Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Continental Toy Spaniel or Chrysanthemum Dog or Bichon Habanero? Find the right dog for you

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

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	Havanese
Origins	Spain France Belgium	China	Cuba
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	53	20	23
Reviews	5	19	7
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese breeds.	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Bichon Habanero Bichon Havanais Bichon Havanes Havanese Cuban Bichon Havaneser Havanezer Bichon Havanese
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	7-13 pounds (3-6 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)	10 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese height comparison:	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	8-11 inches (21-29 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)	10 inches (25 cm)

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Find price differences between these breeds.	$400-$600	$800-$1200	$900-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Havanese is quite easy to get.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed ranks highest?	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.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is easiest to train?	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Havanese dogs are very easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most alert?	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Havanese dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most protective?	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Havanese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese? Compare temperaments.	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Playful Intelligent Responsive Affectionate Lively Gentle Companionable Sturdy Amiable Charming
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.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	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: Havanese 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 Havanese social needs comparison:	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Havanese 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.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Havanese 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.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Havanese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Havanese rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most playful?	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	The Havanese is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Havanese breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed lives longest?	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 Havanese: 15 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Havanese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Havanese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese 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	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Deafness Chondrodysplasia Elbow Dysplasia Mitral Valve Disease Portosystemic Liver Shunt

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which breed is most active?	Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Havanese 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 Havanese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese? 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.	Havanese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese?	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.	Havanese 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 Havanese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Havanese's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which needs most food?	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.	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black White Fawn Reddish-Brown Havana Brown Tobacco
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which requires most maintenance?	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Havanese requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which drools 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 Havanese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Havanese has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Feathered	Dense	Soft Wavy Woolly Flat Long
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Papillon or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Havanese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best with kids?	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Havanese 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.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Havanese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or Shih Tzu or Havanese? Which dog is more friendly?	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Havanese dogs are 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 Shih Tzu or Havanese?	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Havanese 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 Havanese?	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Havanese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese?	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 Havanese 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 Havanese 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.	Havaneses are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Papillon vs Shih Tzu vs Havanese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which is best suited for water work?	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 Havanese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-5 puppies	1-9 puppies, average 4
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Shih Tzu vs Havanese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. How are they classified?	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 1996 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Papillon, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Tibetan breeds section.	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, Shih Tzu, and Havanese. 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 Canadian Canine Registry	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 United Kennel Club Havanese Club of America

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