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Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Comparison - Dog breed selector: Chrysanthemum Dog or Continental Toy Spaniel or King Of The Toys? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher" Compare Shih Tzu and Papillon. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Papillon or Miniature Pinscher?
 
 
 
Name Shih Tzu Papillon Miniature Pinscher
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Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank205371
Reviews1951
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher breeds.
Chrysanthemum Dog
Chinese Lion Dog
Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain
Epagneul Nain Continental
Phalène
Squirrel Dog
Butterfly Dog
King Of The Toys
Reh Pinscher
Zwergpinsc
Min Pin
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher? Compare adult weight ranges.
9–16 pounds (4-7 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg) Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 8-9 pounds (about 4 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
9–16 pounds (5.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg) Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8.5 pounds (about 4 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Papillon or Miniature Pinscher? Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher height comparison:
8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Male: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), Female: 10-11 inches (25-28 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm) Male: 11 inches (27.5 cm), Female: 10.5 inches (26.5 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed ranks highest?
Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
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Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Smart: The Miniature Pinscher dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which is easiest to train?
Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train.
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Papillon dogs are easy to train.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is most alert?
Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs.
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Papillon dogs are average watchdogs.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is most protective?
Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher? Compare temperaments.
Active
Playful
Happy
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Lively
Gentle
Happy
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Playful
Energetic
Intelligent
Friendly
Outgoing
Responsive
Clever
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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Sensitive: Miniature Pinscher dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher?
High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Miniature Pinscher dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher social needs comparison:
Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Miniature Pinscher 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.
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Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed.
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A lot: Miniature Pinscher is a particularly loud breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is most playful?
Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed.
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The Papillon is a highly playful breed.
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The Miniature Pinscher is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu 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.
Apartment-friendly dog the Miniature Pinscher breed.

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed is most flexible?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Pinscher dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Papillon or Miniature Pinscher?
Shih Tzu 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.
Miniature Pinscher 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.

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

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

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Miniature Pinscher bite force: Weak.

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which breed lives longest?
10-16 years
The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Miniature Pinscher: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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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 Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which has fewer health issues?
The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Miniature Pinschers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Frequent
The Miniature Pinscher should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher health problems comparison:
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
Collapsed Trachea
Open Fontanel
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Hypoglycemia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity.
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High: The Miniature Pinscher breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day. 1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. What colors are available?
Black
Red
Blue
Silver
Brindle
Liver
Gold
Black
Tan
Red
White
Sable
Lemon
Black
Tan
Red
Chocolate
Rust
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The Miniature Pinscher requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which drools least?
The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Miniature Pinscher is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which has least natural smell?

Low 🔽

The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Miniature Pinscher has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense Feathered Rough
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Papillon or Miniature Pinscher? Shih Tzu or Papillon or {name3 shedding:
Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal.
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Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
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Miniature Pinscher dogs shed moderately.
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Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Good With Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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 Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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 Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

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

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

Miniature Pinscher breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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 Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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.

Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Which has most puppies?
2-5 puppies 2-4 puppies 2-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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.
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Shih Tzu vs Papillon vs Miniature Pinscher Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. How are they classified internationally?
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 Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Pinscher and Schnauzer type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Miniature Pinscher. 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
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
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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