Chihuahua or Pomeranian?

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I've been doing some research into dog breeds to find the one that would best suit me and my family, and we're currently torn between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian.

A bit about my family:

There are three of us (me and my parents, and I'm 13). We've never had a dog before. We would love to take our future dog everywhere with us. We aren't particularly sporty, but we could manage between an hour and an hour and a half of walking a day (split into a few shorter walks)...

> So, could you help us make the right choice?

Thanks in advance,

♣ Camille-89

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, that’s true; actually, we were thinking of visiting the RSPCA and other rescue centres before looking at breeders, just to see what dogs they have (size, temperament, age, and so on). We’re just doing some research just in case there isn’t a dog at the rescue that would suit us. But anyway, we aren't getting a dog straight away; we're just looking into it for now.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    You mentioned you're looking for a small dog to take everywhere with you, so if I've got that right, the breed doesn't really matter as long as the dog is small? Don't forget that the RSPCA and local rescue centres have plenty of small dogs too! :-)
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Okay, thanks for your replies.

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    P'titefleur
    P'titefleur Icon representing the flag French
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    It all depends on the training he’s received and the breeder’s approach to dealing with vocal dogs.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Fair enough, but the problem is that a Japanese Spitz isn't the same size as a Pomeranian; we're looking for a small dog so we can take him everywhere (or almost everywhere) with us. Do Chihuahuas generally bark more or less than Pomeranians?
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    P'titefleur
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    If a Spitz is a barker... there’s nothing you can do about it... it’s in their genes.

    German Spitzes bark, but Japanese Spitzes don’t.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Thank you so much for all your replies.

    I was already aware that Spitz breeds and Chihuahuas are known for being quite vocal, but any dog can be trained.

    I’m going to try and find some reputable breeders and then go and see them.

    Thanks again to everyone for your help.

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    P'titefleur
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    It all comes down to their training... I look after both breeds and they’re really well-behaved and don't bark.

    I did once look after a yappy Spitz because it hadn't been trained properly, and I didn't want to go through that again.

    Because Chihuahuas are such small dogs, some owners are always carrying them and don't socialise them enough... which makes them nervous and likely to bark at the drop of a hat.

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    Amélie45
    Amélie45 Icon representing the flag French
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    I’d say Chihuahuas are just as yappy as Pomeranians x')
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    P'titefleur
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    Visit several breeders... ask to see everything... how the puppies are being raised... who they're living with... other animals... do they live in the home with the family or out in kennels?

    Ask plenty of questions... you’ll be able to tell from their answers if the breeder has something to hide or not... your best bet is to make a list so you don’t forget anything.

    Ask what kind of dry food they’re on... the stuff from supermarkets is usually poor quality.

    Ask to see the parents... and ask for the paperwork if the breeder has carried out any health tests.

    Don't commit to a deposit straight away... take some time to think it over...

    If you're getting a Spitz... watch out for barking as they can be quite vocal dogs (not all of them, luckily)... you really need to see the parents... if they bark at you when you arrive, walk away... your puppy will likely do the same. A good Spitz breeder will have calm dogs that don't bark constantly.

    If your puppy has been well socialised by a good breeder, you can bring them home between ten and twelve weeks old.

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