Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Dutch Shepherd: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pomeranian and for the Dutch Shepherd. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pomeranian or the Dutch Shepherd.

Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd: Overview

A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Dutch Shepherd is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Pomeranian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian to the Dutch Shepherd based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd

FactorPomeranianDutch Shepherd
Tolerates Being Alone1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/54/5
Life Span12 to 16 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/54/5
Kid-Friendly2/54/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Potential For Playfulness3/54/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds50 to 70 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/54/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/54/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder21 to 25 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2150$1450
Price Range$1500 – $2500$800 – $1500
Temperament Score77.8 percent96.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pomeranian in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dutch Shepherd. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Pomeranian is 79 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Dutch Shepherd, we still believe that the Pomeranian is a better pet than the Dutch Shepherd.

    This is because Pomeranians are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Pomeranian will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Pomeranian :-). We are for the Pomeranian. So get a Pomeranian!

    Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd

    Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are most different:

  • Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd

    The Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are most similar:

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd.

    The Pomeranian weighs 3 to 7 pounds when fully grown. The Pomeranian is 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Dutch Shepherd weighs 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Dutch Shepherd is 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Dutch Shepherd

    Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd

    Pomeranian Colors

    The Pomeranian comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Black
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Sable
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Bicolor
    • Golden
    • Brindle

    The Pomeranian comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brindle
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Apricot / Beige

    Dutch Shepherd Colors

    The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Brown / Chocolate

    The Dutch Shepherd comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    The lifespan of the Pomeranian is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the Pomeranian is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of the Dutch Shepherd is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Dutch Shepherd is 13.5 years.

    The Pomeranian live longer than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the Pomeranian has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 26 Dutch Shepherds.

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Dutch Shepherd

    The average price of the Pomeranian puppy is $2150. The price of the Pomeranian typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Pomeranian can be as low as $150 and as high as $10000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1412 Pomeranian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1450. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $800 – $1500. However, the price of the Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 164 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pomeranian is more expensive than the Dutch Shepherd.

    Pomeranian Dutch Shepherd
    Average Price $2150 $1450
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $800 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and Dutch Shepherd. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many Dutch Shepherd puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pomeranians. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Pomeranian puppy or the Dutch Shepherd puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    Adopting the Pomeranian versus Adopting the Dutch Shepherd

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pomeranians and many Dutch Shepherds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Pomeranian named Paddington that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pomeranians like Paddington on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Pomeranians, Dutch Shepherds are also available for adoption. For example, Max is a Male Dutch Shepherd that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dutch Shepherds like Max that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Buddy is the name of another Pomeranian (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Jenga is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Pomeranians and Dutch Shepherds are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Pomeranians and Dutch Shepherds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Dutch Shepherds?

    Pomeranians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Pomeranians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Dutch Shepherd

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Dutch Shepherds?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Dutch Shepherds?

    Pomeranians are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Dutch Shepherd

    Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Pomeranians cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Dutch Shepherd?

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pomeranian Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Pomeranian compares to other breeds aside from the Dutch Shepherd. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Lhasapoo     Pomeranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomeranian versus Peek A Poo     Pomeranian versus Shihpoo     Pomeranian versus Harrier     Pomeranian versus Briard     Pomeranian versus Vizsla     Pomeranian versus Border Collie     Pomeranian versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Pomeranian versus Basenji     Pomeranian versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pomeranian versus Schnoodle     Pomeranian versus Cockapoo     Pomeranian versus Shiranian     Pomeranian versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Pomeranian versus Finnish Lapphund     Pomeranian versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Pomeranian versus Shichon     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Dutch Shepherd. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pomeranian and the Dutch Shepherd better suits you and your family.