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

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

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	Shih Tzu	Pekingese	Papillon
Origins	China	China	Spain France Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	88	53
Reviews	16	3	4
User Ratings

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

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Which is the smallest dog, Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Which is heavier, Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Pekingese? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon weight comparison:	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	9 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	6-9 inches (30.4-45 cm)	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	9.5 inches (24 cm)	7.5 inches (30.24.5 cm)	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon intelligence:	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon trainability comparison.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Pekingese dogs are easy to train. See more.	Papillon dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Pekingese dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Pekingese dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon behavior/temperament comparison:	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Stubborn Intelligent Affectionate Aggressive Good-natured Opinionated	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly
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. See more.	Pekingese dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Papillon 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: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Pekingese 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.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Pekingese dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	Pekingese dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
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. See more.	Pekingese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Papillon 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

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon playfulness comparison:	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Pekingeses don't really like playing. See more.	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Average to High: The Pekingese is a vocal breed. See more.	A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese 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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Pekingese 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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Pekingese bite force: Weak.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Pekingese has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon mouthiness comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Pekingese dogs have an 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 vs Pekingese vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon health comparison. Which is the healthier: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon?	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs.	The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon 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	Cataracts Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Entropion Intervertebral Disk Disease Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome Distichiasis Mitral Valve Disease Cryptorchidism Ectopic Cilia Cleft Palate Brachycephalic Syndrome Hydrocephalus Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia
Veterinarian Visits 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.	Rare The Pekingese 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon lifespan comparison. How long do Shih Tzu, Pekingese and Papillon breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	13-15 years The average lifespan of Pekingese: 14 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Pekingese can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon energy level comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Pekingese dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Pekingese dogs exercise need is very minimal.	Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Pekingese 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.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

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

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Pekingese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Papillon 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 Pekingese vs Papillon?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Pekingese 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.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Pekingese is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Papillon 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.	Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people.	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Shih Tzu or Pekingese or Papillon? Which is better for autism?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Pekingese 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.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Shih Tzu and Pekingese and Papillon have?	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Shih Tzu vs Pekingese vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	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 Japan Chin and Pekingese section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club 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 National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Pekingese Club Of America	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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