The Papillon is a small, delicate dog breed that's perfect for city living or for families with smaller children. They weigh between 7-11 pounds and stand about 8-11 inches tall.
These little dogs have a big personality and require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their long, silky coats.
Papillons are intelligent and active dogs that need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. A short walk or playtime in the yard is ideal, but they also enjoy more energetic activities like agility training.
Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them great companions, but they can be wary of strangers, so socialization is key.
Quick Facts
The Papillon is a toy spaniel breed that originated in France, specifically bred as a companion dog for royalty and nobles.
They are small dogs, typically standing 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 4-8 pounds.
Papillons have a lifespan of 12-15 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a small breed.
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Their coat is long, silky, and flowing, requiring daily brushing to prevent matting.
The most common colors for Papillons are white with black, tan, or brown markings.
Papillons are happy, outgoing, and intelligent dogs that love to be around people and are relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.
Here are some key characteristics of Papillons at a glance:
The name Papillon comes from the French word for butterfly, due to their ears resembling butterfly wings.
Papillon Basics
The Papillon is a small, gentle breed with a big personality. They originated in Europe as a companion dog for royalty and nobility.
Papillons are known for their butterfly-like ears, which are long and fringed with hair. They come in a variety of colors, including white, black, and tan.
In terms of size, Papillons are a small breed, weighing between 7-11 pounds and standing between 8-11 inches tall.
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Overview
The Papillon is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Europe.
This breed is known for its distinctive butterfly-like ears, which can be erect or hanging.
Papillons are friendly and outgoing dogs that make great family pets.
They are highly intelligent and active, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Papillons are generally good with children and other pets, but as with any breed, socialization is key to ensuring they get along well with others.
They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and nail trimming.
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History
The Papillon has a rich history that spans centuries.
The breed was first portrayed in portraits dating back to the 16th century, showcasing its age and enduring popularity.
These charming dogs were favorite companions of court ladies throughout Europe, often depicted in artworks alongside their doting mistresses.
They were even carried by traders in baskets on mules through France, Italy, and Spain.
In the 17th century court of Louis XIV, a small spaniel with upright ears was developed and given the name Papillon, meaning butterfly.
This name was due to the breed's distinctive ear shape.
The Papillon's original appearance was quite different from its modern form, with solid colors instead of the white patches we see today.
The breed's appearance has remained relatively unchanged, with a Papillon today looking much the same as one you might see in a 16th-century painting.
Physical Characteristics
Papillons are small dogs that stand 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight varies between 4 to 9 pounds.
Size
Papillons are relatively small dogs, standing between 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.
Their weight can vary, typically ranging from 4 to 9 pounds.
Coat and Grooming
The Papillon's coat is straight, fine, and silky, with no undercoat, and it's prone to feathering on the legs and a flowing plume of a tail.
Their beautiful butterfly-like ears are fringed with hair, and the insides are covered with medium-length silken hair. The Papillon's coat isn't prone to matting, but it should be combed and brushed once or twice a week to keep the hair and skin healthy.
The Papillon is always parti-colored, white with patches of any color. The ideal Papillon has a clearly defined white blaze and nose band, but one with a solidly marked head still makes a great companion.
Their nose, eye rims, and lips are black. The Papillon doesn't have a doggie odor, so bathing is only necessary as needed.
Trimming nails two or three times a month or as needed is essential, and you can tell if they're too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor. Brushing their teeth two or three times a week – daily if possible – will help keep them clean and tartar-free.
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Ownership and Care
Papillons need regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet to thrive.
Lack of attention can result in separation anxiety, often leading to destructive behavior, so it's essential to spend quality time with your Papillon.
You'll need to be careful walking your Papillon in temperatures under 44 degrees Fahrenheit, as they don't tolerate cold weather well.
To keep them warm, you may need to put your pup in a dog sweater or jacket during winter.
Papillons do well in moderate heat thanks to their single-coated fur, but they can be prone to heat stroke if walked too long in high temperatures.
Adopt/Buy
Adopting a papillon can be a rewarding experience, and it's a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need. Adopting will run a few hundred dollars to cover the costs of care.
If you're set on buying a papillon, be prepared for a higher price tag, with costs ranging from $800 to $3,000 for a puppy. This is because finding a reputable breeder can be challenging.
The Papillon Club of America is a great resource to find a member breeder, and their breeder referral list is organized by state to make it easier to find a breeder near you.
Caring for
Papillons need regular exercise to thrive, so make sure to schedule daily walks and playtime.
Their love for companionship means they're best suited to owners with plenty of time to care for them, as lack of attention can lead to separation anxiety and destructive behavior.
Papillons have a single-layer coat that doesn't tolerate cold weather well, so be careful walking them in temperatures under 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
You'll likely need to put a dog sweater or jacket on your Papillon during winter to keep them warm.
They're prone to hypothermia and frostbite if the temperature dips below freezing, so consider this before moving to a cold climate.
Papillons do well in moderate heat thanks to their single-coated fur, but they'll need access to fresh water and shade to stay comfortable.
In hot weather, it's best to head out early in the morning or during the evening once temperatures have cooled to prevent heat stroke.
Regular health exams with your vet can help catch teeth or knee problems early, and they can also provide dietary advice to keep your Papillon at a healthy weight.
Dog Insurance for
Dog insurance can be a lifesaver for pet owners, and the cost varies depending on the breed. For Papillons, the average cost to insure with ManyPets was $30 per month in 2022.
This is significantly lower than the average cost across all breeds and ages, which was $37 per month. Papillons are indeed a very healthy breed, making them a great choice for those who want to save on insurance costs.
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