The papillon is a small, elegant dog breed with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. They originated in Europe as a companion dog for royalty.
Their name "papillon" means "butterfly" in French, which refers to their distinctive butterfly-like ears. These ears are a hallmark of the breed.
Papillons are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
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History and Origins
The Papillon dog breed has a rich history that dates back centuries. The breed is thought to have developed in France or Belgium.
These adorable dogs were a favorite among royalty and nobility on the Continent. One Papillon even accompanied Marie Antoinette to the guillotine.
The breed's name "Papillon" translates to "butterfly" in French, due to its large, butterfly-like ears. The drop-eared variety is called a Phalene, which means "moth".
The Papillon breed has been depicted in many classic paintings, often with drop ears.
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Care and Grooming
Papillons have a beautiful, long, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
Grooming them two to three times a week will keep their coat looking its best.
Their fur can get dirty and smelly, so they'll need a bath every month or so.
Papillons are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department, despite their long hair.
A weekly brushing with a slicker brush will control mats and remove debris and loose hair.
They don't have an undercoat, and their hair doesn't shed much, making them a great choice for owners who want a low-shedding breed.
Their nails should be trimmed about every two weeks, and dewclaws need to be trimmed regularly to prevent injury.
Daily tooth brushing is essential to prevent dental problems and periodontal disease, which can impact their overall health.
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Appearance
The Papillon's appearance is truly one-of-a-kind, with a few distinctive features that set them apart.
Their ears are their most notable feature, resembling butterfly wings with long, silky hair that fringes the edges. You'll often see them standing out prominently on each side of the head.
Papillon ears come in two types: the popular butterfly ears and the pendant ears, also known as drop ears or moth ears, which are floppier.
Their sweet, brown eyes resemble shiny buttons, conveying an alert expression that's always on the lookout for adventure.
The nose is a small, black oval perched at the end of a delicate muzzle that tapers slightly from skull to tip.
The Papillon's coat is long and silky, typically growing shorter on the head and face, as well as on the front of the forelegs and feet.
A few Papillons may have a naturally short-haired coat, but the majority have a single coat that's long and abundant.
Their coat color can be either parti-colored or tri-colored, with white as the main color and contrasting color on the ears, face, and other parts of the body.
Standard color combos include white and black; white and lemon; white and red; white and sable; and white, black, and tan.
The tail is a long, silky plume of flowing hair that's carried high and laid along the back, blending in with the long hair covering the sides when properly groomed.
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Grooming
Grooming your Papillon is a breeze, and with a little practice, it becomes a enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. They have a long, fine, silky hair coat that requires moderate grooming, specifically hair brushing two to three times a week.
Brushing your dog's teeth daily can help prevent various tooth and gum problems. Papillons are prone to dental problems and periodontal disease, so it's essential to start brushing their teeth as puppies to get them used to their mouths being handled.
Their fur is long and silky, but it only needs to be brushed twice a week, making it a relatively low-maintenance grooming process. Pay extra attention to their ears, under their legs, and their tail, as this fur is longer and more likely to tangle.
Papillons don't shed too much, but they are not considered "hypoallergenic." They'll need grooming throughout their lives, so it's essential to get them comfortable with grooming from a young age.
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A weekly brushing with a slicker brush can control mats and remove debris and loose hair. They can get by with a monthly trip to the groomers for a wash, trim, and blowout, and only need to be bathed if they get muddy or roll in something stinky.
Nails should be trimmed as soon as you hear them tapping on the tile, about every two weeks or so. Dewclaws especially need to be trimmed regularly, so they don't curl inward and cause injury or become easily caught on clothing or furniture.
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Papillon puppies are as energetic as their adult counterparts, and their high intelligence makes them fun to train but also very mischievous.
Their natural inquisitiveness and quick wit can encourage them to misbehave, so be prepared for some creative antics.
Papillons are not hard to find since they're popular in the US, and you can easily find a dedicated breeder to help you find the perfect puppy.
Both Papillons and Phalenes often occur in one litter, so you may have the option to choose between the two.
Considering their popularity, you can also find a Papillon puppy in a rescue shelter, which is a great way to give a loving home to a deserving dog.
Temperament and Training
Papillons are highly intelligent dogs that are a joy to train with positive reinforcement methods. They love to please and are known for their happy dispositions.
Their intelligence, combined with their cheerfulness, makes them a pleasure to train, and they're one of the top 10 most intelligent breeds in the world! They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so it's essential to channel their energy into training and play.
Papillons are friendly and adore people, but they can be loud and prone to barking without proper training. They're not so great with small, rambunctious children or larger dogs, so it's crucial to teach your kiddos how to properly interact with them.
Here are some key training tips for Papillons:
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to raising a well-behaved and loving Papillon companion. Remember, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can unlock your Papillon's full potential and enjoy a lifelong friendship with this delightful breed.
Ownership and Compatibility
The Papillon is a breed that's perfect for an active owner who wants a clever, trainable, and sporty companion in a smaller package. They're ideal for child-free homes, older but still active owners, or families with sensible/older children.
Papillons are incredibly friendly and open, but they can be wary of other dogs initially. However, they'll warm up to them eventually and become lifelong friends.
Their small size makes them less threatening to feline friends, and they adore their affection and attention almost as much as their owners. Large dog owners should be cautious when introducing a Papillon into their homes, as they can play rough and may accidentally injure their larger counterparts.
Papillons are excellent dogs for families, and their small stature and sunny disposition make them ideal for homes of any size. Families with children will struggle to find a better companion, but small children should always be supervised around them due to their small size.
Papillons are big dogs in tiny packages, and they'll never struggle to keep up on hikes or long walks. They're a wellspring of affection and energy, making them a great fit for active families.
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Adopt or Buy
If you're interested in bringing a papillon into your life, you have two main options: adopting or buying.
Adopting a papillon can be a rewarding experience and it will only cost a few hundred dollars to cover the costs of care.
Finding a papillon breeder can be challenging and they can charge between $800 up to $3,000 for a puppy.
The Papillon Club of America is a great resource to find a reputable breeder, with a breeder referral list organized by state.
You can also research local rescue groups or try the PapAdopters & Placement Service, a volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing purebred papillons.
Sources
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- Papillon Dog Breed Information (purina.co.uk)
- The Papillon Club of America (papillonclub.org)
- PetMD (petmd.com)
- VCA Hospitals (vcahospitals.com)
- PDSA.org (pdsa.org.uk)
- Papillon Dog Breed - BeChewy (chewy.com)
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