Chihuahua
The world's smallest dog has a big personality: lively, loyal and brave, the Chihuahua is an ideal companion for city life.
Chihuahua vs Papillon
Side by side
| Trait | Chihuahua | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion and toy dogs | Companion and toy dogs |
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 1.5–3 kg | 1.5–5 kg |
| Height at withers | 15–23 cm | 20–28 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–16 years | 13–16 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Papillon (about 3.3 kg vs 2.3 kg on average)
- Taller: Papillon (about 24 cm vs 19 cm on average)
- Easier to train: Papillon (5/5 vs 3/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Papillon is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Chihuahua is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Papillon is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Papillon
Recognisable by its large, fringed ears shaped like butterfly wings, this little dog is lively, clever and surprisingly athletic.