Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Comparison - Dog breed selector: Continental Toy Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or Cotie? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear" Compare Papillon and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?

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	Shih Tzu	Coton de Tulear
Origins	Spain France Belgium	China	Madagascar
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	53	20	81
Reviews	4	19	10
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Cotie Coton
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which is the smallest dog, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Shih Tzu? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear weight comparison:	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	12-15 pounds (5.5-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	13.5 pounds (5.6 kg)
Height Which is taller, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear height comparison:	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	11 inches (27.5 cm)

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which is more expensive?	$400-$600	$800-$1200	$2400-$3000
Availability Which is easier to get, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Coton de Tulear is quite easy to get.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear intelligence:	Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear trainability comparison.	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? 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.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear behavior/temperament comparison:	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Intelligent Affectionate Lively Trainable Vocal
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.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Sensitive: Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Coton de Tulear dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear social needs comparison:	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Coton de Tulear 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.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs have average wanderlust potential. 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Their prey drive is low. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear playfulness comparison:	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Coton de Tulear is a playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average: The Coton de Tulear barks occasionally. 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 Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	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 Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Coton de Tulear breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear 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.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Coton de Tulear dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Coton de Tulear has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear mouthiness comparison:	Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear health comparison. Which is the healthier: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Coton de Tulear is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear health problems comparison:	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Hip Dysplasia Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
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 Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Coton de Tulear should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear lifespan comparison. How long do Papillon, Shih Tzu and Coton de Tulear breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	14-16 years The average lifespan of Coton de Tulear: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	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.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear energy level comparison:	Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Coton de Tulear dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear weight gain potential comparison:	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average: The Coton de Tulear has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear coat comparison:	Feathered	Dense	Soft
Colors What are the original Papillon, Shih Tzu and Coton de Tulear color?	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	White
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear grooming comparison:	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. 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
Shedding Level Who sheds more Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Papillon or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Coton de Tulear dogs are low shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Coton de Tulear has an average 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 Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Coton de Tulear is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Coton de Tulear dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? Which dog is more friendly?	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Coton de Tulear dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
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 Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Papillon or Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear?	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Coton de Tulear dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	Yes Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Coton de Tulear 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.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Coton de Tulears are usually recommended for elderly people.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu or Coton de Tulear? 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.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear?	Not really Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear 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 Shih Tzu and Coton de Tulear have?	2-4 puppies	2-5 puppies	4-6 puppies
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Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Coton de Tulear 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 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 as a Non-Sporting 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 Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds 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 Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club

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