Papillon

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7-9 lbs
8-11"
France
Dwarf Spaniel, Continental Toy Spaniel, À Oreilles Droites, Epagneul Nain Continental

The Papillon (French for butterfly) got its name from its ears, which look like butterfly wings. It is one of the oldest breeds and has been portrayed in paintings since 1952. A descendent of toy Spaniels, the Papillon was originally bred as a lap dog. The Papillon was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1915 and it is the 53rd most popular dog breed in the United States. The Papillon is a small dog with a big personality and fun attitude that is bred primarily for companion or show purposes. They are friendly, active, and affectionate and can get along well with other pets and children when supervised.
purpose Purpose
lap dog
history Date of Origin
1500
ancestry Ancestry
spitz, spaniel

Papillon Health

Sketch of Papillon
Average Size
Male Papillon size stats
Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 8-10 lbs
Female Papillon size stats
Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 7-9 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Mitral Valve Disease
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Follicular Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Knee
  • Heart
  • Dna For Vwd
  • Hips
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Papillon Breed History

The Papillon breed has been traced back to Italy in the year 1500 when Tiziano Vecellio started painting family portraits with dogs that looked similar to the Spaniels used for hunting but much smaller. During the Renaissance period, these Tetian Spaniels were only found in France and Spain. The Spaniels are named as such because they are dogs of Spain. Therefore, it was assumed that they originated there. However, they are said to have been perfected in France by Louis the XIV in the 1600s where they changed the name to the Continental Toy Spaniel or the Toy Spaniel. They considered the Toy Spaniel to have two types, the Papillons (with erect ears) and Phalenes (with floppy ears). Both of these types are still bred today but are considered to be of the same breed in the United States. According to the Papillon Club of America, Marie Antoinette carried a Papillon under her arm when she walked to the guillotine at her execution during the French Revolution. The Papillon was said to have been brought to France and Belgium from Spain on the back of mules and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) when the Papillon Club of America was formed. These little dogs are bred for two main reasons, as companion pets and for showing. In fact, the first Papillon to win Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was Loteki Supernatural Being (also called Kirby) of Connecticut in 1999. Kirby went on to win all three major international dog shows, the World Dog Show in Helsinki, Finland, the Royal Canadian Show, and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Papillon Breed Appearance

The Papillon can be white with patches of any colors. Some of these color combinations include white and black; white and lemon; white and red; white and sable; hound tri-color; black, brown, white, and lemon; black, red, and white; brown and white; fawn and white; red, white, and sable; red; sable; white; white and liver; and white and silver. Markings can be black; black mask; red; sable; and tan. Since they have a single coat of hair with no undercoat, they do not do well in cold temperatures but they can handle very warm climates. They are elegant with a slight build, dainty and lively, with a curious and intelligent expression. Their eyes are round, dark, and medium sized with black eye rims. The ears are large (their important feature) with rounded tips, and they can be dropped (Phalene) or erect. They have a short muzzle that is one third the size of its head, a small, round, black nose, scissors bite, and black lips. They are only about 10 inches tall and about eight pounds so they are a toy breed with short legs, a long, plumed tail, and a feisty attitude.
Appearance of Papillon
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Papillon eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Papillon nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Papillon coat
White
black Papillon coat
Black
fawn Papillon coat
Fawn
red Papillon coat
Red
brown Papillon coat
Brown
sable Papillon coat
Sable
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Papillon straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Papillon Breed Maintenance

The Papillon sheds seasonally and needs to be brushed daily to prevent mats and tangles. You can use any kind of brush for long-haired dogs and a metal comb, but you should use your fingers to gently separate any mats you find. Your Papillon does not need to be bathed unless she gets dirty since they are clean dogs with a low smell level and they do their own grooming regularly. Because of their large ears, they are prone to ear infections such as otitis media so you should check your dog’s ears regularly. In addition, their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis. If you have difficulty trimming your dog’s nails, you can take her to a groomer or your veterinary care provider who will be happy to do it for you. It is a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth daily to keep them clean and prevent halitosis, which Papillons are susceptible to. You should feed your Papillon a high-quality dog food recommended for her breed, age, and size.
Brushes for Papillon
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Scissors
Scissors
Clipper
Clipper
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Papillon requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Papillon Temperament

If you want a lap dog who is lovable, intelligent, and energetic, the Papillon is a good choice for you. Since they are small, they can be carried around in purses or doggie pouches or held on your lap and cuddled. If the Papillon is socialized well, they can be trained to get along well with children and other pets in the house. Your Papillon can be aggressive to strangers or other animals who approach you, so they must be trained properly. Some dogs of this breed can be difficult to housetrain, but they are intelligent and fast learners that can be trained in other areas such as agility and competition. Keeping your dog on a schedule and using crate training can help decrease the chance of accidents in the house. They make great apartment dogs but are prone to separation anxiety so they may become noisy if left alone. Proper training can help that problem, though. They enjoy being outdoors and like to romp around in the yard so be sure they get plenty of outdoor activity. A daily walk or trip to the park is great exercise for your Papillon.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Papillon

Similarly Sized Breeds to Papillon

Papillon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Papillon Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Papillon at six months
Male Papillon size stats at six months
Height: 2.5 inches Weight: 2.5 lbs
Female Papillon size stats at six months
Height: 2.5 inches Weight: 1.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Papillon at 12 months
Male Papillon size stats at 12 months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 4.5 lbs
Female Papillon size stats at 12 months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 3.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Papillon at 18 months
Male Papillon size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 7.0 lbs
Female Papillon size stats at 18 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 6.0 lbs

Top Papillon Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Papillon breeders of 2024.
Top Papillon breeder MCK Papillons
MCK Papillons
Lake Saint Croix Beach, Minnesota
Top Papillon breeder Swan Creek Kennel
Swan Creek Kennel
Springfield, Missouri
Top Papillon breeder Copella Papillons
Copella Papillons
Texarkana, Texas
Top Papillon breeder Katurahs Papillons
Katurahs Papillons
Paul, Idaho
Top Papillon breeder Denzel Papillons
Denzel Papillons
Hughesville, Maryland
Top Papillon breeder Winfields Collared Greens
Winfields Collared Greens
Arlington, Texas
Top Papillon breeder Medlee Papillons
Medlee Papillons
Batavia, New York
Top Papillon breeder Sunshine Papillons
Sunshine Papillons
Casselberry, Florida
Top Papillon breeder J Bar Papillons
J Bar Papillons
Roswell, New Mexico
Top Papillon breeder Firefly Papillons
Firefly Papillons
Collierville, Tennessee

Papillon Owner Experiences

Gunner
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Gunner loves outdoor activities with our two turverans my husband and i.he is calm and confident but shows no interest in anyone outside his "pack"
2 years, 7 months ago
9 Months
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Playing
The papillon I walked had a very mild temperament. He ran up to greet me, but then relaxed as I put his leash on. He didn't bark or pull, but walked swiftly. They are very friendly to humans, but should stay away from other dogs.
6 years, 12 months ago
11 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Good easy walk, gentle. For an older dog, she had good energy. She much more enjoys going on city walks as opposed to walking around the lake park.
6 years, 12 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The Papillon I walked was an absolute sweet heart. He was very affectionate and happy to see me, along with his two brothers from another mother, who were both Chihuahuas. I noticed this Papillon, named Louie, was very food oriented as I had treats in my bag and he got really excited just smelling them, and they were in a ziplock bag! Amazing. I had him and his two brothers perform a few “sits” for me and gave them treats, and what was adorable is that each time, Louie would give me that adorable dog smile. He was very alert and I think he would be a delight to train. The other Papillons I have known were very smart and trainable, and I think Louie would be as well. He was also very affectionate, as mentioned, and so I gave him lots of belly rubs and a great doggie style “massage” before I left him and his brothers. His brothers got lots of loving, too!
6 years, 11 months ago
12 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Sniffing
The papillon I walked was very sweet and gentle. He greeted me, and let me leash him easily. He was curious, liked to walk slowly and sniff and investigate everything, and was generally get low maintenance. He likes new people, shows an interest in other dogs, but no aggression. He is very mellow, and doesn't react to loud noises or squirrels or cars, and doesn't pull on the leash. OneEof the easiest dogs I've ever walked.
6 years, 11 months ago
8 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Catch treats
Off-leash
They were nervous and barking at first but once they got to know you they became very friendly. Sweet and pretty calm. Do not cause any trouble.
6 years, 11 months ago
2 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chasing Animals
playing with her toy
Playing in the snow
She is a beautiful papillon mix who walks and listens extremely well. She is able to play by herself or with a group of dogs. Snuggles and human affection are a big talent of hers. She can jump really high. Most grooming occurs when she runs through large fields and gets grass seeds stuck to her eases and tail.
6 years, 11 months ago
6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Papillon’s are a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. They feel very fragile but seem to be pretty sturdy. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and very energetic on walks. They have beautiful, butterfly-like ears that bounce around as they walk. They love to bounce ahead, but will look back often to make sure you are still coming. They are able to keep a good steady pace, and for their size they can go quite far. They over other people but the males can be territorial and protective, so be careful. They are very vocal and will bark at anything they are not sure of. They are very happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive.
6 years, 11 months ago
Monarch
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Monarch bounces on my lap whenever I sit down. My sister takes him out in the morning. When he comes in, he runs to me and sleep on me. I love him so much.
4 years, 5 months ago
Valentine
9 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Eating Snacks
Nap
She's very lazy and tends to snap at people. She's fat
4 years ago
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