The Ultimate Guide to Papillons: Owning, Training, and Caring for These Delightful Butterfly Dogs

Meet the Papillon

Throughout the world, there exists only a handful of dog breeds that can be consistently described as playful, affectionate, and amiable towards others. One of these dogs is the Papillon.

First bred in the 1500s for the purpose of companionship, this breed continues to uphold its original function in the modern era, making them a favorite of family-based homes, single adults, and elderly individuals.

This work examines the Papillon and provides an in-depth analysis of the animal’s behavioral patterns, temperament, and general traits. This includes a discussion of the dog’s major health concerns, grooming and training requirements, as well as water and nutritional needs. Are you ready to learn more about this lovable and fascinating breed? Great! Let's get to it!

Appearance and Physical Traits

• Weight: 4 to 9 pounds (male and female)
• Height: 8 to 11 inches (male and female)

The Papillon is a tiny breed that's renowned for their small and compact appearance. In regard to their overall size, most reach an average weight of 4–9 pounds and a total height of 8–11 inches. In general, few dogs exceed 11+ pounds or 12+ inches in total height. Deviations from these rules are considered major faults that should be evaluated by a qualified veterinarian. In some cases, excessive weight or height can be indicative of an underlying health condition.

Head

Overall heads on the Papillon are small to medium-sized in their appearance, with skulls taking on a round-like shape between the ears. Highlighting this region is a well-defined muzzle that tapers to a fine point. Completing this region is a pair of well-rounded eyes and semi-erect ears. The ears, in particular, are one of the most distinguishing features of a Papillon, as they resemble butterfly wings.

Forequarters

In regard to the forequarters, the Papillon's shoulders should be well-developed and "laid back" to allow freedom of movement. Likewise, forelegs should be slender, straight, and fine-boned. Completing this region is a pair of hare-like feet that are both thin and elongated. Dewclaws can be removed if desired.

Hindquarters

The hindquarters of the Papillon follow many of the same traits as the front. Hind legs should be well-developed, well-angulated, and parallel to one another (when viewed from behind). Likewise, legs should be slender and fine-boned. Completing this region is a pair of thin and elongated feet.

Tail

Tails for this breed are relatively long. They are set high on the body and are usually carried over the back in an arch-like manner. In general, this region is also covered with a long, flowing plume.

Coat and Coloration

Coats on the Papillon are best described as long, fine, and silky in their overall appearance. Their hair is usually short and straight around the skull, muzzle, and forelegs; however, the hind legs, hocks, and tail contain significant plumage.

In regard to color, Papillons are always parti-color. In general, they possess a white base that is highlighted by patches of red, black, lemon, sable, or tan.

Temperament and Personality Traits

• Energy Level: 4/5
• Exercise Needs: 1/5
• Playfulness: 5/5
• Affection Towards Owners: 4/5
• Friendliness Towards Other Animals: 4/5
• Training Difficulty: 1/5
• Grooming Level: 3/5

Temperament and Personality Traits

The Papillon is a happy-go-lucky breed that's renowned for their "take charge" attitude towards life. They possess inquisitive minds and an innate desire to learn new tricks and commands. When combined with their eagerness to please owners, this makes them incredibly receptive to training and socialization efforts.

As with all dogs, however, it is important to note that the Papillon’s personality and temperament is largely determined by early experiences and heredity. For this reason, owners should socialize their Papillon as early as possible. This helps to ensure that your dog is well-rounded and capable of living a happy and meaningful life alongside other animals and humans.

Are Papillons Good With Kids?

Yes! Papillons possess a natural “soft spot” for children and get along with kids of all ages. These dogs love to play and display genuine love and affection towards their owners.

Nevertheless, it is vital to note that the Papillon's small size can be problematic for homes with younger kids, as they can be easily hurt by improper handling and roughhousing. For these reasons, many breeders will actually refuse to sell their Papillon puppies to homes with toddlers, as they fear the dogs may be injured unintentionally.

To prevent injuries, it is vital that parents teach children how to handle or approach their Papillon companions. This includes forbidding young children from touching, squeezing, pulling, or poking their Papillon’s ears, eyes, tails, or mouth region.

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Parents should also teach kids that it's NOT okay to approach a dog (or animal) that is sleeping or eating. Failure to heed this warning can result in negative behaviors from your pet, as your Papillon may interpret these actions as potential threats to their safety and well-being.

Care and Maintenance

Now that we have an understanding of the Papillon's general traits and characteristics, we can shift our attention to the dog's basic needs. This next section provides an overview of the dog's exercise and training requirements. It will also discuss their nutritional needs and tips for preventing dehydration.

How Much Exercise Does a Papillon Require Each Day?

In regard to their overall exercise needs (and requirements), most experts agree that the Papillon should receive approximately 30–60 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. This can include brisk walks, light jogs, one-on-one playtime, and various games.

As with all dog breeds, it is vital that owners closely monitor their Papillon during exercise (and playtime) to ensure their pet isn't overstimulated, overworked, or dehydrated. This is especially true during the summer months, as hot weather can be taxing to your pet. For these reasons, owners should actively look for signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration with their Papillion. Some of the most common signs include heavy panting or labored breathing. If discovered, a break time is in order.

Is the Papillon Easy to Train?

Yes! As one of the world’s smartest dog breeds, prospective owners will be pleased to note that the Papillon is incredibly responsive to training. In general, they are capable of learning a wide array of tricks and commands throughout their lifetime (with only a handful of repetitions required by the owner).

In spite of this, it is important to note that the Papillon can be extremely stubborn and independent. As a result, training sessions can sometimes be difficult for owners, as the dog’s self-assured nature and over-confidence can be problematic.

To prevent these issues, experts agree that the Papillon should begin obedience training during their puppy stage of development. This helps establish general rules and expectations you wish them to follow. Over time, this sort of training will also help prevent bad behaviors from forming into habits.

How Difficult Is the Papillon to Housetrain?

Generally speaking, the Papillon is a relatively easy dog to housetrain. This is due to their natural intelligence and eagerness to please owners. For best results, owners should begin training as soon as possible (during your dog's puppy stage of development). This helps to ensure that good habits are established as early as possible.

As with many breeds, repetition is an essential element of the housebreaking process. For those who stick with a specific (and consistent) schedule, most Papillons can be fully housetrained in approximately 4 to 12 weeks. Some dogs will learn at a faster rate, while others may take additional time.

As with children who are being potty trained, you will need to be calm and patient with the housebreaking process. Remember, accidents WILL happen from time to time. As long as you stick with it, though, these will become less frequent over time.

How Much Food Should a Papillon Eat Per Day?

As with all dog breeds, the nutritional needs of your pet vary significantly and depend entirely on their weight, energy level, age, and health. For this reason, owners should work actively with their veterinarian to establish a feeding cycle that fits their dog’s specific needs.

On average, most Papillons require approximately 0.25 to 0.50 cups of dry dog food on a daily basis. This should, in turn, should be divided into two separate meals of 0.125 to 0.25 cups, respectively. As you might have guessed already, more active dogs will require additional food each day, whereas less active animals will require only the minimum (discussed above).

Again, when in doubt about feeding requirements, consult your dog's veterinarian for guidance. This will help prevent malnourishment or obesity in your pet.

Water Needs

Aside from high-quality food, hydration is also extremely important for the Papillon. Similar to humans, almost 70 percent of your dog’s body is comprised of water. As a result, owners will need to pay close attention to their dog’s water needs throughout the day. These requirements can change in response to outside temperatures and daily activity levels.

As a rule of thumb, water requirements are determined by your Papillon’s weight. For every seven pounds of weight, they should consume approximately 6 ounces of water per day. For example, a 9-pound dog would require 7.71 ounces of water in a day’s time.

As with food, more active dogs will require slightly more water (in the vicinity of 8 to 10 ounces per day). In contrast, less active animals will require only the minimum suggested intake. It's also worth mentioning that hotter weather will warrant additional water throughout the day, whereas colder conditions will be far less taxing to your Papillon’s hydration levels.

Generally speaking, though, owners should never limit (or restrict) their Papillon's water intake. The guidelines discussed above were only included to show what's "normal" for the average dog. As such, they should only be utilized for monitoring purposes. If you notice your Papillon is drinking excessively (or less than usual), it's probably a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

Grooming Requirements

• Grooming Difficulty: Medium
• Coat Type: Straight, fine, and silky.

Brushing and Bathing

As a relatively long-haired breed, the Papillon requires regular brushing (several times a week) to maintain their fine and luxurious coat. For best results, experts recommend using a pin brush for this process, as it helps prevent matting and removes dead hair/debris.

In regard to bathing, baths should be provided every 4 to 6 weeks. As you might have guessed, though, this can be done sooner if your dog becomes extremely dirty. Just be sure to avoid excessive baths, as this can lead to dry skin for your pet over time. Also, when giving your Papillon a bath, always utilize a dog-specific shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin. If you have questions or concerns about this procedure, consult with your dog's veterinarian for guidance.

Ear Health

As with all dog breeds, owners should pay particular attention to their Papillon’s ear health. Ears should be checked several times a week for excessive earwax, dirt, and other debris. If discovered, promptly remove these substances, as they can cause serious infections (or sores) if left untreated.

Fortunately, most Papillons tend to develop semi-erect ears by adulthood. This makes them less prone to infection since they don't trap moisture or heat. Regular ear cleanings are still necessary, though, as hair and dirt can easily invade the ear canal over time.

Nail Trimming

In addition to regular ear cleanings, nails should also be kept clean, short, and trimmed on a regular basis. Failure to heed this warning can (and will) result in issues over time, as longer nails tend to become snagged on various objects, leading to painful tears, bleeding, and possible infection.

To prevent this, owners should trim their Papillon’s nails on a bi-weekly basis, ensuring they are short, well-rounded, and smooth to the touch. This procedure can be performed in the comfort of your home with a dog-specific nail trimmer or grinder (available at most retailers). However, if you are uncomfortable doing this on your own, most veterinarians and groomers provide this service for a nominal fee.

Dental Health

Finally, dental hygiene is also extremely important for the Papillon. Ideally, owners should plan to brush their dog’s teeth several times a week, as this helps remove food-based debris from their teeth and gumline.

Oral hygiene is an important element of grooming that is often ignored by owners. The absence of proper cleaning will almost certainly lead to gingivitis, gum disease, and tooth decay for your pet. These conditions can negatively affect your dog's quality of life, as many of them are quite painful.

Health Concerns

• Major Concerns: Hypothyroidism, cataracts, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea, and deafness.
• Minor Concerns: Patellar luxation, seizures, dental problems, von Willebrand's disease, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), open fontanel, intervertebral disk disease, and allergies.
• Lifespan: 12–15 years

Owners should actively work with a qualified veterinarian in their area to develop a preventive care plan for their Papillon. After all, proper diet, nutrition, and early detection of health issues can go a long way in helping your dog achieve a happy and healthy life.

Fortunately, the Papillon is a relatively healthy breed with only a few major health issues that are worth noting. These include hypothyroidism, cataracts, hypoglycemia, collapsed trachea, and deafness. Less common issues that affect this breed include seizures, von Willebrand's disease, intervertebral disk disease, and allergies.

Thankfully, most of these conditions can be prevented (or managed) with medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery if they are caught early enough. This is why it is so important for owners to actively work closely with their pet’s veterinarian, as regular checkups are the key to diagnosing potential issues quickly.

Pros and Cons of the Papillon

Are you still wondering if the Papillon is right for your home? Are you worried that the negatives outweigh the positives for this particular breed? This final section outlines some of the potential pros and cons of owning a Papillon,

Although most of these traits were discussed above, this handy guide offers a quick overview of the dog's basic characteristics and traits.

Pros

• Extremely intelligent and easy to train.
• Playful and family-oriented.
• Even-tempered breed.
• Capable of living upwards of 15 years on average.
• Relatively polite dog that is responsive to new individuals.

Cons

• Requires a great deal of attention. Failure to do so can result in separation anxiety.
• Prone to excessive barking.
• Extremely fragile and prone to injury (due to the dog’s small size and stature).
• Requires a great deal of grooming to prevent matting along the ears and legs.
• Highly energetic.
• Prone to developing shyness when not socialized at an early age.

Final Thoughts

In closing, the Papillon is a remarkable dog breed that's renowned for their natural intelligence, playfulness, and even-temperedness. Although these dogs can be extremely stubborn and independent-minded (to a fault), their amiable nature, steadfast loyalty, and affectionate qualities far outweigh the negatives. If you are looking for a dog that's loving, smart, and wholly dedicated to their family, you can't go wrong with the Papillon.

FAQ

What is the average lifespan of a Papillon?

With proper care, owners can expect their Papillon to live between 12 to 15 years, though it is common for this breed to live several years beyond this.

Do Papillons shed a lot?

Unfortunately, Papillons are prone to shedding a lot throughout the year. Fortunately, this can be managed with regular brushing and baths (every 4 to 6 weeks).

What are some of the most common health issues for the Papillon?

Some of the most common health issues for Papillons include allergies, von Willebrand's disease, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, deafness, hypothyroidism, and hypoglycemia.

How Smart is the Papillon?

The Papillon is an incredibly smart breed renowned for their vast intellect. As of January 2024, this breed is ranked #8 amongst the world’s smartest dogs. This places the Papillon alongside the Labrador Retriever and Rottweiler in terms of their intelligence (Coren, 182).

According to dog experts, the Papillon is among the world’s most responsive and obedient toy breeds. Characterized as a “top tier” breed, these tiny dogs are capable of learning a new command after only 5 (or less) repetitions of an action. Likewise, they will typically obey a new command (after learning it) 95 percent of the time for owners.

It's important to note, however, that mental sharpness comes at a price with the Papillon. Due to their remarkable intelligence, mental stimulation is a necessity for this particular breed, as they become bored or distracted very easily. This can lead to destructive behaviors (such as excessive barking) if not remedied by the owner through various games and training.

Do Papillons need a lot of exercise?

Not really. Due to their small size and stature, most experts agree that 30 to 60 minutes of exercise (daily) is sufficient for this breed. This can include brisk walks, one-on-one playtime, or various games/activities.

How much does a Papillon cost?

On average, most Papillon puppies cost approximately $1,900 to $3,200. This doesn't include the cost of vaccinations, supplies, medications, or miscellaneous fees.

Are Papillons good with other pets?

Yes and no. Generally speaking, the Papillon does well with other animals in the home. This includes both dogs and cats. As with all dog breeds, though, it is vital that owners actively supervise their Papillon when in the presence of other animals (especially large dogs). This helps prevent roughhousing or aggressive behaviors, which could be detrimental to their well-being.

Is the Papillon a good guard dog?

No. Due to their incredibly small size and stature, the Papillon is not recommended for guardianship roles in the home as they are incapable of stopping would-be intruders or burglars. Owners seeking a pet for “guard dog” roles will be better served by a larger (more aggressive) breed such as the Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, or German Shepherd (to name only a few).

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This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2024 Larry Slawson