Papillon Dog Breed Information: Profile, History, Care & Review

the Papillon may be a small, dainty, elegant dog of fine-boned structure, slightly longer than tall. The gait is quick, easy, and graceful. The abundant coat is long, silky, straight, and flowing. The dog’s hallmark characteristic, besides the friendly temperament and alert expression, is the breed’s beautiful butterfly ears.

The Papillon dog breed descends from the toy spaniels that are frequently portrayed in paintings by the Old Masters, from as far back as the 16th century. He’s highly active and maybe a wonderful competitor in agility and obedience. His sparkling personality makes him a favorite of all who meet him.

Papillon Dog Information:

Breed Name	Papillon
Other Names	Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog, Phalène, Epagneul Nain, Phalène (Drop Ear Type), Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continental
Breed Group	Companion Breeds (UKC)
Type	Toy (Purebred)
Size	Smallest
Weight	Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg) Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Height	Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm) Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Area of Origin	France
Life Range	13-16 years
Colors	White & Black White & Lemon White & Red White & Sable White Black & Tan
Level of Energy	Very energetic
Bark Tendency	Moderate
Exercise	Daily
Overall Grooming	Moderate Maintenance

Papillon Dog History:

The Papillon was portrayed in portraits dating to the 16th century, a testament to the breed’s age and endurance. Rubens, Watteau, Boucher, Van Dyke, Rembrandt, and Fragonard all portrayed them in various artworks, usually accompanying their doting mistresses. the small spaniels were favorite companions of court ladies throughout Europe. Traders carried them in baskets on mules through France, Italy, and Spain.

The early toy spaniels from which the Papillon descended had drop ears, but within the 17th-century court of Louis XIV, a small spaniel with upright ears was developed and given the name Papillon for its resemblance to a butterfly. Other names by which the breed has been known over the centuries include Epagneul Nain (dwarf spaniel), Dwarf Continental Spaniels, Little Squirrel Dogs (because their full, plumed tail resembled that of a squirrel) or Belgian Toy Spaniels.

Papillon Dog Photos:

Papillons are tough and gutsy, but they’re very small. Owners got to take care of them, especially once they are puppies, around stairs, furniture, and other, larger animals. a small child can accidentally hurt his puppy friend very easily. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions like a fontanel within the top of the skull, almost like a human baby’s soft spot; and patellar luxation, or kneecaps which will “slip” or dislocate, sometimes briefly, sometimes completely.

• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: patellar luxation, seizures, dental problems
• Occasionally seen: vWD, PRA, open fontanel, intervertebral disk disease, allergies
• Suggested tests: knee, eye, (vWD), cardiac

Nutrition For Papillon Dog:

The Papillon should have the best on high-quality pet food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared together with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are susceptible to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats are often a crucial aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. a study in which human foods are safe for dogs, and which aren’t. ask your vet if you’ve got any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, water should be available at all times.

How to Take Care of Papillon Dog:

Papillons are house dogs and are not suited to living outdoors. they’re active, however, and can enjoy having a yard where they will run in wild, fast circles. If that’s not available, however, they’ll make do with tearing through your house and jumping on and off the furniture. they’re often described as mountain goats, so do not be surprised if you find yours up on the kitchen table or another high spot.

Adults need two or three 20- to 30-minute walks or playtimes per day, and they’ll appreciate more if you’ll provide it. Start puppies with two or three 10- to 15-minute walks and gradually increase the time and distance. Puppy or adult, they’ll let you know if they’re getting tired by stopping or sitting.

Although they grow up to be sturdy little dogs, Papillon puppies are often fragile. they will easily break a leg soaring off the back of the sofa or jumping off the bed, so try to avoid such situations by teaching them to use steps to urge on and off furniture or waiting until you lift them down.

Papillon Grooming, Bathing & Coat:

The Papillon does require regular bathing and brushing. This friendly little dog is often bathed as frequently as every week up to no longer than 6 weeks, depending on lifestyle, with a happy medium being somewhere within the middle. Maintaining healthy skin and coat is of primary importance. Correct product selection for your bathing program will help achieve the best possible end result.

First and foremost, do a preliminary bath to lift off and take away dirt, debris, oil, and environmental factors to bring the coat back to a neutral state. Always choose the mildest shampoo which will get the job done. The secondary bath is used to enhance the coat, whether you’re eager to hydrate the coat, enhance the color, change the texture, etc. once you do the final rinse, attempt to keep the water temperature a bit cooler so you are doing not dehydrate the skin. After the bath, apply a light conditioner to replace the natural oils lost during the bathing process. A conditioner will help seal the ends preventing damage to the coat also like help with static electricity.

The Papillon requires minimal grooming, but a good solid bath is of utmost importance. Getting the coat squeaky clean with each individual hair separated and divided slightly standing off the body is important. With this breed, the cleaner the coat, the less likely the coat is to mat, and also the shedding is going to be a bit less as well.

Papillon Dog Exercise:

Thanks to their small size, Papillons make wonderful indoor pets, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. they’re active, smart dogs, and that they will want their people to play with them. Indoors, they enjoy retrieving a little ball or toy—a Papillon will quickly learn to bring it back so you’ll throw it again. Outdoors, faithful their spaniel heritage, Papillons will happily run within the yard to chase after squirrels, chipmunks, and even insects. Papillons tend to not realize how small they really are, so owners got to watch carefully if they set out after a larger dog or even a cat.

Papillon Dog Personality:

Papillons are generally outgoing, happy dogs that enjoy sitting in laps the maximum amount as they like running around the house. Although lively and energetic, they’re not considered high-strung, nervous or fearful, and that they don’t bark excessively.

The typical papillon enjoys socializing with cats and with other dogs. Papillons don’t hesitate to engage larger animals in play, but owners should take care that the larger animal doesn’t treat the papillon as prey. Papillons also enjoy playing with children, but youngsters must take care, not to roughhouse with these lively little dogs.

The papillon’s alertness, intelligence, and intense desire to please make it a favorite in obedience competition. they’re also known to have notable talents in tracking, agility, and therapy dogs.