- Papillon Dog Breed: Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know About
Papillon Dog Breed
Disclosure: Some of the links below are partner links, meaning that at no cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
Table of Contents
Papillon Dog Breed General Information
The Papillon dog breed descends from toy spaniels and is known as an active and intense toy breed who loves its family.
A small dog with a big-dog attitude, Papillons take their duties as a companion and guardian very seriously, often trying to bite off more than they can chew.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about these tiny, active dogs.
Characteristics of a
Papillon Dog
Consider these common traits of the Papillon dog breed:
Temperament
The Papillon dog temperament is intelligent, friendly, energetic, and alert.
Their size doesn’t seem to deter them from being known as a headstrong and intense dog breed, as these smart and happy dogs are almost never aggressive or shy.
Papillons also have a reputation for being highly trainable. Their outgoing, energetic, and affectionate nature helps them win people over. In addition, they are generally not nervous or fearful. Finally, they rarely bark excessively.
The Papillon dog temperament is intelligent, friendly, energetic, and alert.
Their size doesn’t seem to deter them from being known as a headstrong and intense dog breed, as these smart and happy dogs are almost never aggressive or shy.
Papillons also have a reputation for being highly trainable. Their outgoing, energetic, and affectionate nature helps them win people over. In addition, they are generally not nervous or fearful. Finally, they rarely bark excessively.
Energy Level
Despite being considered a toy breed, Papillon dogs are active and lively and do not like sitting still or cooped indoors for long periods.
They are well-suited to living in apartments and cities but need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day to maintain their health and well-being.
Daily long walks are a great way to fulfill this exercise requirement, and additional indoor play should also be utilized to help them burn off excess steam.
Papillons love running around and jumping on and off furniture and enjoy getting lots of playtime.
Size
Papillon dog sizes are absolutely tiny.
- Weight:
Papillon weights range between 2.3 to 4.5 kg, and weighing more than that is usually a sign of obesity (or being a mixed breed).
- Weight:
The healthy weight range for male Papillon dogs is 3.6 to 4.5 kg, while females weigh slightly less at 3.2 to 4.1 kg.
- Height:
The average adult ranges between 20 to 28 cm in height, and both males and females fall in the same height range.
- Height:
- Length:
The overall body length is roughly 30-43 cm.
- Length:
Average Size Chart
Weight
Female
Male
3.2 – 4.1 kg
7 – 9 lbs
3.6 – 4.5 kg
7.5 – 10 lbs
Height
Female
Male
20 – 28 cm
7.8 – 11 in
20 – 28 cm
7.8 – 11 in
Length
Female
Male
30 – 43 cm
11.8 – 17 in
30 – 43 cm
11.8 – 17 in
Weight
Female
3.2 – 4.1 kg
7 – 9 lbs
Male
3.6 – 4.5 kg
7.5 – 10 lbs
Height
Female
20 – 28 cm
7.8 – 11 in
Male
20 – 28 cm
7.8 – 11 in
Length
Female
30 – 43 cm
11.8 – 17 in
Male
30 – 43 cm
11.8 – 17 in
Trainability / Intelligence
Papillon dogs may be high energy, but they are also eager to please, making them exceptionally easy to train.
They are known to excel at dog sports like agility or rally, and are widely recognized as the number one toy breed when it comes to obedience competitions.
Even if you don’t intend to enroll your Papillon in a competition, keep in mind that early obedience training is necessary to avoid them developing a stubborn streak. Train at home and attend obedience classes as required.
Other Pets / Children
- Other pets:
When it comes to other pets like cats and dogs, Papillon’s friendly nature helps them get along with other animals almost immediately, especially when introduced young.
- Other pets:
Keep in mind that despite their small size, they have a tendency to be bossy. There might be a slight attitude clash between a bossy cat and a bossy Papillon, but it is unlikely to turn into a real problem.
- Children:
Papillons are kid-friendly and absolutely adore children. But as fragile dogs that can be seriously injured if they fall or are held incorrectly, they should never be left unsupervised with young children.
- Children:
Shedding / Coat
If you don’t like to deal with dog hair everywhere, you’re in luck. The Papillon dog breed looks like it has a lot of long fur, but it is actually single-coated and only sheds moderately twice per year.
Light shedding occurs throughout the year but is often unnoticeable due to how thin and fine the hair is. This shedding can be easily managed with regular weekly brushing.
If you don’t like to deal with dog hair everywhere, you’re in luck. The Papillon dog breed looks like it has a lot of long fur, but it is actually single-coated and only sheds moderately twice per year.
Light shedding occurs throughout the year but is often unnoticeable due to how thin and fine the hair is. This shedding can be easily managed with regular weekly brushing.
Grooming / Care
Grooming a Papillon is not as tricky as one might assume from their elegant looks, requiring only a light amount of work. They can be easily groomed at home, and don’t need monthly sessions at a professional groomer like some other breeds.
Weekly grooming is limited to bathing and brushing to clean fur and prevent matting.
Fur and nails should also be trimmed as required. Fur trimming is limited to the back, as a Papillon’s front doesn’t require any clipping or trimming. As a rule of thumb, get their nails trimmed every 2 – 4 weeks.
Papillon teeth should be brushed daily and their ears cleaned if dirty.
Common Health Issues / Veterinary needs
Papillons are generally a healthy, long-lived breed, but they too are prone to specific health conditions.
- Papillon Breed Genetic Health Issues:
The most common Papillon health problems include deafness, hypothyroidism, luxating patellas, collapsing trachea, urinary stones, hernias, dental disease, and reverse sneezing.
- Papillon Breed Genetic Health Issues:
Most of these diseases have genetic roots, so you should be able to reduce their likelihood by getting your dog from a reputable breeder.
Regular yearly vet visits, even when otherwise healthy, are still recommended.
Nutrition
Papillon puppies can be very picky eaters and will likely require you to try a large number of different brands and flavors before they like something enough to eat properly.
They are small enough that it is necessary to divide food into small portions to avoid stressing their digestive system.
Papillons should be fed high-quality dry dog food. They might find kibble specially formulated for small breeds especially beneficial.
Some Papillons that struggle with weight management may also require a “healthy weight” formula.
Papillon puppies can be very picky eaters and will likely require you to try a large number of different brands and flavors before they like something enough to eat properly.
They are small enough that it is necessary to divide food into small portions to avoid stressing their digestive system.
Papillons should be fed high-quality dry dog food. They might find kibble specially formulated for small breeds especially beneficial.
Some Papillons that struggle with weight management may also require a “healthy weight” formula.
First Time Owner?
Those who have never owned a dog before but are considering getting a Papillon can rest assured that the Papillon dog breed is frequently considered an excellent choice for first-time dog owners.
This recommendation comes from the Papillon breed’s friendly, intelligent, and easy-to-train nature, plus their low maintenance needs in grooming and health.
While Papillon dogs can be a little bossy and stubborn, firm and gentle training when started at a young age is very effective in putting an end to such behaviors. Otherwise, they are generally very easy to manage.
Special Needs
• Constant Monitoring
Papillons are fragile dogs, completely ignorant of their small stature, and thus require near constant monitoring to protect them from accidentally injuring themselves.
They have a tendency to jump from high places and break their limbs and can be easily injured in play with larger animals.
They can also get seriously injured if something heavy falls on them, so they require thorough dog-proofing at home. Take all measures to prevent falls and monitor Papillons around other dogs.
• House-training
Papillon puppies take longer to housebreak than some other dogs because of poor bladder control. They require consistent, gentle, and firm house training to understand the idea.
It might even become necessary to limit your Papillon to one room or a comfortable crate with easily washable flooring until properly house-trained.
House training should be done by taking your Papillon outside frequently and praising them when they behaves as desired. Ignore mistakes, and only use positive reinforcement.
• Socialization
The Papillon dog breed must be socialized appropriately to bring out the friendliness they are known for, and to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed around other dogs and humans.
This socialization is best done at playdates and social events. Dog parks should be avoided due to the unrestrained environment being unsuitable for small bossy dogs like the easily-injured Papillon.
Papillons should also be monitored around other dogs to prevent them from developing ‘small dog syndrome‘ where aggressive and dominant behaviors that would not be tolerated in larger dogs are excused in them due to their small size.
All dogs need proper training and socialization, regardless of size.
Other Things to Consider
• Ticks and Fleas
Papillons are single-coated, but their fur is long and thick enough to be the perfect hiding place for fleas and ticks.
Monthly spot-on flea and tick treatments can go a long way in preventing an infestation and are definitely something to consider when getting a Papillon.
- What is a spot-on treatment?
A spot-on treatment is an insect repellent that spreads through the skin once applied between the animal’s shoulder blades. This treatment protects against fleas and ticks for 30 days.
- What is a spot-on treatment?
• Quality Time / Shadowing
Papillons have been bred to be the ultimate companion dogs for centuries and are quite people-oriented as a result.
They want to be included in everything you do and will literally follow you everywhere.
Papillons don’t like being separated from their owners and are not suitable for people with busy schedules. They are also not ideal for people who find clingy and affectionate dogs annoying.
Papillon Dog Breed FAQ
How Much Do Papillons Cost?
On average, these puppies range from $350 – $2,500.
Do Papillons Shed?
Yes, lightly. Papillons shed like any other dog with a thick coat, but the good news is that they don’t shed excessively.
There are just two moderate shedding seasons, and some barely noticeable light shedding occurs throughout the year.
How Long Do Papillons Live?
Average Papillon lifespan ranges from 12-15 years, but many live longer, with the oldest papillon having lived for almost 29 years.
Thus, Papillons are a long-lived breed and are likely to be a part of your family for many years to come.
Are Papillons Cuddly?
Yes and no. Papillons are very affectionate, but they are not cuddly lapdogs.
These active dogs can often be found running around the house or jumping on and off furniture instead of in your arms. When they are settled down, a Papillon would love to stick with you and display affection.
Do Papillons Have An Undercoat?
No. Papillon dogs are single-coated.
Are Papillons Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, Papillons do very well in apartments.
Their small size makes them a perfect choice to be a city dog, but remember that this energetic and intelligent breed wants at least 30 minutes per day of outdoor activity, plus lots of playtime inside.
Are Papillons Hypoallergenic?
No. Though they shed lightly, Papillons leave small traces of their long, fine hair around the house and are not suitable dogs for people with allergies.
Do Papillons Bark A Lot?
No, it is rare for a Papillon dog to bark excessively. If your Papillon is very vocal, it can be easily trained away if it becomes bothersome.
Papillon Dog Pros and Cons
Pros
- Long expected lifespan
- Low grooming maintenance
- Low shedding
- Great city and apartment dogs
Cons
- Fragile
- Need constant supervision to prevent injury
- Not suitable for busy people
Care Guide
