Bulldog vs Pomeranian

Everything we know about the Bulldog and the Pomeranian, in the same order for both. Every figure comes from our own breed guides — follow the links under each column to read the detail.

Facts for the Bulldog and the Pomeranian compared
TraitBulldogPomeranian
Size30–38 cm (12–15 in)15–18 cm (6–7 in)
Weight18–25 kg (40–55 lb)1.4–3.2 kg (3–7 lb)
Lifespan8–10 years12–16 years
CoatShort, smooth coat with deep facial wrinklesLong, double, with a dense undercoat
SheddingModerate — short hairs, year-roundHigh — noticeable year-round, heavy when the coat blows
GroomingWeekly brushing; clean and dry the face folds dailyBrush several times a week, daily during a moult; bath every 3–4 weeks
Exercise20–30 min/day, gentle and never in the heat30–45 min/day
Good withChildren — calm and patient; other pets with introductionOlder children, other dogs and cats with proper introduction

Which one suits you

Bulldog

Right for you if…

  • You want a calm, affectionate dog that is happiest on the sofa beside you
  • There are children at home — Bulldogs are famously patient with them
  • Short, gentle walks suit your life better than long ones
  • You will clean and dry the face folds every day, and mean it

Wrong for you if…

  • You live somewhere hot — heat sensitivity in this breed is serious, not fussiness
  • You want a swimming, running or hiking companion; Bulldogs cannot safely do any of the three
  • A surprise vet bill would be a crisis — breathing, skin and joint problems are common
  • You want a biddable dog; Bulldogs are affectionate and genuinely stubborn

Pomeranian

Right for you if…

  • You live in a flat and want a dog that genuinely fits one
  • You want an alert, characterful little dog rather than a quiet lap-warmer
  • You will brush several times a week, and daily when the coat blows
  • You can live with a dog that barks at things you cannot see
  • You want a small breed that still tends to live 12–16 years

Wrong for you if…

  • You have a toddler — a 3 lb dog is easily hurt by rough play
  • You need a quiet dog, or you share thin walls with neighbours
  • You want a coat you can ignore between grooms
  • You want a dog that shrugs off being left alone all day
  • You dislike hair on dark clothes and furniture

Read more about each

Other comparisons