Papillon

The Papillon is a small yet lively breed with an impressive personality, intelligence, and capabilities. Keep reading to learn about the breed’s unique story.

Country of Origin

France
Breed Group

Small
Height

Male 8-11 In
Female 8-11 In
Weight

Male 5-12 Ib
Female 5-12 Ib
Life Span

14-16 years

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In a Nutshell

On the one hand, the Papillon is an elegant, dainty breed that became a favorite companion for royals in the Old World. On the other, they’re a playful, energetic breed. Papillons are not just Instagramable lap dogs but also enthusiastic pups who need plenty of mental stimulation, physical challenges, and love.

Life With a Papillon

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Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

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Exercise Needs

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Looks & Personality

Their elegant appearance will make you fall for these dogs at first sight… but just wait! They have so much more to offer as energetic, clever dogs. The breed’s coat is long, flowing, and silky, mostly white with patches of various darker shades. These dogs appear in portraits of European royals from the 16th century for a reason. They have expressive eyes and large, wing-shaped ears that resemble a butterfly’s wings, which is the reason behind this breed’s name.

Papillons are full of love: They love to run around, love their family, love a good intellectual challenge, and simply love life! They are confident and rightfully expect to be the center of attention wherever they go. These dogs are incredibly intelligent and quick to learn tricks, often excelling in obedience and agility competitions.

Common Health Problems

Papillons are small, fine-boned dogs with a graceful build. Despite their delicate appearance, Papillons are sturdy and agile, suitable for active households. While they need plenty of exercise opportunities, it’s important to make sure kids are gentle and do not accidentally harm these small dogs during play.

Did you know?

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while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

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A tip from a vet

The breed tends to suffer from plaque and tartar buildup, often requiring dental treatments once to twice a year to prevent dental abscesses, root decay, and gum recession. These dental treatments are crucial and must be performed at a clinic under full anesthesia and veterinary supervision. While maintaining a routine of brushing with dog toothpaste and using water additives or dental chews can delay plaque buildup and reduce the frequency of dental treatments, a full dental cleaning by a vet under anesthesia is the only way to fully address dental disease as it can lay below the gumline.

A tip from a trainer

We’ve already mentioned that Papillons are highly trainable thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Start training and socialization early to manage any tendency of stubbornness. If you wish to train your dogs to participate in competitions, consult professionals for guidance.

Did You Know

Christina Aguilera owned two Papillon dogs, Chewy and Stinky. When Stinky passed away in 2018, the singer shared her grief with fans on social media.

Henry III of France loved his Papillons so much that they became deeply associated with the French Court. During the French Revolution, the breed nearly faced extinction due to its connection with the monarchy.

The oldest known Papillon, Fred, passed away just weeks before his 29th birthday.

In The News

A Papillon-Chihuahua mix named Konjo holds a unique world record as the fastest dog on two paws, running 5 meters in just 2.39 seconds.

The History Behind the Breed

The Papillon’s history dates back several centuries, starting in European countries such as France and Belgium. The dogs were developed as toy Spaniels in the 16th century, and the breed’s name, which means “butterfly” in French, was chosen based on their signature wing-shaped ears.

These dogs appear in paintings by famous artists who captured the likenesses and life of European royalty. This association also harmed the breed when leaders who appreciated them were overthrown. Over time, selective breeding refined the breed’s features, taking it from a dwarf-form Spaniel to the Papillon we know and love today. The breed became popular again more recently when Papillons started winning important dog competitions, demonstrating their intelligence and physical capabilities.

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