Papillon Dog: Your Complete Guide
The papillon dog, or the Continental toy spaniel, is a spaniel-type dog breed that’s known for its butterfly-like ears. These dogs are highly intelligent, which makes them receptive to training, and they generally love socializing with other people and animals.
The earliest known record of spaniel-type dogs that look like the papillon are found in 16th century Italy in the form of a painting made by the Italian Renaissance painter Titian. In fact, they were frequently depicted in paintings all over Europe because of their popularity among the nobility.
In this article, we are going to dive deep into the history of papillon dogs and explore their unique traits, including their physical characteristics, temperament, grooming needs, and more.
Quick Look at the Papillon Dog
Below is a quick glance at the papillon dog in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 7-10 pounds – 8-11inches |
| Coat Type | Straight, long, and silky |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Friendly, playful, energetic, active |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
What Is the History of Papillon Dogs?
The papillon was a popular breed among the nobility in 17th century Britain, France, and Belgium. One can be seen in the family portrait of Louis XIV. Most of these paintings depicted spaniels with drooping ears instead of their distinct butterfly-like ears. This wasn’t a mistake – these dogs were referred to as “Phalène” and were more popular at the time.
In fact, spaniels with butterfly ears didn’t become popular until well into the 19th century. Breeders selectively began to breed a variant of the spaniel whose ears stood erect. It was given the name “papillon” because of how much its ears looked like the wings of a butterfly.
These dogs were often depicted in red and white colors in early paintings and not in the diverse range of colors we know they exist in today.
There are many stories about the papillon and their association with the nobility, but it’s unclear how much truth there is to them. For example, some tales suggest that Papillons were favored companions of Marie Antoinette and even had their own miniature carriages.
One story which we know is true says that Marie Antoinette had a spaniel which descended from a drop-eared breed called the Epagneul Nain (which is what the papillon is referred to as in many non-English speaking countries today). After she was executed, her dog was looked after by other people in a building in Paris which is called “The House of Papillon.”
The French breed gained official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1935. While the Phalène was more popular in the past, the papillon is much more common in today’s world.
What Do Papillon Dogs Look Like?
The most distinct feature of the papillon is its large, erect ears, which, as mentioned above, resemble the wings of a butterfly. These ears usually have multicolored patterns or are white with patches of different hues. Meanwhile, Phalenes, a papillon variation, have droopy or floppy ears.
These dogs have a long and silky coat, which adds to their charm and gives them an air of royal elegance. The papillon is predominantly white but can have coats in a variety of other colors, including black, red, cream, and various combinations of these colors.
The most common color among Papillon dogs is a mix of white with sable patches over the eyes and ears, which makes it look as if they’re wearing a mask.
What Size Is a Papillon Dog?
Papillon dogs are small, with male dogs usually weighing between 8 to 10 pounds and female dogs weighing between 7 to 9.03 . The papillon isn’t very tall, typically standing about 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
What Is a Papillon Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
The papillon has a single coat which is long and silky. There’s lots and lots of fur around the ears, chest, and tail.
What Is a Papillon Dog’s Temperament?
Papillons are very happy and playful dogs. They love spending time with their owners and will often bark just to get their attention. If they have a favorite toy (which most of them do), then they’ll lug it around with them wherever they go, and they won’t be happy if you try to switch it with something else.
They’re very affectionate, and one of their favorite hobbies is to just stare at their owner, so if you want to be lovingly stared at by a tiny ball of fur while you go about your day, then this is the dog for you.
Papillons can develop separation anxiety if you don’t give them enough attention or leave them alone for long periods of time. They’re very small dogs, so you can easily take them with you no matter where you go.
Are Papillon Dogs Good With Kids?
Yes, papillons usually get along very well with kids, but as with every other breed in the world, you have to start socializing them from a very early age. One problem with these dogs is that they’re very delicate, so you might want to keep them away from rowdy or loud kids who could accidentally hurt them during play.
Some papillons tend to be very quiet (though this is very rare), so you may not always notice their presence, even if they’re sitting right by your feet. This could lead to accidentally stepping on them, especially in busy households or around children, but this is a problem that can be easily solved by attaching a bell to your dog’s collar.
Are Papillon Dogs Good With Other Animals?
Yes, papillons are generally very sociable dogs and love spending time with other animals, including other dogs and cats. However, it’s still important to start their socialization training when they’re young to make sure they develop good manners and interact with other pets (and people) in a positive way.
If you notice your papillon getting jealous because you’re giving attention to other pets, then an easy way to address this problem is to provide positive exposure to seeing you interact with other animals. Simply getting your papillon involved in the activities and rewarding positive behavior can help reassure your papillon and reduce feelings of jealousy.
Are Papillon Dogs Aggressive?
It’s very rare for a papillon dog to be aggressive. They are generally quite friendly and don’t mind being around other people and animals. However, any dog can display aggression, especially if they’re afraid or experiencing discomfort.
Again, early socialization can help prevent any aggressive tendencies from developing as they mature into well-adjusted and friendly dogs.
Do Papillon Dogs Bark?
No, most papillons don’t bark, and when they do, it’s mostly to alert you to something or someone. It can vary from dog to dog, and it also depends on how well you train your papillon. Most papillon dogs are very quiet, and they’re great for people who live in apartments.
Are Papillon Dogs Affectionate?
Papillons are very affectionate dogs, but it sometimes depends on their mood. They’re a bit like cats in that sense, showing and demanding affection on their own terms and cuddling with their owners when it suits them.
They love to curl up next to their owners but may not like being held for too long. However, as mentioned above, each papillon has its own distinct personality, so some tend to be more affectionate than others.
Are Papillon Dogs Intelligent?
Yes, papillon dogs are considered one of the most intelligent breeds in the entire world. They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom. They’re very good at reading people, which helps them form a deep bond with their owner. However, this also means that they understand their owner well, which can sometimes lead to them being a bit manipulative.
Are Papillon Dogs Energetic?
Yes, papillons are high-energy dogs, and they rarely get tired. They’re also very adaptable, though, so if you’re ever feeling down in the dumps and don’t want to leave the house, your papillon will probably understand and be perfectly fine with some indoor playtime or cuddles.
Despite being high-energy dogs, most papillons only require 30-45 minutes of exercise every day.
Are Papillon Dogs Easy to Train?
Yes, papillon dogs can be very easy to train because of their high intelligence. They’re quick learners and are always trying to please their owners, which makes it easy to teach them tricks and commands. They excel in agility and obedience training.
If you’ve never owned a dog before, then the papillon is a great choice because of how adaptable and trainable they are.
Are Papillon Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Papillons make good watchdogs because they will bark at things or people outside your house if they’re not familiar with them. They’re highly intelligent and will easily be able to tell when something is amiss, alerting you with their high-pitched bark.
They tend to be a bit protective of their owners, so if someone tries to hurt you, they will get in the way. However, keep in mind that their size is very small, so they may not always be able to protect you physically.
Are Papillon Dogs Good Service Dogs?
Yes, papillons are great service dogs, but they’re limited to certain types of tasks because of their small size. They’re excellent as PTSD service dogs since they are affectionate and can learn to comfort their owner during a panic or anxiety attack. You can also train them for tasks like retrieving small items, alerting you to sounds, and reminding you to take medications.
How to Care for a Papillon Dog?
Papillon dogs are usually very simple to groom. Just brush them regularly to keep their coats tangle-free, and give them a bath as needed. Make sure to check and clean their big ears, which can easily accumulate wax and debris, to prevent infections and trim their nails so they stay comfortable and healthy.
One of the most common problems with papillons is their tendency to have bad teeth. Regular dental care is important, so make sure to brush their teeth daily and schedule regular checkups to prevent dental issues.
Do You Need to Groom a Papillon Dog?
Yes, but it’s fairly easy to groom a papillon dog, and most owners don’t have to take them to a professional groomer.
Brush their coats every other day, give them a bath every three weeks or so, keep a check on their ears to make sure they don’t have any dirt trapped in them, trim their nails using a nail clipper that comes with a protective guard, and brush their teeth daily.
These are very low to average maintenance dogs overall, making them a great choice for people who want a pet that’s easy to care for.
Do Papillon Dogs Shed?
Papillons shed moderately, but their long and silky hair can create the illusion of more shedding. Their shedding often increases during seasonal changes, particularly in the spring and fall, when they may shed their winter or summer coat. You may have to vacuum daily, but again, this can vary from dog to dog.
What Health Problems Do Papillon Dogs Have?
Here are some common health issues that papillon dogs may experience:
- Patellar Luxation: This is a condition that’s very common in small breeds like the papillon. It results from the kneecap slipping out of its normal position, causing lameness or difficulty in movement. Symptoms include intermittent limping, reluctance to put weight on the affected leg, and occasionally holding the affected leg up when walking.
- Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): This is a bleeding disorder that causes dogs to experience prolonged bleeding after minor injuries or surgeries. Currently, there is no cure for vWD, but with proper management, it is possible for dogs with vWD to live a healthy life.
- Heart Murmurs: Papillons are susceptible to heart murmurs, which are abnormal sounds heard during a veterinary examination. They’re not always indicative of a serious problem, but they should be monitored by a veterinarian with a stethoscope.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a genetic eye disorder that leads to gradual vision loss and can eventually result in blindness. Make sure you take your dog to the vet for eye check-ups regularly.
- Dental Problems: Small dogs like papillons are prone to dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and early tooth loss. As mentioned above, make sure you brush their teeth daily and provide dental treats to maintain their oral health.
- Cataracts: Cataracts usually develop due to aging in papillons. They refer to the clouding of the eye’s lens, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated.
How Long Do Papillon Dogs Live?
The average lifespan of a papillon ranges from 13 to 15 years.
What Should a Papillon Dog Eat?
Papillon dogs have diverse tastes, but a balanced diet is key. While there are many dog food options for papillons, consult a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to know what to feed your papillon.
For picky eaters, a mix of dry food, lean protein like boiled chicken, and extras like sweet potato might do the trick. Make sure you keep an eye on their weight and consult the vet for dietary advice tailored to their needs.
Is a Papillon Dog the Right Dog for Me?
Papillons thrive in homes where they receive a lot of attention and interaction. Their small size makes them great for people who live in small apartments or homes with limited space. They don’t bark very often, but they do shed moderately, so you’ll have to groom them regularly.
They get along well with kids and other animals, but because they’re very small, you have to keep an eye on them when they’re around other people or animals to make sure they don’t accidentally get injured. It’s very easy for kids to hurt them unintentionally because of their delicate build.
If you’ve never owned a dog before and you want an energetic and affectionate companion who will adapt to your behavior and lifestyle, then a papillon may be the perfect choice for you.