Papillon: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The papillon is a petite yet hardy toy dog with an alert, active, and friendly demeanor. They are one of the smartest dog breeds and make great companions and family pets. The breed originated in France which is where they got their name—papillon means butterfly in French. Though named for the butterfly-like appearance of their erect ears, these dogs can also be seen in a drop-eared variety.

Learn more about the history, care needs, and characteristics of the papillon.

Characteristics of the Papillon

Papillons are delightful little dogs that make great part-time lap dogs and part-time exercise buddies. They also make excellent companions for many types of households, including those living in apartments. And this is a great breed for a first-time dog owner, as well as those who want to travel with their pet, as these little dogs can fit into a carrier that will go under an airplane seat.

This breed is usually good for households that have more than one pet, and papillons get along well with cats if you have socialized them. However, pet owners need to be careful to ensure papillons will be safe around larger dogs who might view them as prey or accidentally injure them during play.

History of the Papillon

The papillon originated in France, where the dog was named for their signature ears. Papillon means butterfly in French. However, not all of them have erect ears: The drop-eared variety is known as the phalene (moth).

The breed was once known as a dwarf spaniel and may date back as far as the 13th century. Papillons gained popularity in Spain and Italy over time, where they were often depicted in classic paintings. Those were the drop-eared variety—papillons with erect ears didn't appear until the late 1800s. Famous owners include King Louis XIV of France and Marie Antoinette. 

Papillons were brought to the U.S. during the late 19th century. The breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1915 and fully represented by their own breed club in 1935.

A papillon named Loteki Supernatural Being (Kirby) won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1999. He also won the World Dog Show and the Royal Invitational in Canada.

Papillon Care

Papillons are one of the smartest dogs breeds that can be trained to participate in dog sports or compete in obedience competitions. While tiny in size, they are more active than the typical lap dog and will want to be busily exploring. Papillons like interaction and mental stimulation and if they are left alone for long stretches, they can develop separation anxiety and behavior problems.

Exercise

Papillons are energetic and driven, so routine exercise is highly recommended. Papillons need plenty of active playtime. They should be exercised with two to three walks per day for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. It's good to have a yard or dog park available where they can run around as well. 

Be aware during walks that because they have only a single-layer coat, they may need protection or a sweater during cold weather, but this breed tolerates hot weather well.

Grooming

The papillon has a long, fine, silky hair coat that requires moderate grooming—specifically hair brushing two to three times a week. However, the hair does not grow continuously, so the breed should not need haircuts.

Brushing your dog’s teeth daily can help prevent various tooth and gum problems. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for dogs. Also, check your dog’s ears regularly to look for signs of infection or accumulation of dirt or debris, and gently clean them on a regular basis. And because papillons can have tear stains, it’s important to check and clean the fur around the eyes often as well.   

Training

Like many small dogs, the papillon may have a feisty and stubborn streak, though the breed is quite smart and should learn well if you are diligent. Consistent obedience training is a must.

They like to be the pack leader with other dogs in the household and will also be the pack leader towards humans if you don't train them correctly. This can lead to small dog syndrome, where the dog exhibits undesirable behavior like jumping up and growling at their owner.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to develop hereditary conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

• Patellar Luxation: This is a loose kneecap that can slip out of place and cause pain and lameness until the muscle relaxes so it can return to its position.
• Collapsing Trachea: This can be seen with symptoms of coughing.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness.
• Open fontanelle: This is a gap between growth plates in the skull of puppies, and it should close over time. Certain small dogs have a genetic abnormality in which the skull doesn’t fuse like it should as they grow. 
• Hypoglycemia: This is low blood sugar, and papillon puppies are most susceptible. Symptoms include disorientation and weakness, and this problem requires prompt treatment.

Diet and Nutrition

You will need to ensure this tiny dog doesn't become overweight, as that can exacerbate any tendency towards knee problems. Most papillons do well with 1/4 to 1/2 cups of dry food, divided into two meals. That may seem like a tiny amount, but it is easy to overfeed a papillon and see weight gain. Don't leave out food for free-feeding throughout the day. Make sure you and your family members don't feed a papillon human food as a treat.

If you notice your papillon has gained weight, discuss this with your veterinarian to get a recommendation for a feeding schedule, dog food, and exercise that can help keep your dog at the correct weight.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Papillon

Adopting a papillon will run a few hundred dollars to cover the costs of care. However, a breeder can charge between $800 up to $3,000 for a papillon puppy. It also helps to know that finding a papillon breeder can be challenging.

Before searching for a papillon, remember that it's a toy breed, and this type of dog is fragile, which means they can easily become injured since they are so light and small. But if papillons sound irresistible to you, The Papillon Club of America is a great place to start your search for a pup. Consult their breeder referral list (organized by state) to find a member breeder.

If you’d like to adopt a papillon, research rescue groups in your area, or try the PapAdopters & Placement Service, a volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing purebred papillons.

Papillon Overview

Papillons are adorable little dogs that make great family pets because they’re affectionate and friendly. This smart breed does require a good amount of physical activity and attention, and proper training will ensure they know who’s boss.

Pros of Papillons

• Friendly
• Highly trainable
• Active and playful
  

Cons of Papillons

• Needs a lot of attention and suffers from separation anxiety
• Feisty with a stubborn streak
• High tendency to bark
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before you decide whether the papillon is the right dog for you, be sure to do plenty of research. Talk to other papillon owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:

• Pomeranian
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Chinese Crested
• Schipperke

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.