Which is Better between the Komondor and the Papillon? A Very Detailed Review.

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Komondor Versus Papillon: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor and the Papillon? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Komondor and the Papillon better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Komondor and the Papillon.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor and the Papillon is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Komondor and for the Papillon. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Komondor and the Papillon.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Komondor or the Papillon.

Komondor versus Papillon

Komondor versus Papillon: Overview

A very important difference between the Komondor and the Papillon is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Papillon is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Komondor belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Papillon belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Komondor versus Papillon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor to the Papillon based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Komondor and the Papillon

Factor Komondor Papillon
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 5/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 4/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 4 to 9 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $840 $1800
Price Range $550 – $800 $1400 – $2000
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 82.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 49

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Papillon. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Papillon is 89 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Papillon is a better pet than the Komondor. So, you should get the Papillon!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Komondor and the Papillon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Papillon

    Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Papillon are most different:

  • Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners. However, Papillons are good for new dog owners.
  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Papillons get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Papillons are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Papillons adapt well to apartment living.
  • Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Papillons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Papillons are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Papillon

    The Komondor and the Papillon are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Papillon are most similar:

  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Papillon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Papillon

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Papillon.

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Papillons weigh 4 to 9 pounds when fully grown. Papillons are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Komondor versus Papillon

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Papillons is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Papillons is 14.0 years.

    Papillons live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Papillon Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Papillon.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Papillon is 82.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 82.3 percent, the Papillon has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Komondor and the Papillon by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 96 Papillons.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Papillon

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Papillon puppy is $1800. The price of the Papillon typically ranges from $1400 – $2000. However, the price of the Papillon can be as low as $700 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 108 Papillon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Papillon is more expensive than the Komondor.

    Komondor Papillon
    Average Price $840 $1800
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1400 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Komondor and Papillon. For different price points, the charts show how many Komondor puppies or how many Papillon puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Papillons

    A breakdown of the prices of Papillons

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Komondor puppy or the Papillon puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Papillon

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Papillon over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Papillon is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Papillon is 49 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Papillon

    Popularity of Papillon

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Papillon Popularity Rank
    2013 159 38
    2014 168 43
    2015 163 48
    2016 177 53
    2017 163 53
    2018 173 54
    2019 181 53
    2020 178 53

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Papillon

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Papillon are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Komondor is prone to more genetic health problems than the Papillon.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Komondor than for the Papillon.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 2 tests are recommended for the Papillon.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Papillons.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Papillon Health Problems

    Papillons are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Papillon puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Papillon puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Papillon breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Papillons for:

  • Eye Examination- recommend screening every 2 years
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Papillons here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Papillons

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Papillon Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Papillon ranks 55 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2362 Papillons, 70 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Papillons, and how common these diseases are in Papillons relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 55 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 67 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 148 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Papillon and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Papillon:

    Disease Komondor Rank Papillon Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 148 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems Not Common 55 out of 145 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 67 out of 159 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Papillon

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Papillons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Papillons?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Papillons do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Papillon

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Papillons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Papillon?

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Papillons are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Papillon?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Papillons have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Papillons?

    Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Papillons are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Papillons Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Papillons cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Papillon

    Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Papillons do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Papillons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Papillons can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Papillon?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Papillons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Papillons?

    Komondors are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Papillons are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Papillons?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Papillons get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Papillon?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Papillons are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Papillon?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Papillons adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Papillon?

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Papillons are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Komondor:

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Papillon vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Papillon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Papillon that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Papillon:

  • Bichon Frise (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Bichon Frise.
  • Cavachon (78 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Cavachon.
  • Havanese (79 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Havanese.
  • Papipoo (86 percent match with Papillon). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Papipoo.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Komondor and how the Papillon compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Papillon to other breeds:

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Schnoodle     Komondor versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Komondor versus Boxer     Komondor versus Pointer     Komondor versus Labradoodle     Komondor versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Komondor versus Papillon     Komondor versus Silky Terrier     Komondor versus Lhasapoo     Komondor versus Shiba Inu     Komondor versus Pomapoo     Komondor versus Black Mouth Cur     Komondor versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Komondor versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Komondor versus Skye Terrier     Komondor versus Mountain Cur     Komondor versus Field Spaniel     Komondor versus Azawakh     Komondor versus Chinese Crested     Komondor versus Saint Bernard     Komondor versus Peek A Poo     Komondor versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Komondor versus Saluki     Komondor versus Beagle     

    Papillon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Papillon versus Standard Schnauzer     Papillon versus Norfolk Terrier     Papillon versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Papillon versus King Shepherd     Papillon versus Sloughi     Papillon versus Pomsky     Papillon versus Westiepoo     Papillon versus Sussex Spaniel     Papillon versus Bordoodle     Papillon versus Norwegian Lundehund     Papillon versus Australian Terrier     Papillon versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Papillon versus Cesky Terrier     Papillon versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Papillon versus Italian Greyhound     Papillon versus Flat-Coated Retriever     Papillon versus Cavapoo     Papillon versus Swedish Vallhund     Papillon versus German Pinscher     Papillon versus Affenpinscher     Papillon versus Havanese     Papillon versus Mountain Cur     Papillon versus Hovawart     Papillon versus Pomsky     Papillon versus Plott     

    Conclusion: Komondor versus Papillon. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Komondor and the Papillon better suits you and your family.