Border Collie vs Papillon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Border Collie
Herding Group
Papillon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Border Collie Overview
Border Collies showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive black and white coat patterns, though other colors exist. Their almond-shaped eyes possess an intense, intelligent gaze that reflects their keen herding instinct. A graceful, agile frame supports their remarkable working ability, complemented by a deep chest and strong legs built for endurance.
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: Border Collies are more energetic than Papillons, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Border Collies require more grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Border Collies 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 Border Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Border Collie and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Border Collie | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Border Collie | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 30-55 lbs 14-25 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 | Border Collie | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Smart, Energetic | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Border Collie | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Border Collie Temperament
The Border Collie is known for being affectionate, smart, energetic, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Border Collie 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
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Border Collie
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Border Collie
Rating: 5/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Border Collie
Rating: 1/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Border Collie
Rating: 4/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Border Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Collies 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, Border Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Border Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- CEA
- MDR1
- TNS
- CL
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Border Collie
Pros
- Extremely intelligent
- Highly trainable
- Athletic and agile
- Loyal and devoted
- Excellent working dog
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- May be too intense for novice owners
- Strong herding instinct
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be overly sensitive
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 Border Collie and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.