Papillon
VS
Shih Tzu
Papillon vs Shih Tzu
Compare Papillon and Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 28 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
3 – 5 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 15 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
4/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
5/5
2/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
5/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Papillon
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Easy to train
Tiny
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
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 Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
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