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.

Maltese vs Papillon
Maltese
Papillon
Maltese
Papillon
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General Details
Maltese
Papillon
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-16 Years
Height
8-10 Inches
8-11 Inches
Weight
4-9 Pounds
4-9 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Average
History
Maltese
Papillon
Origin Country
Malta
France
Origin Year
-200 BC
1500 AD
Temperament
Maltese
Papillon
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
Maltese
Papillon
Traits
Affectionate
Jealous
Loving
Needy
Separation Anxiety
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Maltese
Papillon
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
No
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
55-80 °F
50-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Maltese
Papillon
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
Low
High
Top Running Speed
12 MPH
14 MPH
Strength
Low
Low
Grooming Needs
Maltese
Papillon
Coat Maintenance
High
Low
Shedding
Low
None to Low
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
None
None
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Maltese
Papillon
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
Yes
Breed Focus
Maltese
Papillon
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Breed Instincts
Maltese
Papillon
Aggression
Below Average
None
Burrow / Digging
None
Below Average
Chasing
None
Below Average
Follow Commands
None
Below Average
Fighting
None
None
Guarding
None
None
Herding
None
None
Hunting
None
Below Average
Protection
None
None
Remove Vermin
None
Average
Sled Pulling
None
None
Watch / Guardian
None
Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Maltese
Papillon
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
12-16 Years
Health Concerns
Maltese
Papillon
Common Health Issues
Patellar luxation
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Portosystemic shunt
Reverse sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Shaker syndrome
Entropion
Cataracts
Patellar luxation
Open fontanel
Collapsed trachea
Progressive retinal atrophy
Hypothyroidism
Seizures
Hypoglycemia
Deafness
Thrombopathia
Sensitivity to anesthesia
Intervertebral disc disease
Black hair follicular dysplasia
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Maltese
Papillon
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Single
Coat Texture
Silky
Straight
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Long
Long
Coat Coloring
Maltese
Papillon
Breed Colors
White
Red
White
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