Maltese vs Papillon

Compare the Maltese to the Papillon. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Maltese and Papillons.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Maltese and Papillon are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both the Maltese and Papillon are child friendly.
  • Grooming - The Papillon is easier to groom than the Maltese.
  • Barking - The Papillon has an average tendency to bark. The Maltese will bark less frequently than most dogs.
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Maltese vs Papillon
Maltese Dog Breed
White & Red Papillon Dog
Breed NameMaltesePapillon
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicYesNo
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Height8-10 in.8-11 in.
Weight4-9 lb4-9 lb
IntelligenceAverageAverage
History
Origin CountryMaltaFrance
Origin Year200 BC1500 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodGood
Pet FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Stranger FriendlyBelow AverageVery Good
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹55°F to 80°F50°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredLowHigh
Top Running Speed12 mph14 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceHighLow
SheddingLowNone-Low
DanderLowLow
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePapillon
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoYes
Family/PackYesNo
IndependentNoYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionVery LowBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingVery LowBelow Average
ChasingVery LowBelow Average
Follow CommandsVery LowBelow Average
FightingVery LowVery Low
GuardingVery LowVery Low
HerdingVery LowVery Low
HuntingVery LowBelow Average
ProtectionVery LowVery Low
Remove VerminVery LowAverage
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchVery LowAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePapillon
Lifespan
Lifespan12-15 yrs.12-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
Collapsed TracheaYesYes
HypoglycemiaYesYes
Open FontanelNoYes
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Portosystemic Liver ShuntYesNo
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesYes
Reverse SneezingYesNo
White Dog Shaker SyndromeYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameMaltesePapillon
Coat
HairYesYes
Coat Type
Single CoatYesYes
Coat Texture
SilkyYesYes
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
LongYesYes
Coat Color(s)
WhiteYesYes
White & LemonYesYes
White & TanYesNo
Black, Brown, & WhiteNoYes
Black, Red, & WhiteNoYes
Brown & WhiteNoYes
Fawn & WhiteNoYes
RedNoYes
Red, White, & SableNoYes
SableNoYes
White & BlackNoYes
White & LiverNoYes
White & RedNoYes
White & SableNoYes
White & SilverNoYes
White, Black, & TanNoYes