Papillon

Show Breed

Find

Compare with

Size: Small
Other Names: Phal ène (drop ear type), Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog (due to tail carriage)
Country of Origin: Spain and Belgium
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant breed of dog of the Spaniel type. The Papillon is known for its large, butterfly-like ears (Papillon is French for "butterfly"), which are well fringed with colored (not white) silky fur. The color covers both eyes and the front and back of the ears, to give the ideal butterfly look. Paw pads vary in color from black or pink, depending on the coloring of the dog. As puppies, Papillons have short length fur, and as adults, the coat is long and silky. There are two ear variations of this breed; the completely upright ears of the more common Papillon, and the dropped, Spaniel-like ears of the Plalene. The Papillon’s tail is long, well-fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringes falling to side to form plume. The head is slightly rounded between the ears, and the muzzle is fine, tapering, and narrower than the skull with an abrupt stop.

A tiny companion who fits an apartment; a silky coat that needs brushing, a bright hallway voice, and more spark than his size suggests.

The Papillon is one of the oldest of the toy Spaniels. Papillons were bred for companionship, and make excellent watch dogs. The Papillon has the appearance of a dainty toy breed, but many owners will claim that their dogs are "big dogs in little dogs suits". Some people find that their Papillon is very capable of handling a good five-mile walk. One aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the "big dog" assertion, is this breed’s surprising athletic ability. The breed is considered naturally agile.

Height: 8-11 inches average
Weight: 7-16 pounds
Color: Parti-colored, which is white with markings of any color (black, lemon, red, sable, tan, brown, fawn, liver, silver)
Coat: Fine fur, single length; abundant, long, silky; plush and soft to touch
Lifespan: 13–16 years
Litter size: 2–4 puppies

Temperament

The Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent. Papillons excel in companionship and lap dog sweepstakes, and take it very seriously.

Training

Papillons require continued training, which also serves to stimulate their active minds. Papillons are easily litter-box trained.

Care and grooming

The Papillon is considered to be a "wash and wear" breed, and does not require excessive grooming. Papillons require consistent and monitored exercise, and daily proactive human-to-canine interaction.

Shedding

Low to moderate; the silky coat mats behind the ears if ignored.

Health

Papillons may develop patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and dental crowding. Regular dental care is important in this fine-boned toy breed.

Crosses that include the Papillon

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

Top

View Privacy Policy

Pup.com accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the advertisements placed on the Pup.com website or for the contents of any website to which a hypertext link from Pup.com links. The Seller Ads and links to products and/or services are provided as a service, and Pup.com gives no warranties, expressed or implied, about the information and/or policies of the Seller Ads or the linked-to webites, or of the information shown.

Pup.com is the sole owner of the services and of all information provided by and posted to the Pup.com website. The use, reproduction, or storing of content for any purpose other than to contact a Seller, purchase a product or service, or compare prices is prohibited. You cannot use the information provided by Pup.com to recreate a directory, rebrand the informaton or redistribute the information in any way. Information provided by Pup.com is for individual, non-commercial use only. All information, processes and content contained within and that make up the services are the sole property of Pup.com. You may not reproduce, duplicate or redistribute any information provided by Pup.com for profit or personal gain of any kind. You may not frame any content or pages contained within the Pup.com website unless expressly granted permission by Pup.com.