Papillon: temperament, size, care and health

About the Papillon

The Papillon is a small, dainty dog with a fine-boned build, a slightly rounded skull, dark eyes and large ears fringed with long hair that spread out like the wings of a butterfly, which is what papillon means in French. There is also a drop-eared form, the Phalene, whose name means moth. Both are the same breed and can occur in the same litter. The coat is long and silky, white with patches of color, and the tail is a long plume arched over the back.

Despite the delicate appearance, the Papillon is a hardy and athletic toy. People keep it for its quick mind, its cheerful manner and its small, tidy size.

Temperament and family life

Papillons are alert, friendly and outgoing, and they like to be involved in whatever their owner is doing. They are usually good with visitors, with other pets and with calm children. They bark to announce visitors and can be noisy if bored, but the voice is not usually sharp.

The breed is small and easily injured, so it is better with older, gentle children than with toddlers. Some are bossy and unaware of their size around larger dogs. A Papillon will become clingy and anxious if left alone for many hours and may bark or chew in protest. Early socialization is useful to prevent timidity.

Exercise and training

The Papillon is energetic for a toy. Daily walks plus lively indoor play usually suffice, and many enjoy running in a safe yard. It is well suited to dog sports, and Papillons often excel in agility, obedience and rally, where they have a record of winning against much bigger dogs.

Training is a pleasure because the breed is among the most trainable of the toy dogs. It learns quickly, enjoys tricks and responds to praise and treats. Sessions should be brief and varied. House training can take more time than other training because of the small bladder. Without enough activity or mental work, a Papillon may develop nuisance barking.

Grooming and shedding

The silky single coat has no thick undercoat and does not mat as quickly as many long-haired breeds. Brushing and combing two or three times a week is usually enough, and the dog sheds moderately, with more hair during seasonal changes. A bath every month or so is sufficient.

Pay attention to the ear fringes, the pants and the feathering on the legs. Trim the nails, wipe the eyes and brush the teeth often, since small mouths collect tartar and tooth loss is common.

Health

The Papillon is a long-lived breed. Patellar luxation is the most frequent orthopedic complaint, and dental disease is very common. Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye diseases, allergies, intervertebral disc problems, and heart disease have been reported. Fragile limbs can be fractured by jumping from furniture.

Responsible breeders examine knees and eyes, check hearts and use DNA tests available for inherited eye disease. This is general information about the Papillon, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

Lapdogs of miniature spaniel type appear in European paintings from the sixteenth century onward, and the Papillon is generally linked to them. The drop-eared Phalene, thought to be closer to the breed's spaniel ancestors, and the erect-eared Papillon are the two ear types of one breed. France and Belgium are the countries most connected with its development. Breeders in Europe and North America refined the type, and the breed was recognized in the United States in the first half of the twentieth century.

Is the Papillon right for you?

A Papillon suits an active owner in a house or apartment who wants a smart, spirited and small dog, enjoys training and can give company throughout the day. Grooming is manageable, and it makes a good first dog for a responsible adult.

It is a poor choice for rough households, for people who want a quiet dog or for those who are out all day. The Pomeranian has a similar size with a fluffier coat and a louder voice, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is calmer, and the Russian Toy is a more terrier-like alternative.