Introduction
Papillon—the French word for butterfly—perfectly captures the spirit of this charming breed. Their distinctively large, upright ears, fringed with graceful, flowing hair, resemble delicate butterfly wings, making them instantly recognizable and utterly enchanting.
These delightful little dogs have been adored in Western European art since the 16th century, a testament to their enduring appeal as elegant companions. Today, the Papillon remains a beloved family pet and devoted canine friend, cherished across the globe.
Standing at just 8–11 inches tall and weighing between 5–10 pounds, Papillons are compact and versatile. Despite their refined appearance and luscious fur, these spirited pups thrive in a variety of climates and living arrangements. Full of happiness and friendliness, they blossom in the company of their human families. In addition to being wonderful pets, Papillons often shine in agility competitions and sometimes serve as therapy and service dogs, demonstrating their intelligence and versatility.
Caring for a Papillon
The Papillon’s charming personality is a direct reflection of its longstanding history as a cherished companion. While each dog is unique, many Papillons are affectionate, adaptable, and love curling up in your lap or snuggling beside you on the couch—once they’ve had a chance to release their seemingly endless energy.
With their sharp intellect, Papillons crave plenty of mental engagement and attention. Thanks to their petite size, they’re especially suited for apartment living, where bursts of indoor play and neighborhood strolls can keep them happily entertained. However, they tend to be more energetic than many toy breeds, so they require more exercise than you might expect and benefit from access to secure, fenced-in areas where they can run freely.
Their long, feathered coat demands regular brushing or combing several times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Devoted pet parents will also prioritize consistent, positive training, helping their Papillon puppies grow into well-mannered, ideal companions.
Papillon Health Issues
Papillons enjoy an impressive lifespan of 14–16 years, among the longest for dogs. They’re generally healthy, but it’s important to be aware of a few inherited conditions that can affect the breed.
Open Fontanelle
Ethical breeders carefully screen for an open fontanelle—a soft spot on a puppy’s skull similar to that found in human infants. This opening usually closes by the time a Papillon is 9–12 weeks old but can persist into adulthood in some dogs.
While this inherited condition is more common in tiny toy breeds, an open fontanelle rarely causes problems, although it may render the dog more vulnerable to head injuries. There is no treatment, and dogs with this condition should not be bred.
Luxating Patella
Papillons are sometimes prone to luxating patella, an inherited issue where one or both kneecaps slip out of place. Responsible breeders screen for this condition to reduce its occurrence.
Mild cases may cause no pain, but severe luxation can lead to lameness and a tendency to favor one leg, potentially resulting in arthritis. Surgery might be necessary depending on the severity.
Dental Disease
Because Papillons are prone to dental problems, daily at-home dental care and regular professional cleanings are essential to prevent periodontal disease. Brushing your dog’s teeth each day is the most effective defense, but you can also support dental health by:
- Feeding specialized dental health dog food
- Offering dental chews instead of regular treats
- Adding supplements to your dog’s diet and water
Collapsing Trachea
The trachea, or windpipe, carries air to the lungs. In some Papillons, this tube can flatten—a condition called tracheal collapse—which makes breathing difficult and triggers a distinctive “goose honk” cough.
This condition is often mild and manageable with medication, though severe cases may need surgical intervention.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA encompasses several genetic disorders causing the retina to degenerate, eventually leading to blindness. Although it is painless, there is no cure. With support, many affected dogs adapt well to vision loss.
What To Feed a Papillon
Choosing the ideal diet for your Papillon depends on their individual needs. Always select food that meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), and work with your veterinarian to tailor feeding recommendations to your dog’s health history.
Measuring portions precisely is critical—overeating or insufficient exercise can lead to obesity, increasing the risk of other health issues.
How To Feed a Papillon
Due to their small size, Papillon puppies are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they don’t eat frequently enough. To avoid this, feed them small meals four times daily until they reach about 4 months of age.
At that point, their growing bodies better regulate blood sugar, allowing a transition to three meals per day. Adult Papillons usually thrive on a twice-daily feeding schedule—morning and evening.
How Much Should You Feed a Papillon?
Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance on portion size, and refer to the feeding instructions on your dog food packaging, which typically offer recommendations based on your Papillon’s weight.
Nutritional Tips for Papillons
If you provide AAFCO-compliant food, your dog should receive balanced nutrition. However, your vet might suggest supplements tailored to your Papillon’s health needs.
For dogs with luxating patella issues, joint-support supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may promote healthy joints. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial, keeping joints supple and maintaining a glossy, soft coat.
Papillon Personality and Temperament
Papillons are bright, affectionate, and thrive on quality family time. They’re known for their friendly disposition and eagerness to meet new friends, especially if socialized early.
They get along well with other dogs, cats, children, adults, and seniors alike. Keep in mind, though, that very young or energetic children might inadvertently harm small dogs, so adult supervision is essential.
Papillons adore cuddling but are far from sedentary. They’re lively, playful, and need daily exercise paired with mental challenges. Fortunately, their small size makes it easy to keep them entertained with toys inside the home, leash walks, or playtime in a secure yard.
Papillon Behavior
Deeply devoted to their humans, Papillons can sometimes develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. This may result in excessive barking or destructive behaviors like chewing furniture.
Crate training can alleviate mild anxiety, and providing engaging toys during absences helps keep their minds occupied. Severe cases may require a comprehensive behavior modification plan under professional guidance.
Papillon Training
Papillons rank among the most intelligent breeds, making obedience training a rewarding experience when approached with consistency and positive reinforcement.
Like many small breeds, house training can be a challenge. Patience and frequent bathroom breaks are key, and support from your veterinarian or a certified trainer can make the process smoother.
Start socializing your puppy right away, and ask your breeder about their early socialization efforts. With proper introduction to new people and environments, Papillons grow into confident and well-balanced adults.
Fun Activities for Papillons
- Leash walking adventures
- Playtime indoors and outdoors with their favorite humans
- Obedience training sessions
- Agility courses and competitions
Papillon Grooming Guide
Though Papillons boast long, silky fur, grooming isn’t overly demanding since they lack an undercoat. A gentle brushing every few days keeps their coat smooth, tangle-free, and reduces shedding.
Skin Care
While generally possessing healthy skin, keep an eye out for redness, itching, flaking, or irritation. If you notice any skin abnormalities, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Regular brushing and bathing maintain not just the coat but skin health too, as debris trapped in fur can cause discomfort. Ask your vet for advice on bathing frequency and appropriate dog shampoos.
Coat Care
Papillons shed moderately throughout the year and are not hypoallergenic. Brushing several times weekly helps keep their coat in excellent condition. Pay special attention to the delicate feathering around their ears, which is prone to mats. Use a pet comb or pin brush for best results.
Eye Care
Papillons may develop tear stains, which a vet-approved eye cleanser can gently remove. Seek veterinary advice if your dog shows unusual eye discharge or cloudiness.
Ear Care
Check your Papillon’s ears weekly for inflammation, debris, or infection signs. Cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser is especially important after swimming or baths to prevent infections.
Dental Care
Daily tooth brushing is crucial to ward off periodontal disease. While dental diets, chews, and supplements support oral health, they don’t replace the effectiveness of regular brushing.
Nail Care
Trim your Papillon’s nails every four to six weeks using tools designed for small breeds, such as nail clippers or adjustable grinders, to keep this task comfortable and safe.
Considerations for Pet Parents
The Papillon’s gorgeous, long coat requires dedicated care, making this breed a good match for owners prepared to invest time in grooming. Their lively intellect and energy make them wonderful companions for active families who enjoy shared activities indoors and out.
Affectionate and closely bonded to their people, Papillons may experience separation anxiety if left alone too long. Fortunately, they often bond well with other pets, which can help ease loneliness and reduce unwanted behaviors.
Is a Papillon a good family dog?
Absolutely! Papillons are loving, energetic, and make wonderful family pets. However, very young or overly energetic children should be supervised to prevent accidental injuries to these small dogs.
Are Papillons smart dogs?
Yes, Papillons rank among the smartest dog breeds, known for their quick learning and eagerness to please.
How much does a Papillon cost? Why are Papillons so expensive?
Papillon puppies from reputable breeders typically range between $1,000–$2,000, though prices fluctuate depending on lineage, location, and other factors. Consider adopting from breed-specific rescues or shelters as an alternative.
Do Papillon dogs bark a lot?
As with all dogs, barking varies by individual. Papillons do tend to vocalize more than some breeds, but regular exercise, mental engagement, and training can keep excessive barking under control.
