Papillon Breed information & Pictures

Papillon Breed Description

Life Expectancy
13-16 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
2 to 4

Size
Small

Weight
Dogs: 8-10 pounds
Bitches: 7-9 pounds

Height
Dogs: 8-11 inches
Bitches: 7-10 inches

Country of Origin
France

Groups
AKC Toy Dogs
FCI Group IX.: Companion and Toy Dogs
TKC Gundog

Other Names
Epagneul Nain, Continental Toy Spaniel

The Papillon is also called the Continental Toy Spaniel. They have a long lustrous coat what is white with patches of any color, except liver. The butterfly ears are carried either erect or drooping. The Papillon with drooped years is called Phalene Papillon.

This breed is small, friendly, elegant, of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action. They are very devoted to their masters, with a hearty spirit making them desirable for show or companionship. Papillons are hardy and usually long lived.

These lovely dogs are good travelers and love to be with their family. They are friendly, happy and eager to please. The Papillon ranks number one Toy Dog in obedience.

Temperament

The Papillon is a friendly, intelligent dog. Steady and silent. A lively, vivacious and charming, gentle and affectionate dog. They are playful and amusing but can also be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. This breed loves to be cuddled but also likes to romp outdoors.

Papillons are obedient and are not yappers. Can be trained to perform small tricks. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but are in general easy to train otherwise. Papillons do best with older, considerate children. They can be a bit dog-aggressive. Good with cats when they are raised with them from puppyhood.

Colors

From pale lemon and white to rich shades of red, chestnut, deep mahogany. Tris and black and white.

Coat

They have no undercoat, but a long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture. Daily combing and brushing of the long, silky, single coat is important and fairly straightforward. These dogs are usually clean and odorless. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the nails clipped and have the teeth cleaned regularly because they tend to accumulate tartar. They are average shedders and do not matt or tangle.

Health Issues

This breed is usually very healthy. Sometimes prone to problems with the kneecaps (patella) in the hind legs, this can sometimes be corrected by surgery. Also fontanel (an opening at the top of the skull similar to a baby human’s “soft spot”). It sometimes corrects itself but if it does not, the dog needs to be protected. To minimize the risk of your Papillon developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy a puppy from a reputable Continental Toy Spaniel breeder.

Living Environment

Although they can be good city dogs, they are sometimes not good apartment dogs, because the dog has a strong instinct to protect their property, and many will bark excessively at nearby noises, not making the distinction between casual noises and those worthy of a real alarm.