Papillon vs Wetterhoun
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
Wetterhoun
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Wetterhoun Overview
Wetterhouns are distinctive Dutch water dogs characterized by their curly, water-resistant coats and powerful swimming abilities. Their robust build, balanced proportions, and alert expression reflect their heritage as skilled hunting companions. Standing 23 inches at the shoulder with a sturdy frame, these dogs display a combination of strength and agility essential for their traditional waterfowl retrieval work.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Papillons are less energetic than Wetterhouns, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Papillons require more grooming attention compared to Wetterhouns.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Papillons tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Wetterhouns.
- Trainability: Wetterhouns may be slightly easier to train due to their Wetterhoun's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Wetterhouns 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 Papillon and Wetterhoun, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Papillon | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 13-13 years |
| Country of Origin | France | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Papillon | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 5-23 inches 13-58 cm |
| Weight | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg | 50-75 lbs 23-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Papillon | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Alert, Happy | Loyal, Good-Natured, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Papillon | Wetterhoun |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Wetterhoun Temperament
The Wetterhoun is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, intelligent, 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 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 Papillon and Wetterhoun, 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
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
Wetterhoun
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Wetterhoun
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.
Wetterhoun Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Wetterhouns 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, Wetterhouns 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
Wetterhoun Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems
- Ear infections
- Bloat
- Skin allergies
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
Wetterhoun
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Loyal family companion
- Weather-resistant coat
- Good hunting instincts
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Limited breed availability
- Needs water access
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Papillon and Wetterhoun, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.