The Papillon, also know as Epagneul Nano Continental, dates back to the 1600s. These little dogs were favored among the French aristocracy. By the 1900s, the papillon became a popular participant in the dog show rings of France. Success swiftly followed the dainty dog to the show ring circuits of England and the United States. In 1915, the American Kennel Club recognized the papillon as a member of the toy group.
The Papillon is tiny and delicate breed with butterfly ears and an abundant coat with silky. This dog breed has a soft hair that needs regular attention.
Personality
The Papillon is one of the sweetest and more obedient among the dog breeds. It’s very friendly towards children, as well as gentle and playful. It needs some daily exercise in the form of a short walk or romp. Its friendly towards other dogs and strangers. Some of them are shy or timid.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spaniels |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 13-18 Years |
| Nicknames: | Butterfly dog, Pap, Continental toy spaniel, Epagneul nain continental, Phalene |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Papillon Build Information
The tiny papillon stands at a height of 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 3 to 12 pounds. The papillon’s trademark is its ears, which stand erect, and the feathering on the ears fans outward to resemble butterfly wings. The phalene papillon is a papillon variation with ears that do not stand upward; they drop downward instead. The coat is long, straight and silky, and it is typically white with markings of any color other than liver. These markings include a mask that wraps around both ears and across the eyes. The plumed tail curves upward over the dog’s back. The Papillon is tiny and delicate breed with butterfly ears and an abundant coat with silky. This dog breed has a soft hair that needs regular attention.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The papillon is an outgoing, lively and playful little dog. Its gentle and patient nature makes it an excellent companion for the elderly. The papillon does well in an apartment setting as long as it receives daily walks and plenty of indoor play time. Keep in mind, however, that papillons are not shy about barking. They are alert and territorial watchdogs. They get along with cats, but their delicate physique makes them a poor choice for young children and larger dogs. Although they are intelligent and easy to train for most obedience commands and tasks, housebreaking can pose a challenge in some papillons. The Papillon is one of the sweetest and more obedient among the dog breeds. It’s very friendly towards children, as well as gentle and playful. It needs some daily exercise in the form of a short walk or romp. Its friendly towards other dogs and strangers. Some of them are shy or timid.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The silky coat of a papillon requires combing or brushing two to three times a week to prevent the hair from tangling and matting. Since papillons have a propensity for developing periodontal disease, it is essential to brush the teeth daily to remove plaque before tartar accumulates. Periodontal disease adversely affects oral and overall health.
| Colors: | Parti-color |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Papillon Common Health Conditions
Papillons live average lifespans of 13 to 17 years. Some health concerns to be aware of in the papillon include patellar luxation, dental disease, tracheal collapse, hypoglycemia and open fontanel.
Papillon Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a lively, affectionate and playful little dog, consider the charms and cuddling potential of the papillon. The papillon was developed in France. Papillon is the French word for butterfly. The papillon is also called a butterfly dog, a pap, a continental toy spaniel, an epagneul nain continental and a phalene. The papillon is an energetic, playful and intelligent little dog. The papillon stands 8 to 11 inches tall and weighs 3 to 12 pounds. Papillons have high energy levels. Papillons require moderate grooming. The average lifespan for a papillon is 13 to 17 years.
| Training: | Hard |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | Yes |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
