Pomeranians and Maltese are two of the most popular small dog breeds. They’re friendly, playful, and make great companions. If you’re looking for a furry friend, these adorable dogs are a perfect choice. Both breeds are cute, fluffy, and known for their charming personalities. Here I’ll share some experiences that I had with a Maltese and a Pomeranian.
Pomeranian
In my personal (biased) opinion, Pomeranians are pocket-sized powerhouses; they’re like the spicy salsa of the dog world. They’re often known for their larger-than-life personalities packed into compact, fluffy, tiny little bodies. My Pom, Max, could out-bark dogs five times his size, and he’s actually a really good guard dog. He always alarms me whenever we have visitors at the door. Sometimes his barking is a little excessive, but if we do ever get burglars, at least I’ll be aware. But oh…I don’t expect him to scare them away or anything. He’ll bark at them, then will probably run straight to me with tails tugged between his legs while I call the police.
Maltese
Babysitting my cousin’s Maltese, Daisy, for a weekend was an adventure that left my heart a little fuller. It was clear that her personality was as bright as her fluffy, white coat. She was the sweetest puppy I’ve ever met (besides my poms, of course). Daisy loves being around people, even strangers. Whenever I took her out for a walk, she was always curious to sniff and lick everyone she met. Children were drawn to her, and she treated them with gentle patience, sitting still as they tentatively patted her head. She was an amazing dog; if I didn’t have so many poms already, I think my next furry companion would be a Maltese. Extra points if they’re related to Daisy.
Comparison Table
| Pomeranian | Maltese | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7 ~ 12 in | 7 ~ 9 in |
| Weight | 3 ~ 7 lbs | 4 ~ 7 lbs |
| Coat | Thick, fluffy double coat in a variety of colors | Long, silky, straight coat, typically white |
| Grooming Needs | High; requires regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain fluffiness | High; needs daily brushing to prevent tangles and keep the coat shiny |
| Temperament | Confident, lively, and affectionate with a bold personality | Gentle, playful, and loving, with a calm demeanor |
| Energy Level | High; needs regular exercise and stimulation | Moderate; enjoys regular playtime but can be more laid-back |
| Trainability | Intelligent but can be stubborn, requiring patience and consistent training | Intelligent and eager to please, making them slightly easier to train than Pomeranians |
| Socialization | Can be reserved around strangers; early socialization is important | Generally friendly with people and other pets, but socialization is still recommended |
| Health | Prone to dental issues, luxating patella, and tracheal collapse | Can face issues like dental problems, patellar luxation, and liver shunt |
| Hypoallergenic | NO | YES |
