Papillon Dog Colors: A Comprehensive Guide

The Papillon is a beautiful breed, and one of the things that makes them so charming is their variety of colors. There are four main colors that Papillons come in: white, black, sable, and phantasmagoric.

The most common color is white, which is often accompanied by patches of another color. In fact, white Papillons can have patches of black, sable, or even a combination of both.

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The breed standard for a Papillon's color is quite specific. It outlines the traditional and well-known colors within the breed.

One of the most interesting things about the breed standard is that it includes a range of colors, from solid to bi-color to tri-color. In fact, the breed standard lists 14 different color combinations.

Some of these colors are quite striking, like the Black & White and the Lemon & White. These colors are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply rooted in the breed's history.

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The breed standard also includes a range of sable colors, such as Dark Red Sable & White and Silver Sable & White. These colors are created by adding a sable gene to the breed's coat.

Here are the breed standard colors for a Papillon, as outlined in the breed standard:

Papillons come in a variety of colors, including white and sable, white and black, and tricolor (black, white, and tan).

The white and sable pattern features a white base with sable patches, often over the eyes, ears, and sometimes the tail. White and black Papillons exhibit clear, sharp divisions between the two colors, often with the black forming a mask-like pattern over the face.

Tricolor Papillons add tan highlights to the mix, particularly above the eyes and around the cheeks, creating a striking and distinctive look.

In dog shows, Papillons must have a white base with coloring on the ears and around the eyes that may extend to cover more of the face. Colors that are highly undesirable include solid colors without white, albinism, or any colors that excessively cover the white base.

Proper color distribution can impact a dog's success in the show ring, as judges look for well-balanced markings that align with breed standards.

Additional reading: Dog Colors Sable

The sable color in Papillons is truly unique and beautiful. It's a combination of brown and black that can range from a light golden brown to a deep mahogany.

Sable patches can appear over the eyes, ears, back, and sometimes along the tail, adding a striking contrast to the white base coat. This variation is highly prized for its classic beauty and the way it accentuates the Papillon’s alert expression and graceful demeanor.

The sable patches often have a layered look, with the color dark at the roots and light at the tips. This creates a beautiful, sophisticated blend of colors that adds elegance to the Papillon’s lively nature.

In the white and sable combination, the sable color catches the light and shadow in a way that highlights the Papillon’s dynamic contours and elegant posture. This makes them particularly photogenic dogs, and their coat colors are often showcased in dog shows and photography.

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The Black Papillon is a stunning color combination that's hard to resist. Black markings usually adorn the ears, eyes, and body, providing a striking juxtaposition to the white base color.

In fact, the stark contrast of the black and white fur creates a dramatic effect that's simply irresistible. This color combination is recognized by the AKC under the registration code 202.

Black and white Papillons have a predominantly white coat with bold black patches that provide a stunning visual contrast. Common areas for black patches include the ears, around the eyes forming a mask-like appearance, and sometimes as large spots over the body and base of the tail.

This coloration not only adds to the physical appeal of the Papillon but also brings an air of sophistication to the breed's already charming presence.

Additional reading: Black Papillon Dog

The Red Papillon is a stunning variation of the breed, with rich, vibrant red patches that add a fiery contrast to their snowy white background. The red patches can range from a deep, rusty hue to a bright, copper red.

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Red markings are typically found on the ears, around the eyes, and across the back and tail, creating a bold and vibrant look. This color combination is not only eye-catching but also quite rare, making it a sought-after variation among Papillon enthusiasts.

The red patches usually frame the ears and eyes, but can also appear on the body, providing a vivid color combination that guarantees the Papillon will be the center of attention.

The lemon color in Papillons is quite rare, making it a unique and sought-after trait among collectors and enthusiasts.

The lemon color is a light, creamy tan that's much more subdued than the vibrant reds or deep browns typically seen in Papillons.

It usually appears as soft markings on the head and body, giving the dog a gentle and understated look.

These markings may be faint and are often more noticeable on the ears and around the eyes.

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The lemon color is much lighter and subtler than the reds and sables, giving the Papillon a warm and engaging expression.

The combination of white and lemon patches creates a soft and sunny allure, making the Papillon look almost angelic.

The lemon spots are usually found on the ears and around the eyes, where they add a touch of warmth and personality to the dog's face.

This unique color pattern is less common than some others, making it an enchanting rarity that's prized by many Papillon enthusiasts.

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Papillons can't be solid colored, they must have a predominantly white base with patches of one or more other colors.

The most common color patterns in Papillons include white and sable, white and black, and tricolor (black, white, and tan). These classic patterns are highly recognizable and cherished among Papillon enthusiasts.

Papillons can have a blue coloration, but it's quite rare and refers to a dilute black which appears as a slate or greyish color.

The color distribution on a Papillon's coat is primarily aesthetic, designed to enhance the breed's elegant and butterfly-like appearance.

Genetics plays a crucial role in determining the color of a Papillon's coat, controlling pigment distribution and type, and dictating the pattern and symmetry of the markings.

A Papillon's face markings should be symmetrical to accentuate the breed's alert and expressive character, which is highly valued in the show ring.

The Black, and Tan Papillon is a stunning variation of the breed. Black usually covers most of the body.

Tan markings are strategically placed above the eyes and around the ears, adding a touch of warmth to the overall appearance.

The combination of black and tan creates a beautiful contrast that showcases the Papillon's unique features.