Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Continental Toy Spaniel or Malti Zu or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese" Compare Papillon and Mal-Shi. Which is better: Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese?

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	Papillon	Mal-Shi	Maltese
Origins	Spain France Belgium	United States Canada	Italy
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	53	222	33
Reviews	5	2	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese breeds.	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Malti Zu Malt-Tzu Malshi	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Cross Breed	Purebred

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	5-15 pounds (2.3-6.8 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 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 (2.3-6.8 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese? Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese height comparison:	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-20 inces (25-51 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)	10-20 inces (38 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$400-$600	$800-$1000	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese?	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.	Average: The Mal-Shi is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Playful Loving Independent Alert Intelligent Affectionate Going Social Quiet	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing
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. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese?	High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese social needs comparison:	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Mal-Shi 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.	Maltese 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

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally. See more.	A lot: Maltese 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 Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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.	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 Mal-Shi indoors.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Mal-Shi: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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 Mal-Shi is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Maltese 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 Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Mal-Shi should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Maltese 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: Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia	No data available	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which needs most food?	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	Black Gray White Brown Yellow	White
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which drools least?	The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Mal-Shi has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Silky Soft Wavy Double	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. 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 Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese? Papillon or Mal-Shi or {name3 shedding:	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Mal-Shi dogs are generally with other pets.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Maltese 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 Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese?	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese?	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Mal-Shi dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese?	Yes Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Mal-Shi dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Mal-Shi is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese 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.	Mal-Shis are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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 Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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 Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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 Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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 Mal-Shi vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	4-8 puppies	3-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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.

Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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	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

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