Papillon

Dog Breed Group

Toy Dogs 

Origin of Breed

France as a companion 

Life Expectancy

13 to 16 years 

Color

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

Coat

No undercoat. Long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture. 

Exercise Needs

Can obtain his exercise indoor, but loves to take walks outdoors. 

Temperament

Papillons are active, lively dogs, although generally not nervous or yappy. They might alert you when someone is at the door but 

Good with Children

Good with older children. Gentlest and most obedient of toy breeds. Good with other animals but may challenge larger dogs. Makes 

Grooming Needs

Weekly brushing of the coat. Trimming of the pads of their feet. Minimal bathing. 

Average Size - Male (in)

8 - 11 

Average Size - Female (in)

8 - 11 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

3 - 9 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

3 - 9 

Health Issues

Usually very healthy. Some problems with inadequate tear production, progressive retinal atrophy and patella's .v

Living Conditions

Good apartments dog but loves the outdoors. 

Breed Description

The Papillon is a breed of toy dog known from the 16th century, when it was called a dwarf spaniel. A fashionable dog, it was favoured by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette, and it appeared in paintings by some of the Old Masters. He was originally called the Dwarf Spaniel. The name papillon (French: "butterfly") was given to the breed in the late 19th century, when a variety with large, flaring ears resembling the wings of a butterfly came into vogue. There is another variety of papillon, with drooping ears. Its coat is soft, full, and usually white with patches of black or of pale tan to dark reddish brown.

Breed Infobits

The Papillon is also called the butterfly dog because of its wide, erect ears. Other names include the Continental Toy Spaniel, Butterfly Spaniel, Epagneul Nain.
The Papillon is a marvelous little companion animal.