Quick Take
- These dogs are easy to train and great with kids, though there is a specific situation where that reputation completely falls apart. See the full picture →
- Owning a Papillon mix has a downside that most people don't discover until it's too late, and it has nothing to do with size or shedding. Explore the key downsides →
- A Papillon mix puppy's small size sounds like a perk, but that very quality can become a serious safety problem in your own backyard. Check the safety warnings →
- Papillon mixes have a 700-year-old lineage, and that ancient history directly shapes the quirks you'll deal with as an owner today.
A Papillon mix is generally between a Papillon dog and another breed, typically another small toy breed like a Chihuahua or toy poodle. Papillon mix dogs are known for their friendly temperaments and outgoing personalities. They love to play and be around people, which makes them great companions. They are also intelligent and quick learners, so they can be trained quickly. The Papillon itself is one of the oldest dog breeds, with records that go back 700 years in Europe. The papillon was initially bred as a companion dog, and this trait has been passed down to the papillon mix breeds.
The 3 Different Types of Papillon Mixes
The Papillon is a small breed of dog that is known for its large, erect ears and friendly personality. They are often mixed with other small breeds like chihuahuas, poodles, or Pomeranians to create some really adorable and loving dogs.
One of the most popular papillon mixes is the papi-chi, or chion, a mix between a papillon and a Chihuahua. These little guys are usually very energetic and playful and make great companion pets who love being around their owners.
Another popular mix is the papipoo, which is a cross between a papillon and a poodle breed. These dogs are often very intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal for families with young children.
Another popular mix is the papi pom, a mix between a papillon and a pomeranian. These dogs are typically active, loving, and outgoing, and make great watchdogs.
Besides these three Papillon mixes, there are also:
- Papitese (Papillon x Maltese)
- Yorkillon (Papillon x Yorkshire Terrier)
- Papastzu (Papillon x Shih Tzu)
- Papi-Inu (Papillon x Shiba Inu)
- Pugion (Papillon x Pug)
- Papschund (Papillon x Dachshund)
Owning a Papillon Mix: 3 Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can live in apartments Due to their small size, Papillon mixes can easily live and thrive in small spaces such as small houses or apartments. They can also live in bigger spaces when required, making them quite versatile. | Hates being alone Papillon mixes love being with their owners and finds it hard to be apart from them when they have to go to work or to other outings. This can cause the dog a great amount of stress. |
| Friendly and social Papillon mixes are generally known as friendly and sociable pups that love being around their owners and others. This friendly aspect makes them good to be around children. | Loud Papillon mixes can be loud barkers in certain circumstances, such as when anxious. This could get you complaints from your neighbors and be a hard habit to train out of them.  |
| Easy to train Papillion mixes are usually eager to please their owners and love to learn new tricks and commands. This makes them quite easy to train, especially as puppies. | Prone to anxiety Depending on the dog, these can be quite anxious dogs at times and can be prone to social and separation anxiety. |
Size and Weight
Every dog grows at different rates, and the average size of a papillon mix can vary due to many factors, including the breed it’s mixed with, diet, genetics, and more. An adult papillon mix’s average weight is usually anywhere between 3 to 24 pounds, with a shoulder height of 6 to 17 inches, with barely any difference in size between male and female papillon mixes.
Common Health Issues
Papillon mixes can sometimes be prone to certain health conditions, such as dental problems, eye and vision problems, and allergies. However, most Papillon mixes are actually quite healthy dogs. Your dog should live a long, happy life with proper care and attention.
Here are some tips for keeping your Papillon mix healthy:
- Make sure to brush their teeth regularly and take them to the vet for regular checkups.
- Keep their eyes clean and watch for any signs of irritation or infection.
- Be aware of any allergies they may have and avoid exposing them to triggers.
If you have any questions or concerns about your papillon mix’s health, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further advice.
Temperament and Behavior
A Papillon mix can include a Paperanian, or a cross between a Pomeranian and a Papillon.
©casualphotographerpdx/Shutterstock.com
Papillon mixes are known for being intelligent, active, and alert. They are also typically very friendly with their families and kids. However, every dog is different, and it is important to get to know each dog to see their personality, behavior, and traits.
Papillon mixes tend to be very loving and affectionate dogs. They enjoy being around people and love receiving attention. They typically do well with children as they are gentle-natured and enjoy playing fetch and learning new things.
How to Take Care of Papillon Mixes
Papillon mix puppies are usually small and fragile when you first bring them to their new home. It’s important to puppy-proof your house to protect your new pet and find the best food and toys to provide them with. This can be an exciting new time for puppies and owners alike. So, how do you look after your new puppy once you bring it home?
The Best Dog Food
Dogs are naturally omnivores and require a protein-rich diet to stay healthy. However, many commercial dog foods on the market today are filled with fillers and artificial ingredients that can actually be harmful to your dog’s health.
Maintenance And Grooming
When owning a Papillon mix, brushing your dog’s fur regularly is best to prevent tangles and mats from forming in its long fur. A good-quality bristle brush or comb will work well for this. You may also need to trim your dog’s nails regularly, using either a nail clipper designed specifically for dogs or a pair of scissors. Be sure not to cut too deeply, as this can cause bleeding.
If your dog has any skin or fur problems, you may need to consult with a veterinarian or groomer for specific instructions on how to deal with them. However, in general, it is important to keep the affected area clean and free of debris. You may also need to apply medicated shampoo or ointment as directed by your veterinarian.
Training
Papillon mix dogs are incredibly intelligent. They can understand new commands quickly and remember them for a long time. Additionally, they are eager to please their owners, making them highly responsive to training.
Papillon mixes may be easier to train than other breeds of dogs. This is because they have a sweet and gentle disposition. They are not prone to aggression or disobedience, which makes them much more cooperative during training sessions.
These mixed dogs also tend to be very social creatures. They love being around people and other animals, which makes them very easygoing when it comes to learning new things in an environment with others present.
In summary, Papillon mixes may be easier to train than other breeds for several key reasons. Their intelligence, willingness to please their owner, and social nature make them ideal candidates for obedience training.
Exercise
It is important to note that every dog is different and will therefore have different exercise requirements. However, these dogs will generally need short walks during the day and some playtime. This could include games of fetch, catch, or other similar stimulating activities. It is also important to ensure your dog has access to a safe and secure area where it can run around and explore. This will help them stay active and healthy, both mentally and physically.
Puppies
When considering purchasing or adopting a papillon mix puppy, it’s good to note that papillon mixes can be very high-energy dogs at times, especially when young. They need a lot of stimulation as puppies, or they may become destructive out of boredom. If you don’t have a lot of time for walks/playtime, this may not be the right breed for you.
A Papillon mix can also be pretty small, which means they can escape through small holes in fences when in the backyard. So, you must take the time to ensure your home or yard is safe and secure for your new puppy.
Papillon Mix And Children
While Papillon mixes can make excellent companion animals and are generally good with children, they may not always be the best choice for families with small children or toddlers — unless you are willing to put in the time to train your dog and teach your children to be respectful of each other. The puppy may be startled by small children and nip if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. If you have young children at home, it is essential to socialize your pup from a young age so they can learn how to interact appropriately with children. It’s always best to train your dog early on how to act around small children. Teaching small children how to pet and play with your pup appropriately is also a good option.
Papillon Mix Pictures
View all of our Papillon Mix pictures in the gallery.
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