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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Comparison - Dog breed selector: Ameri or Continental Toy Spaniel or Csivava? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua" Compare Miniature American Shepherd and Papillon. Which is better: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Chihuahua?
 
 
 
Name Miniature American Shepherd Papillon Chihuahua
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States Spain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium Mexico flagMexico
Group Working Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank355332
Reviews1517
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua breeds.
Ameri
Mini American
North American Shepherd
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Csivava
Chihuahueño
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is the largest?
Small
Medium
Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua? Compare adult weight ranges.
15-35 pounds (6-16 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 2-6 pounds (1-3 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
25 pounds (11 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 4 pounds (2 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Chihuahua? Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua height comparison:
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 6-9 inches (15-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 14–18 inches (36–46 cm), Female: 13–17 inches (33–43 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) 7.5 inches (19 cm)

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Find price differences between these breeds.
$900-$1000 $400-$600 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Chihuahua?
Very frequent: The Miniature American Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which is easiest to train?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are very easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most alert?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most protective?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs are average defenders.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Devoted
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Quick
Devoted
Lively
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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Sensitive: Chihuahua 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: Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua?
Average to High: Miniature American Shepherd dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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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: Chihuahua dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua social needs comparison:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Chihuahua dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Chihuahua 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?
Miniature American Shepherd 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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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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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Miniature American Shepherd rarely barks.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most playful?
The Miniature American Shepherd is a highly playful breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which adapts best to small spaces?
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 Miniature American Shepherd indoors.
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.
Very house-friendly dog the Chihuahua breed.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed is most flexible?
Miniature American Shepherd dogs don't adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Chihuahua?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Miniature American Shepherd has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature American Shepherd bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Chihuahua bite force: Weak.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which breed lives longest?
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature American Shepherd: 14 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which has fewer health issues?
Miniature American Shepherds tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Miniature American Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua health problems comparison:
No data available Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Collapsed Trachea
Heart Murmurs
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Pulmonic Stenosis
Hydrocephalus
Hypoglycemia
Shivering

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Miniature American Shepherd 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 Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which needs most food?
1 to 1.5 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. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Medium

The Miniature American Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Smooth Feathered Fine
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or Chihuahua? Miniature American Shepherd or Papillon or {name3 shedding:
Miniature American Shepherd dogs shed moderately.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

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

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Miniature American Shepherd 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

Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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 Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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.

Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which has most puppies?
2-6 puppies 2-4 puppies 2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. 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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Miniature American Shepherd vs Papillon vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2015 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section. Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Miniature American Shepherd, Papillon, and Chihuahua. Which has most recognition?
No data available 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

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