Havanese vs Pomeranian
Side-by-side comparison for prospective owners weighing both breeds.
| Trait | Havanese | Pomeranian |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7–13 lbs | 3–7 lbs |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–16 yrs |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–$130 | $70–$130 |
| Energy level | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Good with kids | ||
| Good with other pets | ||
| Vocalization |
Where Havanese and Pomeranian differ most
- Adult weight: Havanese 7–13 lbs · Pomeranian 3–7 lbsHavanese much heavier
- Shedding: Havanese 1/5 · Pomeranian 4/5Pomeranian much sheds more
- Good with kids: Havanese 5/5 · Pomeranian 2/5Havanese much rated higher
- Energy level: Havanese 3/5 · Pomeranian 4/5Pomeranian higher-energy
- Trainability: Havanese 4/5 · Pomeranian 3/5Havanese easier to train
- Good with other pets: Havanese 4/5 · Pomeranian 3/5Havanese rated higher
Full trait-by-trait breakdown
| Trait | Havanese | Pomeranian | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult weight | 7–13 lbs | 3–7 lbs | Havanese much heavier |
| Energy level | 3/5 | 4/5 | Pomeranian higher-energy |
| Daily exercise | ~30 min | ~30 min | About the same |
| Grooming needs | 4/5 | 4/5 | About the same |
| Shedding | 1/5 | 4/5 | Pomeranian much sheds more |
| Trainability | 4/5 | 3/5 | Havanese easier to train |
| Good with kids | 5/5 | 2/5 | Havanese much rated higher |
| Good with other pets | 4/5 | 3/5 | Havanese rated higher |
| Vocalization | 3/5 | 5/5 | Pomeranian more vocal |
| Lifespan | 14–16 yrs | 12–16 yrs | About the same |
| Est. monthly cost | $70–130 | $70–130 | About the same |
| Hypoallergenic reality | Lower-shedding (not hypoallergenic) | No | Differs — see profiles |
Which one should you choose?
A silky companion breed with a relatively light shed against a fluffier, more vocal spitz-type dog. Bred across centuries purely as a lap companion, the Havanese stays consistently affectionate and adaptable, while the Pomeranian carries more spitz-type alertness, quicker to bark at new stimuli and generally more independent in its assertiveness despite its small size.
Grooming differs in kind rather than degree — the Havanese sheds lightly but mats easily without regular brushing, while the Pomeranian's denser double coat sheds more substantially. Both are compact enough for apartment life and benefit from careful supervision around very young children given their fragile builds.
Go with the gentler, more even-tempered Havanese if lower shedding and steady affection top your list. Go with the Pomeranian if a livelier, more vocal, classically fluffy toy dog appeals more.
Whichever breed fits your life, consider adoption or breed-specific rescue first — many purebred and mixed-breed dogs and cats are already waiting for homes.
General breed information, not veterinary advice — consult a vet for your pet's specific health, diet, and behavior needs.