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Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Comparison - Dog breed selector: Csivava or Continental Toy Spaniel or Dwarf Scotch Shepherd? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Chihuahua and Papillon. Which is better: Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Chihuahua Papillon Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsMexico flagMexico Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank325324
Reviews1756
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog breeds.
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Dwarf Scotch Shepherd
Sheltie
Shetland Collie
Toonie Dog
Miniature Collie
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
2-6 pounds (1-3 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
4 pounds (2 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
7.5 inches (19 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$800 $400-$600 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare temperaments.
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Playful
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Affectionate
Lively
Gentle
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog?
High: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog social needs comparison:
Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Papillon indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most flexible?
Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which uses mouth most during play?
Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Epilepsy
Heart Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Elbow Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly
Haemophilia
Trichiasis

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Chihuahua dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chihuahua dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Cream
Fawn
Chocolate
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Sable
Merle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which drools least?
The Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Feathered Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Chihuahua or Papillon or {name3 shedding:
Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best with kids?
Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog is more friendly?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Chihuahua or Papillon or Shetland Sheepdog?
Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog?
Yes
Chihuahua dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Chihuahua is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.
Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 2-4 puppies 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Chihuahua vs Papillon vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Chihuahua, Papillon, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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