energetic and protective of their loved ones. Further, with proper guidance, both breeds excel in obedience and training, owing to their quick learning abilities. However, patience is necessary during training given their occasional independent streaks. Despite contrasts in size and origin, the Elkhound and Pomeranian demonstrates that certain traits are common across breeds, producing a loving and spirited companion.
9 – Samoyed
The Samoyed and Pomeranian, despite size differences, share a Spitz heritage evident in their physical characteristics and temperaments. Both breeds have dense, double coats suited for cold climates, and a distinct mane around the neck, giving a regal appearance. They share a lively, sociable, and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. Both are alert and spirited, eager to engage in family activities. These breeds are also intelligent and independent, traits that facilitate their responsiveness to obedience training, although patience may be required due to occasional stubbornness. Despite size variation, the Samoyed and Pomeranian share a common Spitz lineage influencing their appearance, temperament, and training potential.
10 – Eurasier
The Pomeranian and Eurasier are both part of the Spitz family, recognized for their curled tails, dense coats, and foxlike facial features. Their temperaments align as they’re typically affectionate, intelligent, and bond closely with their owners. Both breeds need regular grooming owing to their thick, double coats. Nevertheless, the Pomeranian, being smaller, requires less food than the Eurasier. Pomeranians tend to be a bit more active and need moderate daily exercise, whereas Eurasiers often are content with a few walks and play sessions each day. Remember, individual dogs within a breed can display significant behavior variability, being significantly influenced by upbringing and training.
11 – Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog, both the shiba and the pomeranian part of the Spitz family, share features such as a double coat, foxlike faces, and a sturdy build. They’re known for their intelligence, sociability, and strong bonds with owners. Despite Shiba Inu’s larger size, both breeds adapt well to various living conditions, including apartments. Regular grooming is necessary due to their dense coats, and they enjoy a similar diet, albeit with Pomeranians requiring less food. Their energetic nature dictates an active lifestyle paired with daily exercise. In essence, the Shiba Inu and Pomeranian, linked through their Spitz heritage, show remarkable similarities in physical traits, sociability, grooming needs, adaptability, and energy levels.
12 – Keeshond
Both the Keeshond and the Pomeranian fre Spitz-type, fluffy dogs, have similar physical attributes, such as double coats and bushy, curled tails. They also have foxlike facial features, contributing to their alert, expressive look. Their temperaments align as they are intelligent, affectionate, and tend to form strong bonds with their owners. Known for their social and friendly nature, they are well-suited as companion dogs. Both breeds require regular grooming due to their thick, double coats. As always, it’s essential to understand each breed’s unique qualities since individual traits may vary considerably.
13 – Icelandic Sheepdog
The Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pomeranian share similarities as Spitz-type dogs. Both breeds display foxlike features, sturdy builds with bushy tails, and distinctive double coats. As companion dogs, they are intelligent, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their owners – though they do have herding dog problems. They’ll make great winter hiking companions, especially if you’re looking for a dog who is a little more athletic. (Just remember not to fall prey to the high drive dog problems!)
14 – Schipperke
The Schipperke and Pomeranian, both Spitz-type breeds, share a compact build and double coats. They are intelligent, high-energy dogs that require mental and physical stimulation. Both are small dogs known for their loyalty, affection, and tend to bond deeply with their owners. Regular brushing is needed as they both have double coats and shed seasonally.
15 – Sweedish Valhund
The Swedish Vallhund (something Indie gets confused for quite a lot) and Pomeranian, both from the Spitz-type breeds, share a few similarities – they’re smaller-sized dogs featuring alert expressions, distinctive fox-like features, and a double coat (make sure you have a buttercomb ready!).
Both breeds are known for being intelligent and high-spirited, bonding strongly with their owners and making great companions. Despite these common features, considering each breed’s unique characteristics and the individual variation between dogs should still be considered, and I’d always see if you can discuss it with your breeder as to mum and dad’s personality.
Or Just Go With The OG!
Pomeranians are wonderful dogs packed full of personality, they’re phenomenal agility dogs, smart as a whip, but it does mean they need a lot of training! They have such gorgeous coats, but, as always when you’re buying a dog or puppy to ensure you’re buying them from a phenomenal breeder. Finding them is hard, but it’s so very worth it!
A Host Of Pom-a-likes!
If you like the pomeranian, hopefully one of these gorgeous pup’s becomes one of your choices, because they are all really wonderful choices, just make sure to do a deep dive on them, see if they truly suit you and your lifestyle, then it’s a case that you need to choose if you’ll purchase from a responsible breeder, or rescuing one of these wonderful dogs.
Either way, I know you’re going to put in every inch of effort you need to in order to raise an awesome dog. And if you’re looking for your first step? Grab a copy of the puppy bundle!
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Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is the Positive Puppy Expert, dog trainer and is the founder of Rebarkable. She is passionate about helping puppy parents get things right, right from the start. To help create a puppy capable of being a confident and adaptable family member and keep puppies out of shelters.
Ali has won multiple awards for her dog training, and has had her blog (this blog!) rated as 2021 & 2022 worlds’ best pet blog!
Author, Ali Smith
Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible
Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.