A glamorous, delicate-looking dog, with ears that resemble a butterfly or a moth — hence the name — the Papillon is descended from toy Spaniels and has been portrayed in famous paintings dating back as far as the 16th century.
They’re as elegant as they sound, but their popularity is not based solely on looks, but also on their intelligence, as the Papillon dog breed is known to be one of the smartest breeds in the world.
Papillons can suffer from:
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy which is an inherited disorder where part of the eye degenerates and wastes away which can result in blindness.
- Neuroaxonal dystrophy which is a serious condition that affects the nervous system.
- Von Willebrand's disease which is where a dog produces insufficient or faulty clotting factors which can result in uncontrolled bleeding.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy in Papillons which tests whether or not a dog has the potential to be affected by this condition
- Eye screening scheme
The Papillon colours include white, black, and tan markings and their coat is long and silky (see the breed standard for full details). Adult dogs stand at 20-28 cm and weigh 3-5 kg, so they’re fairly small and can be comfortable living in any environment, from apartments to homes with large gardens.
There are two types of Papillon ears: the most popular ones called butterfly ears, and the pendant ears, also known as drop ears or moth ears, which are floppier.
An alert, friendly, energetic little dog, the Papillon dog is a rewarding, loving companion that enjoys taking part in family activities, as well as spending time on laps!
They are also very friendly with other pets if they are socialized from a young age, so they have no problem bonding and getting along with other dogs or cats. Another great quality in a Papillon is their intelligence, which makes it easier for them to learn basic commands and new tricks.
| Family-friendly: | 3/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 3/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 2/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 4/5 |
| Energy level: | 4/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 5/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
Toy Spaniels that feature in many Renaissance paintings bear a strong similarity to the Papillon dog, and the breed is thought to have developed in France or Belgium. The Papillon dog was a favoured companion of royalty and the nobility on the Continent, and one is even said to have been carried by Marie Antoinette when she walked to the guillotine.
The breed's name, which translates as 'butterfly', comes from its large ears, which look like a butterfly with outstretched wings. If a dog has drop ears, it is called a Phalene, which translates as 'moth'.
For those who want an active, clever, trainable and sporty breed, but in a much smaller package, the Papillon is ideal. If you enjoy walks, training and a bit of grooming, can provide a secure garden of any size, and want a fun companion in a very economic, easy to house size, the Papillon is a lovely breed. Great for the child-free home, for the older but still very active owner, or families with sensible/older children, all a Papillon wants is to be with you whatever you’re doing.
About half an hour a day will be needed for the Papillon dog, though they are capable of more if you can offer it. For their size, they are surprisingly energetic and has competed with success in agility.
Play can also be included in their exercise routine, as they very much enjoy spending time and having fun with their owners. Many Paps love chasing balls, so they’ll never not be up for that, however, they can also be quite distractible, so it’s best to play with them in an enclosed area where they can be safe.
The Papillon dog breed is pretty compact and very adaptable, so given their small size, they’ll be comfortable living in most environments. Apartment life will work out for them, but given their high energy, a backyard with plenty of space will be much appreciated as they enjoy running around and playing somewhere with plenty of space.
Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Papillon lifespan reaching 16 years.
The Papillon grooming process is fairly easy. The profuse, long, silky coat should be groomed two or three times a week to keep it tangle-free. They will also need bathing every month or so, especially if they’re smelly or they get themselves dirty while playing outside.
Paps love being the center of attention, and as they’re also agile and quick learners, they’ll be happy discovering new tricks that they can show off to an audience. Training should be done at an early age and should be abundant in positive reinforcement, which will lead to them learning faster and being more willing to obey.
Papillons make excellent family dogs as they get on with everyone and will join in with any activities. They are however small - especially as puppies - and so can be prone to injury in boisterous households. They also tend to bond closely to one person.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
Does a Papillon bark a lot?
The Papillon dog breed is generally outgoing and even though they are highly energetic, they are not considered to be excessive barkers.
Why should you not get a Papillon?
The Papillon is a very fragile dog breed and, as puppies, they can easily be injured so extra special attention should be paid when living with one.
Do Papillons like to cuddle?
Papillons are widely known to be one of the cuddliest dog breeds. They will love snuggling up next to their humans almost as much as they love running around.
How do you take care of a Papillon?
Paps are relatively easy to take care of when they’re older, but more effort and energy will have to be put into raising them as they are very fragile as puppies.
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