Chihuahua vs Papillon
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Chihuahua might be better if you:
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Papillon might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds, known for its lively personality and strong bond with its owner. They typically weigh between 2 to 6 pounds and stand 6 to 9 inches tall. Chihuahuas come in a variety of coat colors and types, including smooth and long-haired. Their large, round eyes and big ears contribute to their expressive appearance. Chihuahuas are known for their confidence, often displaying a bold and sassy attitude despite their small size. They are loyal companions who can be very affectionate, but they may also exhibit a tendency to be territorial or protective, especially towards their owners. They can be wary of strangers, making them good watchdogs, but early socialization is important to help them develop a well-rounded temperament.
Papillon
The Papillon is a small, elegant toy breed known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, from which its name is derived (French for 'butterfly'). Weighing between 5 to 10 pounds and standing about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder, these dogs are compact and well-proportioned. Their long, flowing coat can be a combination of white with various colors, including black, red, and lemon. Papillons are known for their lively and alert demeanor, making them excellent companions. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility competitions. Their friendly nature makes them good with families, children, and other pets, though they can be reserved or cautious around strangers. Papillons are also known for their high energy levels, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Moderate with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Generally friendly with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Moderately trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Chihuahua
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Regularly groom to prevent matting and maintain coat health.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for small breeds.
Health Care
Regularly groom to prevent matting and maintain coat health.
Papillon
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush coat regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Check ears for dirt and debris to prevent infections.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Regularly groom to prevent matting and maintain coat health.
Grooming
Brush coat regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for small breeds.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their size and age.
Health Care
Regularly groom to prevent matting and maintain coat health.
Health Care
Check ears for dirt and debris to prevent infections.
Additional Care Notes
Chihuahua
- •Brush teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.
Papillon
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Socialization is crucial, as Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers and other dogs. Begin training in a quiet environment and gradually introduce distractions as they progress.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •small dog syndrome
- •fearfulness
- •excessive barking
- •separation anxiety
Papillon
Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, making basic training relatively easy. Start with obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are essential, as is socialization with other dogs and people to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective hearing during training sessions
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty with housebreaking if not established early on
- •Separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
- •Fearfulness in new situations or around unfamiliar people
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Socialization is crucial, as Chihuahuas can be wary of strangers and other dogs. Begin training in a quiet environment and gradually introduce distractions as they progress.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •small dog syndrome
- •fearfulness
- •excessive barking
- •separation anxiety
Papillon
Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, making basic training relatively easy. Start with obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency and patience are essential, as is socialization with other dogs and people to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness or selective hearing during training sessions
- •Tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •Difficulty with housebreaking if not established early on
- •Separation anxiety when left alone for long periods
- •Fearfulness in new situations or around unfamiliar people
Training Resources
Chihuahua Training Guide
Papillon Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Chihuahua Breeders
Find Papillon Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.