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

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

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	Pug	Papillon	Shih Tzu
Origins	China	Spain France Belgium	China
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	31	53	20
Reviews	13	5	19
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu breeds.	Carlin Chinese Pug Dutch Bulldog Dutch Mastiff Mini Mastiff Mops	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 13-20 pounds (6-9 kg), Female: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg)	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), Female: 15.5 pounds (7 kg)	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu? Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu height comparison:	Male: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm), Female: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 13 inches (33 cm), Female: 11 inches (27.5 cm)	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$300-$500	$400-$600	$800-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu?	Very frequent: The Pug is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	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.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which is easiest to train?	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most alert?	Pug dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which breed is most protective?	Pug dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu? Compare temperaments.	Playful Courageous Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Cheerful	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Pug dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu?	High: Pug dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu social needs comparison:	Pug dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Pug dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.	Shih Tzu 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?	Pug 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.	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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Pug: 13 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.	Prefers 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which has fewer health issues?	Very healthy dog breed.	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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Pug should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Entropion Vaccination Sensitivity Demodectic Mange Distichiasis Corneal Ulcers Dry Eye Hemi-vertebrae Cheyletiella Dermatitis Nerve Degeneration Proptosis Pug Dog Encephalitis Staphylococcus Infection Yeast Infection	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

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which is most prone to obesity?	High: The Pug breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	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.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	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.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. What colors are available?	Black Fawn	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Pug requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which drools least?	The Pug is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Pug has a high chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Feathered	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu? Pug or Papillon or {name3 shedding:	Pug dogs shed above average. See more.	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which is best with kids?	Pug dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Pug dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu? Which dog is more friendly?	Pug dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu?	Pug dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Pug or Papillon or Shih Tzu?	Pug dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu?	No Pug dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.	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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Pug is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Pugs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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 Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect 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 Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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 Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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 Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Pug breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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 Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies	2-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. 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.

Pug vs Papillon vs Shih Tzu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	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.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Pug, Papillon, and Shih Tzu. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry

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