American Eskimo vs Pomeranian: Main Differences & Similarities

American Eskimos are known to be one of the most trainable dog breeds, and they traveled and performed for the circus in the early 1900s. They are highly intelligent with a touch of stubbornness. They are affectionate and loyal and make great companions to any family looking for a small breed to love.

Pomeranians have large personalities disguised in small bodies, but you will learn about their strong personality quickly. They are extroverted, intelligent, and lovable lapdogs who love meeting new people and animals.

Both these breeds descended from the Spitz breed and have an interesting history. They are very similar in some ways and very different in others. If you are considering adopting one of these sweet toy breeds into your family, read on to discover which one may be right for you.

Visual Differences

At a Glance

American Eskimo Overview

Temperament

The American Eskimo is a charming small breed full of energy and personality. They are affectionate, loving, and gentle and make wonderful companions for a big, busy family. They were once circus dogs, so they will love a busy household and being the center of attention. They are highly intelligent and high-spirited, making them easy and willing to train and learn new tricks. American Eskimos are devoted and loyal, and while they are not shy, they may be a little reserved when making new friends.

Training and Exercise

American Eskimos are active dogs with loads of energy. They will require a lot of exercise as well as mental challenges to stimulate their intelligent minds. They need a walk every day to burn off some energy, but an interactive game with their owner will be highly beneficial too. They are quick and curious, and if not exercised enough, they may end up entertaining themselves by digging or chewing.

Early socialization and training are highly recommended, but your time training your Eskie will be gratifying as they have a reputation for being one of the easiest dogs to train.

Health & Care

American Eskimos are generally healthy, with a long lifespan of 13–15 years. While they can generally live a healthy life without too many issues, they are predisposed to some health issues that any owner should be aware of.

Hip Dysplasia:¹Hip dysplasia is a common condition that occurs during the growth stage in dogs. It occurs when the hip joint loosens, and the cartilage and bone wear down, causing pain, limited mobility, and dysfunction, which can potentially lead to arthritis.

Patella Luxation:²Patella luxation is also known as a dislocated kneecap and occurs when the kneecap luxates sideways, away from its normal position.

Diabetes:³ Diabetes is an endocrine system disease that occurs in dogs when the body fails to produce or respond to insulin.

Nutrition

Like all dogs, the American Eskimo needs a high-quality, well-balanced diet. Based on the dog’s usual weight and activity level, a diet of ½–2 cups of premium dry food divided into two meals per day is recommended. When being trained, the breed responds well to rewards.

Grooming

The gorgeous fluffy coat of an American Eskimo may look like a lot of work, but it only needs a moderate amount of grooming. However, do shed a lot and will require brushing two to three times a week. Eskies only need to be bathed once every few months or when needed.

Daily teeth brushing, regular nail trims, and ear checks are also recommended.

Suitable for:

American Eskimos are suitable for a big family with kids. They are high in energy, so older children may be more suitable, but they will require a lot of attention, so a family that is always on the go is not ideal. Although they are active, they enjoy being indoors with their families, so they are suited for apartment living as long as they are taken for walks and challenged with games.

American Eskimos are highly intelligent, so they need an owner who can put the time in for training, learning new tricks, and playing challenging games. Overall, a household with a big, busy family that provides a lot of attention is where an American Eskiom will thrive.

Pomeranian Overview

Temperament

The tiny Pomeranian packs in a large personality and a lot of brains. They are cute and feisty, and although they’re small, they don’t always act accordingly and may even challenge a larger dog. The loyal Poms are not afraid to be watchdogs either, which means they will bark more than you may like. Pomeranians are confident, independent, and curious, and although their appearance portrays adorable and sweet, they typically have a mind of their own. Having said that, they are still affectionate lapdogs that love time with their owner.

Training and Exercise

As much as Pomeranians enjoy being lapdogs, they are energetic and require daily exercise. They benefit from a walk in the park, some running around the backyard, and interactive games with their owner.

Early training and socialization are essential to ensure your Pomeranian grows up well-adapted. If your Pomeranian is not properly socialized and trained, it can lead to hyperactivity, separation anxiety, nipping, and excessive barking.

Pomeranians enjoy mentally stimulating activities and excel in obedience, rally, and agility sports. They respond well to clicker training and are often trained as therapy dogs. The downside is that Poms can sometimes be trickier to house train, so patience and consistency are needed.

Health & Care

Like all dogs, Pomeranians are prone to a few health concerns, even though they can live long, happy lives of up to 16 years. When considering a Pomeranian as a pet, it is crucial to be aware of the health issues they are prone to so that you can be prepared and manage their health the best you can. Like the American Eskimo, Pomeranians are predisposed to hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and other health issues.

Dry Eye: Dry eye occurs when the tear ducts don’t produce enough tears, causing irritation and potential damage to the cornea.

Hypoglycemia: A Pomeranian develops hypoglycemia when the blood sugar suddenly drops, either by not feeding enough or being fed a low-quality diet. It is a common condition for small dogs under the age of 3 months.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: This hereditary condition affects the hip joint and the head of the femur. When the head of the femur loses blood, it shrinks and leads to necrosis. The cause of this condition is still unknown.

Cataracts: Cataracts are the clouding of the eyes lens. Surgical intervention is currently the only treatment option, but cataracts are a progressive disease that will worsen over time without treatment.

Distichiasis: Distichiasis occurs when one or more rows of eyelashes grow abnormally into the eye, causing irritation and discomfort. It can eventually lead to corneal ulcers if it is left untreated.

Collapsing Trachea: A collapsed trachea is a condition where the tracheal rings become too flexible and collapse and flatten when the dog pulls air into its lungs. It occurs predominantly in small dogs and can be distinguished by a goose-like honk when coughing.

Nutrition

Pomeranians need to be fed a high–quality, well–balanced diet because they are most prone to hypoglycemia. When choosing a nutritionally sound food for your Pomeranian, a brand approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a good option.

Pomeranians have a high metabolism, so it’s best to feed them 2–3 small meals a day. They can also battle joint and skin issues, so a joint supplement and added omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. Always speak to your vet first before adding a supplement to their diet.

Grooming

Pomeranians require regular grooming to maintain their gorgeous coat. They have thick and dense fur that is best groomed by a professional. A professional also offers the service of a sanitary shave to remove fur around the genitals. Between their grooming appointments, they need to be brushed several times a week and daily during shedding season. Long hair around the eyes and face should also be trimmed to prevent irritation or infection of the eyes. Because Pomeranians are very active, it is vital to keep their nails short and trimmed, and they will require daily teeth brushing as they are more prone to dental disease due to their tiny mouths.

Suitable for:

Pomeranians will be suited to a family looking for a small and active lapdog that enjoys playtime and cuddles. They suit a family with kids and pets and will also do well with a single owner looking for a companion. They need daily exercise but can adapt well to apartments. They require an owner that can keep up with their grooming needs as well as their exercise. A Pom will also make a good watchdog and a great therapy dog. Pomeranians can be quite vocal but are perfect for owners who are just as feisty.

Which Breed Is Right for You?

If you are looking for a small, lovable companion, you can’t go wrong with the American Eskimo and Pomeranian. They are both friendly, outgoing, and intelligent, but the American Eskimo is a bit smarter than the Pomeranian. They are both suited to apartment living and love families with kids. Both breeds have moderate exercise needs, and their intelligence will require mentally stimulating activities.

While they both make excellent family pets, the Pomeranian may require more work and training. They have higher grooming needs, can be feisty, and may be more difficult to house-train. However, a Pomeranian is also an ideal therapy dog and will love to spend its days curled up in your lap.

Either breed will bring you years of joy as long as they are well cared for, well-trained, and loved.

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Featured Image Credit: (L) KA_Richer5171321, Shutterstock | (R) Jumpstory

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