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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon" Compare Maltese and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is better: Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Maltese	Shetland Sheepdog	Papillon
Origins	Italy	Scotland	Spain France Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	33	24	53
Reviews	3	6	5
User Ratings

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

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	20.5 pounds (9 kg)	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon? Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon height comparison:	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	13-16 inches (33-41 cm)	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	14.5 inches (37 cm)	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

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

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is easiest to train?	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is most alert?	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is most protective?	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Playful Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: Shetland Sheepdog dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon?	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shetland Sheepdog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon social needs comparison:	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are a social breed. See more.	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	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. See more.	Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.	It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.	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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed is most flexible?	Maltese 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.	Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon?	Maltese 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.	Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shetland Sheepdog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which uses mouth most during play?	Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a low tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	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.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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 Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
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 Shetland Sheepdog 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	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	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.	Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon?	Maltese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 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.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. What colors are available?	White	Black Tan Blue White Sable Merle	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which drools least?	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shetland Sheepdog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Dense	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon? Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or {name3 shedding:	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately. See more.	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is best with kids?	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon?	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shetland Sheepdog or Papillon?	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shetland Sheepdog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon?	Yes Maltese 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.	Yes Papillon 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 Shetland Sheepdog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Papillon 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.	Shetland Sheepdogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shetland Sheepdog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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 Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?	3-5 puppies	4-6 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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.

Maltese vs Shetland Sheepdog vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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 Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Maltese, Shetland Sheepdog, and Papillon. 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 Canadian Canine Registry	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

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