Papillon Information |  |
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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 pounds
American 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 Q&AAsk a Question
How to I get my papillion to stop barking? How do I keep my papillion to stay calm around ...How to I get my papillion to stop barking? How do I keep my papillion to stay calm around children and let them pet her?
Asked by Anonymous - 1 answers
Do some papillons have short hair? I got mine from a shelter who rescued him from a ...Do some papillons have short hair? I got mine from a shelter who rescued him from a backyard breeder, so he probably is not totally pure, but I am curious if this is normal.
Asked by Anonymous - 7 answers
how many puppies can they havehow many puppies can they have
Asked by Anonymous - 3 answers
My male Papillion puppy is around 23 weeks old.Training and kitty container training is ...My male Papillion puppy is around 23 weeks old.Training and kitty container training is both going great. 5 days ago, after sleeping in his crate, I noticed his right ear was drooping. I took him to the Vet, to rule out mites or...
Asked by Anonymous - 4 answers
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