Papillon Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Papillon?

The Papillon hails from France and was originally known as a dwarf spaniel. The breed seems to have come about around the 13th century and began to feature in works of art in the 1500s.

The name Papillon stems from its butterfly-shaped ears, as the French word Papillon translates to butterfly in English. This wasn't always the case, though, as the Papillon only gained the signature look of its ears a few hundred years after it was originally bred. Before this, it was called epagneul nain Continental or Continental Toy Spaniel.

Papillons of the drop-eared variety were standard fare until the 19th century when breeders began to favour examples with raised ears.

Papillons made their way over to the U.S. in the late 19th century, and the breed was officially recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Who are Papillon dogs best for?

Papillons are best suited for people who work from home or families with a spouse or partner regularly at home. They are very affectionate and can become anxious if they are separated from their owners for too long.

Papillons are also best suited for owners who live in moderate climates or have adequate heating in their homes as the breed does not have an undercoat don't do very well in cool climates. So, they should get on just fine here in Australia!

Multi-dog households can also be a good fit for Papillons as they do well with other dogs and can even socialise well with other pets like cats if they are introduced from a young age.

The breed is extremely high-energy and will often not be content with lazing around on the couch, so regular walks and playtime are a must!

How much grooming does a Papillon need?

Despite being a rather fluffy breed, Papillons don't have extensive grooming needs. Their coats don't tend to matt easily and therefore only need to be brushed and combed once or twice a week.

Papillons are not prone to shedding frequently and don't have much of a natural odour which means they only need to be bathed once every few months or as needed and will probably not need any professional grooming.

However, their nails do need to be trimmed a few times a month, and you should brush their teeth a few times a week as, like most small-size breeds, they can develop periodontal disease.

Do Papillon bark much?

Papillons tend to be extremely alert and vocal, which means they can be prone to barking excessively. This can be an issue if you live in a particularly noisy area.

Thankfully, Papillons are easily trained and can be trained not to bark at everything that might grab their attention with the help of a few treats.

Papillons may also develop a habit of barking excessively if they feel neglected, as the breed can be rather needy.

Do Papillon bite?

Papillons are generally not aggressive but can show aggressive behaviour such as biting and nipping as puppies.

This can and should be trained out from a young age so that your Papillon does not develop aggressive behaviour later in its life.

What is the temperament & personality of a Papillon?

If you're looking for a great family pet, the Papillon might be the dog for you. They are known for being happy and friendly, making them ideal companion dogs.

You may need to clear some time out of your schedule for play as the curious Papillon is very energetic and requires a lot of mental stimulation. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys can also help keep these rambunctious little dogs busy.

Papillons can suffer from separation anxiety, so they are not dogs for those who spend a lot of time away from home. However, they do get on well with other dogs and can get on with cats if they are socialised at an early age, which can help prevent them from getting lonely and developing separation anxiety.

What is the weight & size of a Papillon?

Papillons are incredibly small dogs as when they are full-grown, they only get to around 20-28cm tall at their shoulder.

The Papillon also weighs very little as full-grown adults weigh between 2.2 and 4.5kg.

Therefore, owners will need to be very careful around these dogs as stepping on them, dropping them or allowing them to jump from high ledges could lead to serious injury or death.

How much training does a Papillon need?

Papillons are extremely easy to train as they are very intelligent. Owners will not have much of an issue with potty training or kennel training as Papillons are very receptive to positive reinforcement. Treats and affection will go a long way with this clever breed!

Papillons are so trainable that they are often chosen by obedience and agility trainers as they are excellent show dogs. They love mental stimulation, which is why they take so well to activities like dog sports. They can also easily be taught cues and tricks if an owner has the patience to teach them!

If you are considering dog sports, a Papillon may be a good dog to start with.

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

In terms of health, Papillons are normally quite healthy dogs, but they are predisposed to certain health conditions like all breeds are. Some of the common health problems that Papillons face include:

• Patellar Luxation occurs when the patella is not properly lined up. It can lead to arthritis and cause dogs to skip or hop on their front or hind legs when walking.

• Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can affect puppies and can be fatal if left untreated.

• A collapsed trachea can make it difficult for air to reach the lungs and can be hereditary.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an eye disorder that can eventually cause blindness. Thankfully, it can be detected and prevented by a vet before full blindness is reached.

• Open fontanel - like humans, Papillons have a soft spot on their heads at birth. This usually closes; however, if it does not close fully, damage to this spot can cause serious injury or death.

What is the lifespan of a Papillon?

Papillons live longer than most breeds which you should consider before you opt to rescue or purchase one from a breeder.

Papillons can live to be between 14 and 16 years old, which means that your furry companion should be with you for a while!

How much should you feed a Papillon?

Like many other small breeds, you need to take care not to overfeed your Papillon. You should generally feed them two meals a day consisting of 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dry food.

Papillions have delicate knees and should not become overweight as this can cause or exacerbate health issues. If their weight starts to become a problem their food should be cut down.

What is the price of a Papillon in Australia?

A pet Papillon puppy can cost around $350 in Australia; however, show-quality dogs with extensive pedigrees can cost up to $600. It will also be important to check if the breeder is registered with the national breed club.

It will be considerably cheaper to adopt a dog from a rescue organisation but you will likely struggle to get a puppy.