Italian Greyhound vs Papillon
Toy · Small vs Toy · Toy
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
PapillonToy
A friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums.
Weight: 5–10 lbsLifespan: 14–16 years
Quick take
- • Italian Greyhound is the larger breed at 7–14 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
- • The Papillon typically lives longer (14–16 years).
- • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.
- • The Papillon is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Papillon |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Toy |
Size | Small | Toy |
Origin | Italy | France |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 8–11" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 8–11" |
Weight (male) | 7–14 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–14 lbs | 5–10 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 years | 14–16 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very Low (1/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
About the Papillon
The Papillon is a friendly, alert, happy butterfly-eared toy — the most trainable toy breed, fixture in agility podiums. Originally from France, this toy toy breed typically weighs 5–10 lbs and lives 14–16 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, alert, happy.
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Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA
Papillon health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Patellar luxation
- • Dental issues
- • Progressive retinal atrophy