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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?
 
 
 
Name Papillon Mal-Shi Maltese
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank5322233
Reviews523
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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.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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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 Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Mal-Shi dogs are quite easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Mal-Shi dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Mal-Shi dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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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.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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.
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High: Mal-Shi dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Papillon vs Mal-Shi vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Mal-Shi dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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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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Mal-Shi dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Maltese 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?
Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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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.
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Average: The Mal-Shi barks occasionally.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Papillon, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Mal-Shis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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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.

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.
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Mal-Shi dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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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.

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
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.
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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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mal-Shi's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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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.

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.
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.
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Average: The Mal-Shi requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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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.
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The Mal-Shi is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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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.
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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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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Papillon or Mal-Shi or Maltese? Papillon or Mal-Shi or {name3 shedding:
Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Mal-Shi dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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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, Mal-Shi, and Maltese. 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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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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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.
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Not really

Mal-Shi breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

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

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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