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

"Find similarities and differences between Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon" Compare Shih Tzu and Shiba Inu. Which is better: Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu 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	Shiba Inu	Papillon
Origins	China	Japan	Spain France Belgium
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	20	45	53
Reviews	19	9	5
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon breeds.	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog	Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Epagneul Nain Continental Phalène Squirrel Dog Butterfly Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon? Compare adult weight ranges.	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 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)	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)	Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Papillon? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon height comparison:	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 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)	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)	Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1200	$800-$1000	$400-$600
Availability Which is easier to get, Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Papillon?	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed ranks highest?	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which is easiest to train?	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed is most alert?	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed is most protective?	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon? Compare temperaments.	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming	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.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. 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 Shiba Inu vs Papillon?	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. 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 Shiba Inu vs Papillon social needs comparison:	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shiba Inu 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.	The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. 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.	Shiba Inu 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. 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 Shiba Inu vs Papillon Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed is most vocal?	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed is most playful?	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Shiba Inus, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu vs Papillon Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which uses mouth most during play?	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Papillon bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which breed lives longest?	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu 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.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. 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 Shiba Inu 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?	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shiba Inu 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: Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu 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	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax	Collapsed Trachea Open Fontanel Patellar Luxation Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Hypoglycemia

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. 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. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which needs most food?	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups 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

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. What colors are available?	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame	Black Tan Red White Sable Lemon
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which drools least?	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shiba Inu 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense	Dense	Feathered
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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.	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.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Papillon? Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or {name3 shedding:	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.	Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which is best with kids?	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.	Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Papillon? Which dog is more friendly?	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most 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 Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most 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 Shiba Inu or Papillon?	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu vs Papillon?	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn 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 Shiba Inu 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.	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.	Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shiba Inu 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. Which has most puppies?	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, 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.

Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu vs Papillon Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. 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 Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz 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 Shih Tzu, Shiba Inu, and Papillon. 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 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

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