Papillon
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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 poundsAmerican bred: 3-7 pounds European bred: 6-9 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.The Papillon has no major concerns but should be careful about Patelluar Luxation.
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. Most cotton-like coats will mat very easily, and must be given extra care. Frequent nail trimming will keep the quick back so they are easier to maintain and less painful for the dog. It is very important to keep the hair trimmed between the paw pads 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 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.
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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.
Myah the great
We have owned our first Papillon, Myah, for a little over 3 years now. Both my husband and I have always have medium to large dogs in the past, and I was nervous about getting a "frou-frou" little dog that would yip a lot, and be unfriendly to strangers/children. We were careful about choosing a puppy with a great personality from a reputable breeder, and we could not be more thrilled with her. She is a fantastic dog who loves pretty much everyone/dog she meets (although for some reason men with hats freak her out a little until they've taken them off). She is super intelligent, and like the person a couple above, we have to spell many exciting words. She knows the word "ball" in two other languages and has even caught onto its spelling...so don't get a Pap if you aren't creative!! She is very good with other dogs, both large and small, and seems to have an afinity for bringing unsocialized dogs out of their shells. The only issue we have with her grooming is that about half of her nails are black, making them a little scarier to cut (I'm afraid of cutting the quick). I would highly recommend Pappies, but be aware of what you're getting into in terms of initial potty training. Patience is key! She's the best dog either of us has ever owned and her greatness cannot be described adequately here!
Pros: SO intelligent and able to read my emotions. Easy to train for tricks. Easy to groom/maintain generally. Amazing companion who doesn't require but loves lots of exercise.
Cons: Difficult to potty train (but we're done with that, woohoo!) Barks at unexpected outside noises or people in our yard.