French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
VS
Pomeranian
A tiny ball of fluff with a fox-like face and outsized confidence. Pomeranians are lively, curious, and surprisingly bold, making them spirited companions for city dwellers.
Quick Answer
Choose French Bulldog if you want better with kids and less shedding. Choose Pomeranian if you want better health.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Pomeranian
small
Size
small
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
1–3 kg (2–7 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
15–18 cm (6–7 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
12–16 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
3/5
Better4/5
Good with Kids
2/5
Better2/5
Shedding
3/5
Better1/5
Grooming
4/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
2/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$800–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Health & Lifespan
Pomeranian tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs12–16Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Pomeranian: 12–16 years versus the French Bulldog's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Pomeranian.
Grooming & Shedding
Pomeranian sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Shedding
Better2/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs4/5
The Pomeranian sheds a bit more (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the French Bulldog has a slight edge.
Family & Social Life
French Bulldog is better suited for families with children.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Good with Kids
Better4/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
Better3/5
vs2/5
Strangers
Better4/5
vs3/5
For families with children, the French Bulldog is the significantly stronger choice. With a kid-friendliness score of 4/5, the French Bulldog's playful nature makes it a natural family companion.
Cost of Ownership
Pomeranian is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380
Pomeranian
Avg. Purchase$1,900
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$400
Annual Total$1,150 ✓
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Pomeranian is $800–$3,000.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Playfulness
4/5
vs4/5
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs5/5
Energy
3/5
vs3/5
French Bulldogs from the Non-Sporting group carry a playful, adaptable and affectionate personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Pomeranians, belonging to the Toy group, are lively, bold and inquisitive — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Size & Appearance
French Bulldog is the larger breed; Pomeranian is more compact.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs1–3
Height (cm)
28–33
vs15–18
The French Bulldog stands 28–33 cm (11–13 in) and weighs 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs), while the Pomeranian measures 15–18 cm (6–7 in) and 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs). The French Bulldog is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs4/5Better
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Pomeranian
Energy Level
3/5
vs3/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (French Bulldog: 3/5, Pomeranian: 3/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the French Bulldog if you value better with children (4/5) and less shedding (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Pomeranian are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is much more kid-friendly. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Pomeranian by roughly $200/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You have young children — French Bulldogs are generally more patient and gentle with kids.
Choose Pomeranian if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Pomeranians are generally more robust (3/5 health score).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, French Bulldog or Pomeranian?
The French Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Pomeranian's 2/5. The French Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Pomeranian easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Pomeranian. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Pomeranian?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Pomeranian costs $800–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $1,150 for the Pomeranian. The French Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do French Bulldogs or Pomeranians live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Pomeranian lives 12–16 years. The Pomeranian tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Pomeranian live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Pomeranian (5/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.