Which is Better between the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog?

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog? 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

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 Estrela Mountain Dog.

Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog

Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog: Overview

A very important difference between the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pomeranian is a tiny-sized dog while the Estrela Mountain Dog is a large-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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian to the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog

FactorPomeranianEstrela Mountain Dog
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Does NOT Drool5/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/55/5
Life Span12 to 16 years11 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Easy To Groom2/52/5
Does NOT chew on things4/54/5
Low Prey Drive4/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/54/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Potential For Playfulness3/53/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds75 to 130 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Easygoing2/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/54/5
Does NOT Shed2/52/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/54/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/53/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder24 to 30 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$2150$2000
Price Range$1500 – $2500$2000 – $2000
Temperament Score77.8 percent100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Below is a list of where the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most different:

  • Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Pomeranians adapt well to apartment living. However, Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are most similar:

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog weighs 75 to 130 pounds when fully grown. The Estrela Mountain Dog is 24 to 30 inches when fully grown.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Estrela Mountain Dog

    Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Estrela Mountain Dog is 13.0 years.

    The Pomeranian live longer than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Temperament of the Pomeranian Versus the Estrela Mountain Dog

    The Estrela Mountain Dog has a better temperament than the Pomeranian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Estrela Mountain Dog is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Estrela Mountain Dog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 1 Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Estrela Mountain Dog

    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 Estrela Mountain Dog puppy is $2000. The price of the Estrela Mountain Dog typically ranges from $2000 – $2000. However, the price of the Estrela Mountain Dog can be as low as $2000 and as high as $2000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Estrela Mountain Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Pomeranian is more expensive than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Pomeranian Estrela Mountain Dog
    Average Price $2150 $2000
    Price Range $1500 to $2500 $2000 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and Estrela Mountain Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Estrela Mountain Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Pomeranian puppy or the Estrela Mountain Dog 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 Estrela Mountain Dog

    Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Estrela Mountain Dog

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Pomeranian and the Estrela Mountain Dog are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Pomeranian is prone to more genetic health problems than the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 4 tests are recommended for the Estrela Mountain Dog.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Estrela Mountain Dogs.

    Pomeranian Health Problems

    Pomeranians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pomeranian puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Pomeranian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pomeranian breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pomeranians for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pomeranians here.

    Estrela Mountain Dog Health Problems

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Estrela Mountain Dog puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Estrela Mountain Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Estrela Mountain Dog breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Estrela Mountain Dogs for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Estrela Mountain Dogs here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog

    Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Pomeranians shed more than Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pomeranian or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Pomeranians are very easy to train.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Estrela Mountain Dog

    Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    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.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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.

    Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Estrela Mountain Dogs?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Estrela Mountain Dog

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Estrela Mountain Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pomeranian or the Estrela Mountain Dog?

    Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

    Estrela Mountain Dogs 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 Estrela Mountain Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

    Pomeranian versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Pomeranian versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pomeranian versus English Toy Spaniel     Pomeranian versus Portuguese Water Dog     Pomeranian versus Irish Wolfhound     Pomeranian versus Dalmatian     Pomeranian versus Affenhuahua     Pomeranian versus Portuguese Pointer     Pomeranian versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pomeranian versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Pomeranian versus Cavachon     Pomeranian versus Mountain Cur     Pomeranian versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Pomeranian versus Black Mouth Cur     Pomeranian versus English Setter     Pomeranian versus Mudi     Pomeranian versus Norwich Terrier     Pomeranian versus Golden Retriever     

    Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Estrela Mountain Dog. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog better suits you and your family.