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

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

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	Chihuahua
Origins	Spain France Belgium	Italy	Mexico
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	53	33	32
Reviews	4	3	16
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Csivava Chihuahueño
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which is the smallest dog, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Papillon or Maltese or Maltese? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua weight comparison:	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	2-6 pounds (1-3 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)	4 pounds (2 kg)
Height Which is taller, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua 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)	6-9 inches (15-23 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)	7.5 inches (19 cm)

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which is more expensive?	$400-$600	$600-$800	$600-$800
Availability Which is easier to get, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Chihuahua is quite easy to get.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua intelligence:	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
Trainability Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua trainability comparison.	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.	Maltese dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Maltese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Chihuahua dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Chihuahua dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua behavior/temperament comparison:	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Alert Courageous Intelligent Quick Devoted Lively
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.	Sensitive: Chihuahua dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	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: Chihuahua 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 Chihuahua social needs comparison:	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Chihuahua 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.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Chihuahua dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. 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.	Chihuahua dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua playfulness comparison:	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Chihuahuas, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Chihuahua is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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 Chihuahua breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	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.	Chihuahua dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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.	Chihuahua dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Maltese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Chihuahua bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Chihuahua has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua mouthiness comparison:	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.	Chihuahua dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua health comparison. Which is the healthier: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	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.	Chihuahuas are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua 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	Collapsed Trachea Heart Murmurs Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Pulmonic Stenosis Hydrocephalus Hypoglycemia Shivering
Veterinarian Visits 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 Chihuahua should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua lifespan comparison. How long do Papillon, Maltese and Chihuahua breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Chihuahua: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	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.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua energy level comparison:	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.	Chihuahua 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 Maltese vs Chihuahua exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? 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.	Chihuahua dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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.	Chihuahua 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 Maltese vs Chihuahua Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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.	Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Chihuahua has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua coat comparison:	Feathered	Feathered	Fine
Colors What are the original Papillon, Maltese and Chihuahua color?	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	White	Black Tan Red Cream Fawn Chocolate
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua grooming comparison:	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Effortless: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Papillon or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Chihuahua dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	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.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The Chihuahua has a high chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the 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 Chihuahua is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly 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.	Chihuahua dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which dog is more friendly?	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua?	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Chihuahua dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	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 Chihuahua 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.	No Chihuahua 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.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Chihuahuas are not recommended for elderly people.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	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 Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Papillon or Maltese or Chihuahua? Which is better for autism?	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.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	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 and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be 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.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua?	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.	Not really Chihuahua breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	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.
Fighting Dog / Military 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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	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.
Litter Size How many puppies can Papillon and Maltese and Chihuahua have?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Papillon vs Maltese vs Chihuahua Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	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 1904 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Chihuahueno section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	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

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