Papillon

At first called the Toy Spaniel, the Papillon, which originated in France, is one of the oldest breeds of toy spaniel that has provided companionship for centuries. The dog was known as a toy spaniel early on, as the breed was developed from the miniature spaniel and can be traced back to the early 16th century due to being featured in works of art found throughout Western Europe. The name Papillon was developed in reference to the breed’s distinctive ears and mask, which resemble a butterfly. Papillon is French for butterfly.

Sweet and playful, the Papillon has many fans as a companion dog. The breed also does well in competitions such as obedience and agility, due to its attentive nature and eagerness to please. The breed’s popularity and affectionate nature make it a popular choice for backyard breeders. Selecting a pup from a reputable breeder or rescue ensures you get a healthy dog with the personality Papillons are known for.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Papillon

Size And Weight

The Papillon is a small breed, fitting firmly into the toy family. The males and females are similar in size and weight, with the males occasionally being slightly taller and heavier.

Common Health Issues

The breed is generally healthy, although, just as with any dog, there are a few health conditions they are predisposed to. Luxating patellas, when the kneecap slips out of place, and progressive retinal atrophy are both conditions your veterinarian will watch for. Like many small dogs, the breed may also develop dental problems. Taking care of their mouth, with regular brushing from a young age, can help keep their mouth and teeth healthy.

Temperament

The breed’s temperament is one of its defining traits. Happy-go-lucky, friendly, alert, and always engaging, the Papillon has never met a stranger. Shyness or aggressiveness are considered major faults in the breed.

How To Take Care Of Papillons

These dogs are generally easy to care for. Because the dog is so low-maintenance, it is easy to get away with providing less attention than they need. Papillons thrive on mental stimulation and love activity. Spending time each day on a walk, teaching tricks, or otherwise engaging with your pup is important for his mental health.

The Best Dog Food For Papillons

It is important to keep an eye on your pup’s diet. Their small size makes it easy to overfeed them, and obesity can lead to health issues. Puppies should have their meals split into at least three servings each day. By the time the Papillon reaches six months, he will do well on two meals a day, which should be maintained throughout his lifespan.

It is always a good idea to be careful when feeding any dog table scraps or treats, but with any small breed, it is even more so. It takes very little “people food” to upset the nutritional balance of dog food as well as the pup’s stomach. To prevent any dental problems, the best way to go is dry kibble rather than wet food.

Maintenance And Grooming

When you see all the long hair on the Papillon, you may assume they require a lot of care. Surprisingly, as long as you groom your pup frequently, it isn’t a big job. The breed doesn’t shed excessively, so a quick brush with a pin brush or steel comb a few times a week to prevent tangles from forming is all it takes to keep your pup looking good.

The breed does need its ears cleaned out on a regular basis. Wiping the ears with a damp cloth once a week should be enough to keep the ears healthy, and your pup will quickly get comfortable with the routine.

Training

Training is easy and enjoyable as long as you are patient and consistent. They are small dogs, so it is important not to be loud or aggressive when dealing with them. If they are frightened, it will be much more difficult for them to learn. With positive training, the Papillon enjoys learning new skills and tricks, and will frequently show them off for attention.

Exercise

The breed is high-energy and loves to be on the move. Their small size makes it easy to provide exercise; they are often as happy chasing a ball in the living room as they are heading outside. Keep in mind, just because your Papillon is willing to do something, doesn’t mean it should. Long hikes, jogging, and other rigorous exercises are too intense for the pup.

Puppies

These dogs typically have small litters, sometimes only giving birth to one puppy. Three puppies are the average size of their litter. Toy breeds often need assistance during delivery. Their narrow pelvis can make delivery a challenge, and the veterinarian may feel that a C-section is the safer choice.

Papillons And Children

Children and Papillons can get along well and be best friends, but it is important to be cautious. The Papillon is a bright, attentive breed. Having a child around provides the activity and engagement he craves. However, the breed is small and somewhat delicate. Any children around the pup must know that they need to be gentle with their play, and children and dogs should always be supervised.

Dogs Similar To The Papillon

As endearing as the breed is, it isn’t the best choice for everyone. Several similar breeds may be a better fit for your family.

• Toy Fox Terrier: Playful and active, but his short coat and pricked ears are low-maintenance.
• English Toy Spaniel: Affectionate and willing to play, but lower energy and more content to hang out on the couch
• Shih Tzu: Playful but always happy to cuddle, the Shih Tzu is a wonderful companion. This breed is also well-suited for agility and obedience competitions.

Famous Papillons

The Papillon has been a favored choice for royalty throughout history. They were kept in the homes of King Henry II and Henry III, as well as Marie Antoinette. In modern times, singer Christina Aguilera and actor George Takei own the breed.