Berger Picard vs Papillon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Papillon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Papillon Overview
Graceful and elegant, Papillons are distinguished by their butterfly-like ears adorned with flowing fringed hair. Their refined build combines delicate features with a hardy constitution, sporting a silky coat in white with patches of various colors. Alert and lively, these intelligent companions carry themselves with remarkable poise while maintaining a spirited, friendly demeanor.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Berger Picards are more energetic than Papillons, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Berger Picards require less grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Berger Picards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Papillons.
- Trainability: Papillons may be slightly easier to train due to their Papillon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Papillons adapt better to apartment living, while Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Berger Picard and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Berger Picard | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Berger Picard | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Berger Picard | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Berger Picard | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is known for being loyal, good-natured, observant, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is characterized by being friendly, alert, happy, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Berger Picard and Papillon, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Papillons require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Papillon
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Easy to train
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- May be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Berger Picard and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.