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Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Comparison - Dog breed selector: Maltese lion dog or Continental Toy Spaniel or Spits? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke" Compare Maltese and Papillon. Which is better: Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Papillon Schipperke
OriginsItaly flagItaly Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium Belgium flagBelgium
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank3353110
Reviews352
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke breeds.
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Spits
Spitske
Spitzke
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke? Compare adult weight ranges.
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 12-18 pounds (5.5-8 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
6.7 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 15 pounds (5.6.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke? Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 10-13 inches (21-33 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) 11.5 inches (27 cm)

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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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Very smart: Schipperke is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which is easiest to train?
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Schipperke dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most alert?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Schipperke dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most protective?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Schipperke dogs are average defenders.
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Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Curious
Independent
Agile
Intelligent
Confident
Fearless
Faithful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke?
High: Maltese 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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Average to High: Schipperke dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Schipperke dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Schipperke dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Schipperke dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
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Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Low: The Schipperke barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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The Schipperke is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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 Schipperke breed in the home.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most flexible?
Maltese 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.
Schipperke dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke?
Maltese 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.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Schipperke bite force: Weak.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed lives longest?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Schipperke: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which has fewer health issues?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Schipperke 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?
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Schipperke should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
No data available

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which breed is most active?
Maltese 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.
Schipperke dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Schipperke dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke?
Maltese 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.
Schipperke dogs don't need too much sleep.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Schipperke breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. What colors are available?
White Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Tan
Blue
Cream
Brown
Apricot
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Schipperke doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which drools least?
The Maltese 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 Schipperke is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Schipperke has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Feathered Fluffy
Soft
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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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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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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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Papillon or Schipperke? Maltese or Papillon or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Schipperke dogs shed moderately.
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Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Good With Comparison

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

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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 Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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 Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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 Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Maltese 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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Yes

Schipperke breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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 Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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.

Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Which has most puppies?
3-5 puppies 2-4 puppies 3-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Maltese vs Papillon vs Schipperke Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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 Maltese, Papillon, and Schipperke. 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
No data available

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