Is the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier better for families with children?

Both the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?

The Pomeranian sheds more than the Yorkshire Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Yorkshire Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier bigger?

Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are a similar size (Very Small).

Which barks more, Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier?

Both bark a similar amount (very high).

Which is better for apartment living, Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier?

For apartment or apartment living, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier: Which Sheds Less?

Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier: full comparison

Trait	Pomeranian	Yorkshire Terrier
Size	Very Small	Very Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Low	Low
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very High	Low
Barking	Very High	Very High
Protectiveness	High	High
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Pomeranian has noticeably higher shedding than the Yorkshire Terrier.

Size and living space

The Pomeranian is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. By comparison, the Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest breeds you can own that takes up almost no room at home and is simple to transport. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Pomeranian needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Yorkshire Terrier needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Pomeranian demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Yorkshire Terrier demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds very little. The Yorkshire Terrier is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Pomeranian is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. The Yorkshire Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is very vocal and barks readily — something to weigh if you have close neighbors and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. On guarding instinct, Pomeranian keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Yorkshire Terrier keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Yorkshire Terrier has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Pomeranian if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Yorkshire Terrier on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Yorkshire Terrier if you want less shedding around the home, you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, or you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier better for families with children?: Both the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?: The Pomeranian sheds more than the Yorkshire Terrier. If shedding is a concern, the Yorkshire Terrier is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Pomeranian or the Yorkshire Terrier?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier bigger?: Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are a similar size (Very Small).
Which barks more, Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier?: Both bark a similar amount (very high).
Which is better for apartment living, Pomeranian or Yorkshire Terrier?: For apartment or apartment living, Pomeranian and Yorkshire Terrier are an even match — either can work well.

Pomeranian vs Yorkshire Terrier