All About the Papillon Dog Breed

Papillons are are intelligent lively dogs with an unique, yet elegant appearance. The popularity of the papillon has jumped over the past several years, making this once rare breed more recognizable. It's hard not to want a papillon once you see one, but it's important to know what you are getting yourself into. Papillons do have some unique needs and personality traits that should be examined before deciding to get one.

Papillons make wonderful companion dogs. They love their owners and are very devoted little dogs. Papillons tend to favor one person above everyone else. They are very protective and make excellent watch dogs. A papillon will alert its owner to just about every noise it hears, so be prepared for barking. Papillons are active dogs who enjoy walks and love to play. The papillon is highly athletic and quite agile, which is why they are becoming increasingly popular in the the sport of dog agility. The papillon is also consider one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are highly trainable and can be taught an array of tricks. Papillons can be temperamental little dogs. Often they can be weary of strangers and sometimes even fuss about going out in poor weather.

The papillons coat is white with colored markings. Typically, they are tri-colored with black and brown markings. However, they can be just black and white as well. The ears are what truly makes the papillon stand out. The papillon has large ears that are typically upright and resemble a butterfly, which is how they got their name, because papillon means butterfly french. Another variety of papillon called the phalene has dropped ears, but they are still over sized in appearance. Papillons have a mask that covers their face and should have a strip of white down their nose. Their coat is dense and extravagant, with fringe coming off the ears, legs and belly. Papillons also have a lush tail that curls over with a large plume of long fur. Typically, the papillon is a small dog weighing about 6-10 pounds and is about 8 to 11 inches in height.

Papillons do require grooming for their long and beautiful coats, but typically their maintenance is minimal. The papillon must be brushed daily, but can bathed on an as needed basis, because they don't typically have an odor. Special attention must be paid to the papillons feet when grooming. Their nails need to be trimmed about every two weeks and the over growth of hair between their foot pads needs to trimmed regularly to prevent splaying. Some papillons may require eye care for excessive tearing. Using a moistened cotton swab to clean under their eyes daily will prevent crust build and possible hair loss. Owners must brush their papillons teeth often to prevent tarter build up, that can result in tooth loss later in life. Although papillons are hearty little dogs , they are small and it is essential that owners watch them carefully around younger children who may unintentionally injure them.

When cared for properly a papillon can live to up to 16 years of age. Papillons are relatively healthy when cared for properly. Keeping up with veterinarian care, daily maintenance and dietary needs will ensure this hearty little dog a long and happy life.


By Hillary Marshall