Papillon vs Shih Tzu
Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health
Papillon
Hardy, Friendly, Energetic, Alert, Intelligent, Happy, Affectionate, Loyal, Curious, Playful, Independent, Quiet, Gentle
Shih Tzu
Clever, Spunky, Outgoing, Friendly, Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Loyal, Independent, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Happy, Active, Courageous
📏 Physical Stats
⚡ Temperament & Traits
Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.
💰 Cost of Ownership
Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Over their lifetimes, a Papillon (~15 yrs) costs approximately $2,299 less than a Shih Tzu (~14 yrs) in total.
🏥 Health Considerations
Papillon
Full Papillon health guide →Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.
🐾 Temperament
Papillon
Hardy, Friendly, Energetic, Alert, Intelligent, Happy, Affectionate, Loyal, Curious, Playful, Independent, Quiet, Gentle
Shih Tzu
Clever, Spunky, Outgoing, Friendly, Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Loyal, Independent, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Happy, Active, Courageous