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

"Find similarities and differences between Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel" Compare Papillon and Maltese. Which is better: Papillon or Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel?

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	Maltese	American Cocker Spaniel
Origins	Spain France Belgium	Italy	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	53	33	29
Reviews	5	3	3
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel breeds.	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Cocker Merry Cocker Cocker Spaniel
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	15-30 pounds (7-14 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	22.5 pounds (10.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Papillon or Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel? Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel height comparison:	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)	15-16.5 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	15-16.5 inches (39.5 cm)

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Price and Availability Comparison

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

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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.	Very smart: American Cocker Spaniel is an excellent dog breed. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is easiest to train?	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most alert?	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most protective?	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel? Compare temperaments.	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Intelligent Outgoing Outright Tempered Merry Trusting Joyful Sociable
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.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel?	High: Papillon 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.	High: American Cocker Spaniel dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel social needs comparison:	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the American Cocker Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home. 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.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The American Cocker Spaniel is a vocal breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed is most playful?	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The American Cocker Spaniel is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Maltese breed.	Very house-friendly dog the American Cocker Spaniel breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The American Cocker Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which uses mouth most during play?	Papillon 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.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ American Cocker Spaniel bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which breed lives longest?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of American Cocker Spaniel: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	American Cocker Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
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 Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The American Cocker Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Idiopathic Epilepsy Glaucoma Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Primary Seborrhea

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the American Cocker Spaniel's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which needs most food?	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.	1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	White	Black Tan Red Silver Brown Buff
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which drools least?	The Papillon 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.	The American Cocker Spaniel is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The American Cocker Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Feathered	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which requires most frequent baths?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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 Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel? Papillon or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs shed moderately. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best with kids?	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are very 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.	Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel? Which dog is more friendly?	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	American Cocker Spaniel 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 Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel?	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Papillon or Maltese or American Cocker Spaniel?	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	American Cocker Spaniel dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel?	Yes Papillon 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.	Yes American Cocker Spaniel 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 Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes American Cocker Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	American Cocker Spaniels are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Papillon vs Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Papillon 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.	Yes American Cocker Spaniel breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	4-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Maltese vs American Cocker Spaniel Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Papillon, Maltese, and American Cocker Spaniel. 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 New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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