Papillon
Thank you for using our site to find Papillon information. Feel free to add any information about the Papillon breed we may have missed. If you have any specific questions about the Papillon, feel free to ask them below. We've found that most breeders are more than happy to reply and answer your questions. We love your photos and reviews! We appreciate all additions to the site and we know our users value them as well. If you need help training your Papillon check out our dog training reviews. |  |
General Description
(Continental Toy Spaniel) (Butterfly Dog) (Pap) (Epagneul nain Continental)The Papillon is a cute and small dog with distinctive characteristics. Their round, perky face stretches into a short muzzle sticking out from it. The breed’s large round eyes are always filled with emotions. One unique characteristic of the breed is its ears which are erect and have hair all around their sides which is why they are often referred to as butterflies. The Papillon’s short furry neck leads to broad shoulders and sunken stomach covered with an abundance of fur. Short skinny legs with fur feathering out along them lead to small oval shaped feet which are perfectly proportioned to the rest of their body. Another cute and distinct feature of the breed is their fluffy tail which rests on their lower back. This small dog is covered in lots of fur especially on their face. Coat colors vary, but the main color is always white with patches of any color such as black, brown, or red.Character
The Papillon is a sweet and playful dog. This dog especially loves their family which they become very attached to. However, this breed does not like strangers and views them as a threat to their owners and property. Children should be respectful and gentle with this dog. Papillons are often aggressive to dogs but can live with a cat. Intelligence makes them easy to train; however, they are difficult to house break.
Size
8 – 11 inches
Weight
8 – 10 pounds
General Health
The Papillon is fairly healthy with only a few health concerns. The two main health problems are fontanel and patella which can be cured with surgery. However, the Papillon can have difficulties being under anesthetic. Even with these health concerns, they normally live long, healthy lives and can sometimes even reach 16 years of age.
History
The Papillon originated in Italy about seven centuries ago. The breed was initially lumped with spaniels and even had similar drooping ears to those breeds. Papillons were common in Italy for most of the Renaissance and can even be found in much of the art of that time. However, it’s the French, not the Italians, who made the breed what it is today.No one really knows where the Papillon came from. All we know is that they are originally from Western Europe. They were named by the French for their butterfly appearance as "Papillon" means "butterfly" in French. Papillons are actually a small spaniel, not a toy, which is why they are so versatile and excel at so many different things. The original Papillons were the Phalenes, which had drop ears and resembled the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. However, when the ears were bred to stand up, most people preferred the Papillon and the Phalenes have nearly gone extinct. In recent years, dedicated breeders have made huge strides in recovering the foundation of this magnificent breed.
Maintenance
Grooming a Papillon is a fairly simple task requiring little work. Brushing should be done every day, but it is easy because their coat does not matt. Baths and nail trimming are needed occasionally. A very important step for keeping this breed healthy is to clean their teeth regularly as tartar builds up on them quickly. Exercise is great and important to any dog; however, this breed does not need as much exercise as many breeds. Frequent play sessions and time to run will make the Papillon an even happier and healthier dog.Their coats will mat if not taken care of. Their silky coat is wonderful to care for as dirt tends to slip right off of it. However, the hair between their legs and belly and behind the ears will mat if not brushed regularly. Some Papillons do not have the correct silky coats and may be more like cotton. Cotton like coats will mat very easily, and must be given extra care. Frequent nail trimming will keep the quicks back so they are easier to maintain and less painful for the dog. It is very important to keep the hair trimmed between the pawpads of the Papillon. Without regular trimming, the fur will cause the feet to splay which can be painful for the dog. Bathing should be done a couple times a month unless they get really dirty. Too much shampooing will break off their coat. Brushing teeth should be done several times a week minimally. Their teeth are prone to build up and if they aren't kept clean, they will require expensive dental cleanings that require the dog to be put under anesthetic. Papillons may not require lots of of exercise but generally a well exercised dog is better behaved. They are a very smart breed and if they aren't given proper stimulation, they can become hyper or destructive.
Ideal Environment
Many environments suit this small, playful breed that loves its family. However, they do not get along with strangers because of their protective and possessive nature. Plus, this breed should only be with older children and should not be around other dogs. Even with these problems, the Papillon is a sweet and loving dog that rarely yaps and is easy to train. Any climate is fine for this adjustable breed but apartments may be a bad idea because Papillons will bark often at strange noises.
Dog Training!If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. |
Find your new Papillon
Puppies For Sale
|
This amazing dog has captured our hearts and filled our lives with fun and joy. We have been involved in purebred dogs for...
Find a Breeder
|
This amazing dog has captured our hearts and filled our lives with fun and joy. We have been involved in purebred dogs for...
Rescue a Dog
Discuss the Papillon breed on our Forum!
Ask a QuestionPapillon Q&A
View more Papillon Questions and Answers
Upload a PhotoPapillon Photos
View more Papillon Photos
Write a ReviewPapillon Reviews
Papillon
I have two paps. They get along great and are very good little house dogs and companions. They love to walk and play.
Pros: The sweetest little companion you could ever want. Very smart.
Cons: Difficult to house train.
Review
I have two Papillons, and i think they are great. They are extremely intelligent and just love to work. Both of mine do agility, obedience and heel work to music, and are on the go all the time. Neither of mine are dog aggressive at all, although can be a bit wary of strangers, however will quickly come round to them. They love everyone, and although they love to work, they will settle down and sit on your lap. I think they are the best!
Pros: Very IntelligentPlayfulFull of characterFriendlyOut goingHealthyGreat at agility
Cons: Sometimes they can be too intelligent and pick up bad habits quickly.
My Papillion 6yrs. old
I love my Papillion it is the smartest dog I have ever owned and learns very fast. He is very alert, loves everyone and all other animals...He loves babies and is very protective of babies and small children in our family..He loves his crate and alone time when he tires and loves all his toys and plays with them all day on and off and never tears them up. Loves praise and a really fast learner but you must always be the boss or he will try to rule.He wants you to be in charge. He has brought so much fun and entertainment to our family and friends with his great personality. If you spend the time to train him as a puppy you will have the best companion you could ever ask for and hours of entertainment.Our dog recognizes so many words we have to spell a lot.
Pros: Super Smart and loving and fun and healthy and so personable
Cons: Gets a little cranky when tired just like people do but lets you know when he wants to sleep
papillons
My husband and I have 4 papillons and 2 maltese. And they are a fabulous pack. They all sleep with us, with the paps taking the best spots. They all have different personalities, but are loyal to a fault. We have 14 grandkids and our pap, Princess knows them all by name, knows all the dogs by name and all her toys. They are all so smart and loving lap dogs. And they are the funniest little dogs I've ever seen. I wouldn't trade one day with my babies for anything.
Pros: Loving, loyal, and comedic. VERY smart.
Cons: Shedding when they are stressed.
Villain
Villain, my pap, is the best animal companion I have ever had. I was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and have become very disabled. We owned a German Shepherd who is police trained but could not fulfil the need of loneliness. My pap is always with me, in bed, in bathroom, at the store(in my purse) and kitchen, even when the shepherd is training. He loves most other dogs unless they act aggressive first. He loves all people as long as I am in sight. He never barks unless the K-9 does. He loves everyone that comes to visit me. He is playful and very, very loving. Anyone feeling they need love, get a pap!
Pros: Affectionate, Funny and makes me feel needed.
Cons: NEVER leaves my side.