Papillon
VS
Maltese
Papillon vs Maltese
Compare Papillon and Maltese side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Papillon
Maltese
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 28 cm
20 – 25 cm
Weight
3 – 5 kg
3 – 4 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
12 – 15 years
Child friendly
4/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
5/5
3/5
Trainability
5/5
3/5
Health
5/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
2/5
Characteristics
Papillon
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Tiny
Maltese
Tiny
Summary
About Papillon
The Papillon is a small, elegant toy dog with large butterfly-like ears, a fine, silky parti-coloured coat and a plumed tail. Lively, intelligent and highly trainable, it enjoys activity and mental stimulation, makes an alert watchdog, needs regular brushing, and often lives into the mid–late teens.
About Maltese
The Maltese is a small, sturdy companion dog with a long, white silky coat and expressive dark eyes. Affectionate and people oriented, it adapts well to apartments with daily walks. It needs regular grooming, dental care and gentle training, and often enjoys a long, active life.
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