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

"Find similarities and differences between Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon" Compare Maltese and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
 
 
 
Name Maltese Shih Tzu Papillon
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank332053
Reviews3154
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Which is the smallest dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Small Small Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon weight comparison:
6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 9–16 pounds (4-7 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) 9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon height comparison:
Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) 8-11 inches (20-28 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) 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Which is more expensive?
$600-$800 $800-$1200 $400-$600
Availability
Which is easier to get, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon trainability comparison.
Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon behavior/temperament comparison:
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
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.
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Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?
High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Shih Tzu 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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Social Needs
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon social needs comparison:
Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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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Shih Tzu 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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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon playfulness comparison:
Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?
A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Shih Tzu 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Shih Tzu 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.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon mouthiness comparison:
Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than 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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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon health comparison. Which is the healthier: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shih Tzu 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Umbilical Hernias
Ear Infections
Distichiasis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Bladder Stones
Ectopic Cilia
Reverse Sneezing
Dry Eye
Proptosis
Juvenile Renal Dysplasia
Keratitis
Retained Baby Teeth
Snuffles
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Veterinarian Visits
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 Shih Tzu 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.
Life Expectancy
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon lifespan comparison. How long do Maltese, Shih Tzu and Papillon breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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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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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon weight gain potential comparison:
Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon coat comparison:
Feathered Dense Feathered
Colors
What are the original Maltese, Shih Tzu and Papillon color?
White Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon grooming comparison:
Average: The Maltese 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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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Maltese or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:
Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
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.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Shih Tzu 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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Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon?
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Shih Tzu dogs are very 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 Shih Tzu vs Papillon?
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu 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.
Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

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 Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Maltese or Shih Tzu or Papillon? Which is better for autism?

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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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be 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.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon?

Not really

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

Shih Tzu 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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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Maltese and Shih Tzu and Papillon have?
3-5 puppies 2-5 puppies 2-4 puppies

Maltese vs Shih Tzu vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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 Tibetan breeds section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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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