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Papillon vs Yorkshire Terrier vs Labrador Retriever

Three friendly breeds enter—one emerges as your best match. Use the trait grids below to spot practical differences in lifestyle fit.

Full body image of a Papillon
size

Papillons are small dogs, weighing 4-9 lbs, with a height of 8-11 inches.

energy level

Papillons have a high energy level and enjoy being active, participating in playtime, and exploring their environment.

exercise needs

Papillons need regular exercise, including daily walks and playtime, to maintain their physical and mental well-being.

trainability

Papillons are highly trainable dogs, eager to learn and excel in various activities such as obedience, agility, and tracking.

intelligence

Papillons are highly intelligent dogs, known for their problem-solving abilities and quick learning.

adaptability

Papillons can adapt well to various living situations, including apartments and larger homes, as long as their exercise needs are met.

with kids

Papillons can be good with children, but their small size makes them more susceptible to injury. Supervision and proper handling are important.

with other pets

Papillons can get along well with other pets, especially when raised together. However, their small size may require caution around larger animals.

in cold climates

Papillons can tolerate colder temperatures, but their small size and thin coat require proper protection during extreme cold.

in hot climates

Papillons can tolerate hot climates but need to be monitored for signs of overheating during exercise.

shedding

Papillons have a long, silky coat that sheds moderately and requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats.

grooming

Papillons require regular grooming, including brushing and occasional bathing, to keep their coats clean and healthy.

bark tendency

Papillons have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Papillons are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.

Full body image of a Yorkshire Terrier
size

Yorkshire Terriers are toy-sized dogs, standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing 4-7 lbs.

energy level

Yorkshire Terriers have moderate energy levels and enjoy short walks, playtime, and interactive toys.

exercise needs

Yorkshire Terriers require minimal exercise, such as short daily walks and indoor playtime.

trainability

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent but can be stubborn, so training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

intelligence

Yorkshire Terriers are intelligent dogs with a natural curiosity and a quick learning ability.

adaptability

Yorkshire Terriers are highly adaptable and can thrive in various living situations, including apartments and homes with yards.

with kids

Yorkshire Terriers can be good with older, gentle children, but they may not tolerate rough handling from young kids.

with other pets

Yorkshire Terriers can get along with other dogs and pets, but early socialization is important, as they can be territorial.

in cold climates

Yorkshire Terriers can manage in cold climates, but they require proper clothing and protection due to their small size and thin coat.

in hot climates

Yorkshire Terriers can handle hot climates, but they need to be provided with shade, water, and limited exercise during the hottest parts of the day.

shedding

Yorkshire Terriers are considered hypoallergenic and shed minimally, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.

grooming

Yorkshire Terriers require regular grooming, including daily brushing and frequent bathing, to keep their silky coats clean and tangle-free.

bark tendency

Yorkshire Terriers tend to bark more frequently and may require consistent training to manage their barking.

health issues

Yorkshire Terriers may have some health issues, requiring regular veterinary checkups and preventative care.

Full body image of a Labrador Retriever
size

Sturdy and muscular, Labs weigh 55-80 lbs and stand 21.5-24.5 inches tall.

energy level

Labs are energetic and playful, always ready for adventure or a fun game of fetch.

exercise needs

Keep your Lab happy and fit with daily exercise like walks, runs, or playtime.

trainability

Labs are eager to please, making them a breeze to train for both beginners and experts.

intelligence

Quick learners, Labs excel at problem-solving and mastering new tasks.

adaptability

Labs adapt to various environments and lifestyles, from city apartments to country homes.

with kids

Known as gentle giants, Labs are patient, loving, and fantastic playmates for children.

with other pets

Friendly and sociable, Labs get along swimmingly with other dogs and even cats.

in cold climates

Labs' double coats help them handle cold weather, but they still need shelter and warmth.

in hot climates

Labs can manage hot climates, but provide shade, water, and avoid excessive exercise.

shedding

Expect Labs to shed, especially during seasonal coat changes. Keep that brush handy!

grooming

Regular brushing keeps Labs' coats healthy and controls shedding.

bark tendency

Labrador Retrievers have average bark tendencies and may bark for various reasons, such as alerting their owners or during playtime.

health issues

Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, but regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are still necessary.