Which dog breed is right for you?
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.
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.
These tiny furballs pack enormous personality — find Pomeranians seeking loving homes on Puplister.
The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings).
Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs.
The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.
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