Papillon vs Berger Picard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Papillon
Toy Group
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Papillons are less energetic than Berger Picards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Papillons require more grooming attention compared to Berger Picards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Papillons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Berger Picards.
- Trainability: Berger Picards may be slightly easier to train due to their Berger Picard'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 Papillon and Berger Picard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Papillon | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | France | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Papillon | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Papillon | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Happy | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Papillon | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is known for being friendly, alert, happy, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, observant, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Papillon and Berger Picard, 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
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons 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, Papillons require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Pros & Cons
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
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Papillon and Berger Picard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.