Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Comparison - Dog breed selector: Little Lion or Maltese lion dog or Continental Toy Spaniel? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon" Compare Lowchen and Maltese. Which is better: Lowchen or Maltese 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	Lowchen	Maltese	Papillon
Origins	Spain Germany France Netherlands	Italy	Spain France Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	169	33	53
Reviews	2	3	5
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon breeds.	Little Lion Little Lion Dog Petit Chien Lion Lowchen	Maltese lion dog Maltese Dog	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Small	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg), Female: 11-15 pounds (5-7 kg)	6.5-9 pounds (3-4 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?	Male: 15.5 pounds (7 kg), Female: 13 pounds (6 kg)	6.7 pounds (3.5 kg)	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon? Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon height comparison:	Male: 13–15 inches (32–39 cm), Female: 12–15 inches (30–37 cm)	Male: 8-10 inches (21-25 cm), Female: 8-9 inches (20-23 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?	Male: 13.5 inches (34 cm), Female: 12.5 inches (32 cm)	Male: 9 inches (23 cm), Female: 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Find price differences between these breeds.	$5000-$8000	$600-$800	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon?	Frequent: The Lowchen is easier than average to get.	Very frequent: The Maltese is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Friendly Familiar	Active Playful Intelligent Responsive Docile Gentle Tempered Sweet Easygoing	Happy Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Lowchen dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	They are a little bit more 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: Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon?	High: Lowchen dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Maltese 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 Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon social needs comparison:	Lowchen dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Maltese dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Lowchen dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Maltese dogs are not the biggest explorers. 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?	Their prey drive is low. See more.	Maltese dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. 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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Lowchen is a particularly loud breed. See more.	A lot: Maltese is a particularly loud 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
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Lowchens, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Malteses, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	The Papillon is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Lowchen breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Maltese 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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?	13-15 years The average lifespan of Lowchen: 14 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Maltese: 16 years	12-16 years The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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. See more.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which has fewer health issues?	Lowchens tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.	The Maltese 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Frequent The Lowchen should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.	Average The Maltese 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon health problems comparison:	Cataracts Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)	Collapsed Trachea Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Portosystemic Liver Shunt Reverse Sneezing Hypoglycemia White Dog Shaker Syndrome	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average: The Lowchen has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Maltese has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which needs most food?	1/2 to 1 cup dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 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

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red Blue White Silver Brown Grey	White	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The Maltese requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which drools least?	The Lowchen is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Maltese 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.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Lowchen has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Maltese has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Silky Wavy Harsh	Feathered	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which requires most frequent baths?	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.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon? Lowchen or Maltese or {name3 shedding:	Lowchen dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Maltese dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which is best with kids?	Lowchen dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Lowchen dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Maltese 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 Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?	Lowchen dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Maltese dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon?	Lowchen dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Maltese 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 Lowchen or Maltese or Papillon?	Lowchen dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Maltese dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon?	Yes Lowchen dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Maltese 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 Lowchen is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Maltese 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?	Lowchens are usually recommended for elderly people.	Malteses are usually recommended for elderly people.	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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 Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which excels in therapy work?	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
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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 Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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 Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Lowchen breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Maltese 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.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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 Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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.

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?	3-6 puppies	3-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. 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.

Lowchen vs Maltese vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. How are they classified internationally?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Bichons and related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Lowchen, Maltese, and Papillon. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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	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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