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

"Find similarities and differences between Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog" Compare Papillon and Havanese. Which is better: Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog?
 
 
 
Name Papillon Havanese Shetland Sheepdog
OriginsSpain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium Cuba flagCuba Scotland flagScotland
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank532324
Reviews576
User Ratings

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

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) 7-13 pounds (3-6 kg) 14-27 pounds (6-12 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) 10 pounds (4.5 kg) 20.5 pounds (9 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog? Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog height comparison:
Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) 8-11 inches (21-29 cm) 13-16 inches (33-41 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) 10 inches (25 cm) 14.5 inches (37 cm)

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $900-$1200 $800-$1000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog?
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Shetland Sheepdog is quite easy to get.

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Outstanding: Shetland Sheepdog is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is easiest to train?
Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Havanese dogs are very easy to train.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most alert?
Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Havanese dogs are good watchdogs.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are good watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most protective?
Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks.
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A lot: Shetland Sheepdog is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most playful?
The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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The Havanese is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Shetland Sheepdogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Papillon indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
It is not recommended to keep the Shetland Sheepdog breed in the home.

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

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

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Havanese bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Shetland Sheepdog bite force: Ordinary.

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
14-16 years
The average lifespan of Havanese: 15 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Shetland Sheepdog: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which handles climate changes best?
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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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Shetland Sheepdog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has fewer health issues?
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Shetland Sheepdog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Cataracts
Heart Murmurs
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Deafness
Chondrodysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
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

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which breed is most active?
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Havanese 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Shetland Sheepdog dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog?
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Havanese 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 vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Shetland Sheepdog has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which needs most food?
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. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Shetland Sheepdog has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Soft
Wavy
Woolly
Flat
Long
Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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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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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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Papillon or Havanese or Shetland Sheepdog? Papillon or Havanese or {name3 shedding:
Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Havanese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Shetland Sheepdog dogs shed moderately.
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Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Good With Comparison

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

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog As a Working Dog Comparison

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

Not really

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

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

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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 Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

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

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

Not really

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

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

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Not really

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

Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 1-9 puppies, average 4 4-6 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. 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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Papillon vs Havanese vs Shetland Sheepdog Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1911 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. How are they classified internationally?
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 Bichons and related breeds 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 Papillon, Havanese, and Shetland Sheepdog. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Havanese Club of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

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