Labrador Retriever vs Papillon

Sporting · Large vs Toy · Toy

Quick take
  • Labrador Retriever is the larger breed at 65–80 lbs (males) vs 5–10 lbs for the Papillon.
  • The Papillon typically lives longer (14–16 years).
  • The Labrador Retriever has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Papillon sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitLabrador RetrieverPapillon
Group
SportingToy
Size
LargeToy
Origin
CanadaFrance
Height (male)
22.5–24.5"8–11"
Height (female)
21.5–23.5"8–11"
Weight (male)
65–80 lbs5–10 lbs
Weight (female)
55–70 lbs5–10 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
11–13 years14–16 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
High (4/5)Low (2/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Low (2/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Good with kids
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Good with strangers
Very High (5/5)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
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is america's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl. Originally from Canada, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, active, outgoing, even-tempered.

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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Labrador Retriever health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Obesity
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Papillon health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Dental issues
  • Progressive retinal atrophy