What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Pomeranian?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Pomeranian is 3–7 lbs, 6–7 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 in vs 3–7 lbs, 6–7 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–16 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, Labrador Retriever or Pomeranian?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Pomeranian is not typically good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Pomeranian?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Pomeranian has a lifespan of 12–16 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Pomeranian — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers on Puplister today.

About the Pomeranian

The Pomeranian descends from large sled-pulling spitz dogs of Iceland and Lapland, selectively bred down to toy size in the Pomerania region of northeastern Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries — Queen Victoria famously popularized the smaller variety. These tiny dogs weigh just 3 to 7 pounds and stand 6 to 7 inches tall, yet carry themselves with unmistakable confidence. Their magnificent double coat — a dense undercoat beneath a profuse, standoff outer coat — comes in nearly every color and pattern imaginable, with orange and red being most popular.

Temperament & Personality

Pomeranians are vivacious, bold, and surprisingly commanding for their size — they have no concept of how small they are and will happily try to boss around much larger dogs. They are devoted to their owners and can be excellent companions for singles and seniors, though they may be too fragile and snappy for homes with very young children. Poms are intelligent and curious, learning tricks quickly, but they also have a strong independent streak inherited from their spitz ancestry.

Pros

Tiny size makes them ideal for apartment living and travel
Alert and vocal watchdog — always aware of surroundings
Intelligent and responsive to training with positive methods
Long lifespan of 12 to 16 years with proper care

Cons

Profuse shedding — the fluffy coat requires brushing several times weekly
Prone to luxating patella, tracheal collapse, and severe dental disease
Fragile bones easily injured by falls, rough handling, or being stepped on
Excessive barking can become a serious behavioral issue without training

These tiny furballs pack enormous personality — find Pomeranians seeking loving homes on Puplister.

Labrador Retriever vs Pomeranian