Italian Greyhound vs Papillon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Italian Greyhound
Toy Group
Papillon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhound Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
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: Italian Greyhounds are less energetic than Papillons, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Italian Greyhounds require less grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Italian Greyhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Papillons.
- Trainability: Italian Greyhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Italian Greyhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Italian Greyhounds adapt better to apartment living, while Papillons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Italian Greyhound and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 7-14 lbs 3-6 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 | Italian Greyhound | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Italian Greyhound Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is known for being playful, alert, sensitive, 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. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Italian Greyhound 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
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 5/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Italian Greyhound
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Italian Greyhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Italian Greyhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Italian Greyhounds 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
Italian Greyhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental Disease
- Leg Fractures
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Italian Greyhound
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Excellent apartment dog
- Minimal shedding
Cons
- Fragile bone structure
- Cold sensitivity
- Challenging to housebreak
- Separation anxiety prone
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 Italian Greyhound and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.