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Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Comparison - Dog breed selector: Continental Toy Spaniel or Roseneath Terrier or Maltese lion dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese" Compare Papillon and West Highland White Terrier. Which is better: Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese?
 
 
 
Name Papillon West Highland White Terrier Maltese
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Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank534233
Reviews513
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Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese breeds.
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
Roseneath Terrier
Westie
Westy
White Roseneath Terrier
Poltalloch Terrier
Maltese lion dog
Maltese Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 15-22 pounds (7-10 kg), Female: 13-16 pounds (6-7 kg) 6.5-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 18.5 pounds (8.5 kg), Female: 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) 6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese? Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese height comparison:
Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10 inches (25.5 cm) Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Price and Availability Comparison

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

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is easiest to train?
Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are easy to train.
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Maltese dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most alert?
Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Maltese dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most protective?
Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Maltese dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese? Compare temperaments.
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Affectionate
Active
Playful
Intelligent
Responsive
Docile
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese?
High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: West Highland White Terrier dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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High: Maltese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese social needs comparison:
Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs are a social breed.
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Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: West Highland White Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most playful?
The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a highly playful breed.
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Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Papillon indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep West Highland White Terrier indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Maltese breed.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most flexible?
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
West Highland White Terrier dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Maltese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese?
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
West Highland White Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Maltese dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Maltese has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which uses mouth most during play?
Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Maltese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

West Highland White Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Maltese bite force: Weak.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of West Highland White Terrier: 14 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The West Highland White Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has fewer health issues?
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Very healthy dog breed.
The Maltese is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The West Highland White Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Maltese should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Cataracts
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Craniomandibular Osteopathy
Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
White Dog Shaker Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Atopic Dermatitis
Hyperplastic Dermatosis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
White Dog Shaker Syndrome

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which breed is most active?
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier 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.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
West Highland White Terrier dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Maltese dogs exercise need is very minimal.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese?
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
West Highland White Terrier 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.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the West Highland White Terrier's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which needs most food?
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. Yes See more. Yes See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
White White
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Advanced: The West Highland White Terrier requires a lot of grooming.
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Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which drools least?
The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The West Highland White Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Maltese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The West Highland White Terrier has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Dense Feathered
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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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 West Highland White Terrier or Maltese? Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or {name3 shedding:
Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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West Highland White Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
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Maltese dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best with kids?
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are generally with other pets.
Maltese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese? Which dog is more friendly?
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese?
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Maltese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Papillon or West Highland White Terrier or Maltese?
Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
West Highland White Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese?
Yes
Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
West Highland White Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Maltese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
West Highland White Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Maltese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.
West Highland White Terriers are usually recommended for elderly people.
Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

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

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

West Highland White Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Maltese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most puppies?
2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies 3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Papillon vs West Highland White Terrier vs Maltese Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Papillon, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section. Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Small sized Terriers 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, West Highland White Terrier, and Maltese. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
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
Club Espanol De Terriers
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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