Why the Pomeranian is Better than the Lowchen as a Pet

Last Updated: Apr 12, 2022

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Pomeranian Versus Lowchen: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pomeranian and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen.

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 Lowchen.

Pomeranian versus Lowchen

Pomeranian versus Lowchen: Overview

Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are similar in size. The Pomeranian and the Lowchen are both tiny-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are Companion Dogs. This means both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen 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.

Pomeranian versus Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Pomeranian to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen

FactorPomeranianLowchen
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander5/51/5
Life Span12 to 16 years13 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Kid-Friendly2/55/5
Dog Friendly2/54/5
Easy To Groom2/53/5
Does NOT chew on things4/53/5
Low Prey Drive4/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/53/5
Minimal Exercise Needs4/52/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/55/5
NOT Rambunctious3/52/5
Potential For Playfulness3/55/5
Weight3 to 7 pounds9 to 18 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living4/55/5
Good For Novice Owners4/54/5
Easygoing2/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather4/53/5
Does NOT Shed2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight2/53/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl1/52/5
Height7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Average Lifespan14.0 years14.0 years
Average Price$2150$3000
Price Range$1500 – $2500$2868 – $4200
Temperament Score77.8 percent75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds22162

    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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pomeranian and the Lowchen

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

  • Pomeranians do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Pomeranians do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly. However, Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • The Similarities Between the Pomeranian and the Lowchen

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

  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen 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 Lowchen can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are very easy to train.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Pomeranian and the Lowchen are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size Comparison of the Pomeranian versus Lowchen

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

    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 Lowchen weighs 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. The Lowchen is 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of Pomeranian versus Size of Lowchen

    Appearance (Colors) of the Pomeranian and the Lowchen

    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

    Lowchen Colors

    The Lowchen comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Apricot / Beige

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

      Lifespan of Pomeranian versus Lowchen

      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 Lowchen is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Lowchen is 14.0 years.

      The Lowchen live as long as the Pomeranian.

      Pomeranian versus Lowchen

      Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Pomeranian

      The Pomeranian has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

      This is because the temperament score for the Pomeranian is 77.8 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

      The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pomeranian and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 36 Pomeranians and 12 Lowchens.

      Price of Pomeranian versus Price of Lowchen

      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 Lowchen puppy is $3000. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $2868 – $4200. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 11 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

      The Lowchen is more expensive than the Pomeranian.

      Pomeranian Lowchen
      Average Price $2150 $3000
      Price Range $1500 to $2500 $2868 to $4200

      The charts below show the price distribution for the Pomeranian and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Pomeranian puppies or how many Lowchen 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 Lowchens

      A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

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

      The Popularity of Pomeranian versus Popularity of Lowchen

      Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

      The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pomeranian and the Lowchen over the years.

      Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pomeranian is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pomeranian is 22 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 162 out of about 200 dog breeds.

      Popularity of Pomeranian

      Popularity of Pomeranian

      Popularity of Lowchen

      Popularity of Lowchen

      Year Pomeranian Popularity Rank Lowchen Popularity Rank
      2013 19 154
      2014 20 165
      2015 21 161
      2016 22 171
      2017 22 169
      2018 23 168
      2019 24 158
      2020 23 161
      2021 24 157

      Health Problems of Pomeranian versus Health Problems of Lowchen

      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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.

      This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pomeranian than for the Lowchen.

      6 health tests are recommended for Pomeranian while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.

      Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pomeranians and in Lowchens.

      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.

      Lowchen Health Problems

      Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:

    • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
    • Hip Dysplasia
    • Patellar Luxation

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

      More Discussions on Health Problems in Pomeranians and Lowchens

      Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pomeranian Breed is Patella problems.

      This is because the Pomeranian ranks 1 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1542 Pomeranians, 456 of them had Patella problems.

      The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pomeranians, and how common these diseases are in Pomeranians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

    • Patella problems: Rank 1 out of 145 Dog Breeds
    • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 49 out of 159 Dog Breeds
    • Hips problems: Rank 75 out of 198 Dog Breeds
    • Thyroid problems: Rank 89 out of 115 Dog Breeds
    • Eyes problems: Rank 171 out of 182 Dog Breeds
    • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

      This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

      The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

    • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
    • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
    • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds

    • The table below lists the common health problems in Pomeranian and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pomeranian and the Lowchen:

      Disease Pomeranian Rank Lowchen Rank
      Patella problems 1 out of 145 dog breeds 19 out of 145 dog breeds
      Congenital Cardiac problems 49 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
      Hips problems 75 out of 198 dog breeds 163 out of 198 dog breeds
      Thyroid problems 89 out of 115 dog breeds Not Common
      Eyes problems 171 out of 182 dog breeds 42 out of 182 dog breeds

      *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

      Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

      Tolerates Being Alone: Pomeranian versus Lowchen

      Pomeranians do not like to be left alone.

      Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

      Do Pomeranians shed more than Lowchens?

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

      Lowchens shed moderately.

      Which is Easier to Groom, the Pomeranian or the Lowchen?

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

      Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

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

      Pomeranians do not get along well with other dogs.

      Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

      Are Pomeranians good family dogs? What about Lowchens?

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

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

      Is the Pomeranian Easier to Train than the Lowchen?

      Pomeranians are very easy to train.

      Lowchens are very easy to train.

      Which one drools more, the Pomeranian or the Lowchen

      Pomeranians do have a very low tendency to drool.

      Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

      How Kid-friendly are Pomeranians and Lowchens?

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

      Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

      Does the Pomeranian Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?

      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.

      Lowchens have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

      Do Pomeranians Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?

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

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

      Can Pomeranians Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?

      Pomeranians can very well tolerate cold weather.

      Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

      Wanderlust Potential: Pomeranian vs. Lowchen

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

      Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

      Can Pomeranians Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

      Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

      Is the Pomeranian Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?

      Pomeranians adapt very well to apartment living.

      Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

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

      Pomeranians are very good for new dog owners.

      Lowchens are very good 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 Lowchen. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Pomeranian to other breeds:

      Pomeranian versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Pomeranian versus Xoloitzcuintli     Pomeranian versus Aussiedoodle     Pomeranian versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Pomeranian versus Sheepadoodle     Pomeranian versus Redbone Coonhound     Pomeranian versus Biewer Terrier     Pomeranian versus Pekingese     Pomeranian versus Shihpoo     Pomeranian versus Cavapoo     Pomeranian versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pomeranian versus Goldador     Pomeranian versus Scottish Deerhound     Pomeranian versus Giant Schnauzer     Pomeranian versus Collie     Pomeranian versus Mountain Cur     Pomeranian versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Pomeranian versus Affenpinscher     Pomeranian versus Bulldog     

      Conclusion: Pomeranian versus Lowchen. 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 Lowchen better suits you and your family.