At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Papillon | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder | 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 3 to 6 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 16 years | 10 to 18 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Exercise needs
The Papillon needs more exercise than the Chihuahua.
Friendly with strangers
The Papillon is friendlier with strangers than the Chihuahua.
Good with children
The Chihuahua is better with children than the Papillon.
Good with other dogs
The Papillon gets on better with other dogs than the Chihuahua.
Easy to groom
The Chihuahua is easier to groom than the Papillon.
Energy
The Papillon has more energy than the Chihuahua.
Which to choose
Papillon or Chihuahua?
Choose the Papillon if…
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
Choose the Chihuahua if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Questions.
Which is easier to train, the Papillon or the Chihuahua?
The Papillon is generally easier to train than the Chihuahua. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Papillon or the Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Papillon can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
