• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Papillon Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Papillon so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank53
Reviews5
User Ratings
Compare the Papillon With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Papillon dog profile picture
OriginSpain flagSpain France flagFrance Belgium flagBelgium
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Papillon known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Continental Toy SpanielEpagneul NainEpagneul Nain ContinentalPhalèneSquirrel DogButterfly Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Papillon? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred The Papillon is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Papillon Mixes.

Papillon Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Papillon? Learn how big the Papillon breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Papillon weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Papillon breed.
Male: 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg), Female: 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Papillon?
Male: 9 pounds (4.5 kg), Female: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Papillon? Papillon height:
Male: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm), Female: 8-11 inches (20-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Papillon?
Male: 9.5 inches (24 cm), Female: 9.5 inches (24 cm)

Papillon Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Papillon puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Papillon costs.
$400-$600
If you choose to purchase the Papillon, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Papillon for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Papillon gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Papillon? How many Papillon are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Papillon is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Papillon Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Papillon? Discover the Papillon's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds. They desire to learn tricks and commands often. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in fewer than 5 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 95% of the time or better.

The Papillon is one of the best breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Papillon? Learn about the Papillon's trainability and response to training methods.
Papillon dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Papillon as a watchdog? Learn about the Papillon's alertness and guarding instincts.
Papillon dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Papillon protective of its territory? Learn about the Papillon's guarding instincts and behavior.
Papillon dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Papillon Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Papillon have? Learn about characteristic Papillon temperament and behavior traits.
HappyEnergeticAlertIntelligentFriendly
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Papillon sensitivity:
Papillon dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Papillon a good family dog?
High: Papillon dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Continental Toy Spaniel need? Papillon social needs:
Papillon dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Papillon to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Papillon roam?
Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Papillon have high prey drive?
Papillon dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Papillon dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Papillon Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Papillon bark a lot? Learn about typical Papillon vocalization patterns and triggers.
A lot: Papillon is a particularly loud breed. They often enjoy barking and howling loudly. If you want a quiet dog, not the best choice.

The main triggers for barking are fear, attention, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking, and defense.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Papillon? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Papillon breed.
The Papillon is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Papillon live in an apartment? Learn about the Papillon's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Papillon indoors.

Papillon Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Papillon to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Papillon's flexibility to new situations.
Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Papillon be left alone? Learn about the Papillon's tolerance to solitude.
Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Papillon Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Papillon biting potential? Learn about the Papillon's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Papillon mouthy? Learn about the Papillon's tendency to use mouth during play.
Papillon dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Papillon dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Papillon bite? Learn about the Papillon's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Papillon bite force: Weak. The Papillon bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Papillon measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Papillon may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Papillon being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Papillon bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Papillon puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Papillon can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Papillon Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Papillon live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Papillon breed.
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Papillon: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Papillon handle different weather? Learn about the Papillon's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. However, in general, most dogs prefer average to warm weather conditions, as they typically find hot weather conditions to be uncomfortable and taxing.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Papillon? Discover typical conditions affecting the Papillon breed.
The Papillon is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Papillon need vet visits? Learn about the Papillon's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Papillon should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Papillon breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Papillon breed? Most common health risks of Papillon:
Collapsed TracheaOpen FontanelPatellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Hypoglycemia

Papillon Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Papillon? Understand daily activity needs of the Papillon breed.
Papillon dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Papillon need? How much exercise do Papillon dogs require per day?

Do Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises?

Papillon dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Papillon breed need?
Papillon dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Papillon Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Papillon prone to weight gain? Learn about the Papillon's obesity risks.
Average: The Papillon has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Papillon weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Papillon need daily? Learn about the Papillon's feeding requirements.
1/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Papillon Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Papillon hypoallergenic? Learn about the Papillon's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Papillon dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Papillon come in? Discover all possible Papillon color variations.
BlackTan Red White SableLemon
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Papillon need? Learn about Papillon coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Papillon requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Papillon, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Papillon drool a lot? Learn about the Papillon's drooling habits.
The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Papillon could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Papillon.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Papillon smell bad? Learn about the Papillon's natural odor levels.

Low 🔽

The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Papillon have? Learn about the Papillon's fur characteristics.
Feathered
Bathing Needs
How often does a Papillon need baths? Learn about the Papillon's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Papillon dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Continental Toy Spaniel? Do Papillon dogs shed a lot?
Papillon dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Papillon dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair.

Papillon Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Papillon good with children? Learn about the Papillon's behavior around kids of different ages.
Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Papillon get along with other pets? Discover the Papillon's compatibility with other animals.
Papillon dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Papillon temperament with other people:
Papillon dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Papillon dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Papillon breed live with a cat?
Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Papillon good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Papillon dogs get along with other dogs?
Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Papillon is not a good choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Papillon breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Papillon breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Papillon dogs good office canines? Do Papillon dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Papillon dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Continental Toy Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Papillon dogs good for elderly owners?
Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.

Papillon As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Papillon be a service dog? Learn about the Papillon's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Papillon is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Papillon good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Papillon's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Papillon is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Papillon good at detection work? Learn about the Papillon's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Papillon is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Papillon do search and rescue? Learn about the Papillon's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Papillon is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Papillon good on boats? Learn about the Papillon's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Papillon breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Papillon pull carts? Learn about the Papillon's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Papillon is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Papillon used in military service? Learn about the Papillon's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Papillon Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Papillon usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Papillon pregnant? Learn about the Papillon's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Papillon: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Papillon have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Papillon Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Papillon in? Learn about the Papillon's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Papillon in? Learn about the Papillon's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Papillon? Learn about the Papillon's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Papillon Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Outstanding: Papillon is one of the brightest dog breeds.
  • Training Difficulty: Papillon dogs are easy to train.
  • Shedding Level: Papillon dogs shed none to minimal.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Papillon is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Papillon has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Papillon dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Papillon dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Papillon dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Papillon dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Papillons are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Papillon dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Papillon dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Papillon dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Dog Friendly: Papillon dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Papillon is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Papillon History

The Papillon is a portrait come to life, the modern representation of the small spaniels often seen in paintings from centuries past. The dwarf spaniel, as he was once known, has changed in appearance over the years. The breed takes its name from the French word for butterfly, which actually refers to the Papillon’s fringed upright ears that resemble a butterfly’s outspread wings. However, this breed also comes in a dropped eared variety which is called the phalene, meaning ‘moth’, a cousin of the butterfly that folds its wing at rest. The two varieties, papillon and phalene, were accepted at the Belgian shows in 1902, and the name papillon was given to the dogs with oblique ears.

Furthermore, across Europe, the Papillon was the favorite of the ladies of the court, especially in France. At that time it was mostly the royal families who could afford to buy and even breed dogs as companions. Several famous people owned this breed such as Queen Marie Antionette who carried her pet Papillon with her to the guillotine and the mistress of King Louis XV, Madame Pompadour, whose dog was called Inez. There are also several evidence found in paintings featuring the 17th and 18th century’s royal children and ladies with their dogs at court done by such old masters as Rubens, Titian, and Van Dyck.

The Papillon descended from the continental toy spaniel but it is difficult to tell when it became a separate breed. These early specimens were also known as dwarf spaniels or Epagneuls Nain, especially in non-English speaking countries. However, according to researchers the fact that they were called Epagneuls could indicate Spanish origin because the name ‘spaniel’ means ‘dog of Spain’.

The Papillon is not nearly as delicate as its appearance might suggest, and in fact, it greatly enjoys chasing vermin if given the opportunity. As a pet it is delightful, being lively, irrepressible and affectionate, and liking nothing better than being in the company of those whom it becomes attached.

The Papillon Club of America was formed in 1935 and then the breed was also recognized by the AKC. However, because of World War II, the club stopped functioning for a period but then in 1948, it was back running again. Today it ranks 48th from the most famous registered breeds by the AKC.

Rate The Papillon Breed

Papillon Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Kendall

    Nov 11, 2024, 7:01:14 PM:

    she is the sweetest ever She is very good with strangers especially kids she loves meeting new people and she loves attention. she’s never bit anyone or showed any signs of aggression.

  • Lou

    Dec 17, 2021, 11:36:56 AM:

    These dogs are nothing short of amazing. Super smart, soft, cute, low shedding, very low odor, healthy, playful... I could go on and on. I'll never be without a Papillon if I can help it.

  • Sky

    Aug 14, 2021, 1:47:38 PM:

    Best dog I have ever had. So playful and excellent for people who are at home a lot.

  • Sarah

    Aug 3, 2021, 9:25:53 PM:

    Wow what a cutie! I feel like this is the breed of dog that I should be getting. They are a great little dog. I have seen these a lot where I live. I just wish I could buy one.

  • Joyce Wendeln

    Oct 28, 2019, 4:59:00 AM:

    I have a Phalene Papilion. He is loving, gentle and sweet, but as he aged (he is 11years now) he had developed small dog syndrome. If you don't know what that is look it up, you will remember it better.