Papillon Puppies

Photo of Papillon

An active and affectionate breed with a big personality

Papillons are one of the most athletic toy breeds and are known for their elegant coat and large, alert ears. They are very adaptable, making friendly and agreeable family pets.


Papillon At a Glance

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Papillon At a Glance

  • Size: 8"-11", 5-10 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 14-16 years
  • Energy Level: high
  • Coat: Long, silky, and straight
  • Shedding: light
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Toy
  • Common Nicknames: Butterfly Dog

Papillon Breed Guide

Learn More About Papillons

  • Temperament

    The Papillon is a tiny dog with a ton of pep. They are very affectionate but are not a breed of choice for someone who's looking for a low-energy lap dog. Papillons need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and they don't tolerate boredom very well. However, when given enough exercise and things to do, the Papillon is easygoing and well-behaved. Training a Papillon is not difficult, as they are very intelligent, obedient, and responsive. Typically, these dogs are friendly with everyone they meet, including strangers, other dogs, and children. Papillons love being the center of attention and don't like being away from their human companions for long periods of time.

  • Health

    The Papillon is a small toy dog that is more susceptible to injuries because of its tiny size. This breed's kneecaps tend to slip out of place, so you need to be very careful when picking up and putting down these small dogs.

  • Activity Level

    Papillons are medium energy and usually expend their energy in hyperactive bursts. They do best when their exercise involves their owners and playing fetch indoors is a great way to get their energy out. They are courageous and should be supervised at dog parks to prevent them from provoking larger dogs.

  • Grooming

    Papillons have beautiful silky fur that helps win them tons of prizes in shows and contests. Not only should they be brushed and combed every day or two, but will also frequently need baths and regular grooming.

  • Shedding

    Papillons have a lot of fur that doesn't shed too frequently, but they should still be combed through weekly to get any dead skin cells or loose hair out of their coats.

  • Appearance

    Papillons have long and straight coats that are usually white and brown, white and black, white, white and red, or white and fawn. They are very small with a dainty yet athletic build. These dogs are best known for their feathered large ears with rounded tips. Their tail is plumed and lays on the top of their back.

  • History

    The Papillon is a descendant of the dwarf spaniels that were popular throughout Europe during the 16th century, especially with nobility. After the French Revolution, however, the Papillon nearly disappeared due to their association with the aristocracy. Thankfully, people saw to it that the breed did not die out, and the Papillon was revived in the late 19th century. Unlike many other breeds, the Papillon's appearance didn't change much over the years. In fact, despite its ears and coat color, the breed still looks very similar to its descendants which are seen in paintings from the 16th century. The breed entered the spotlight in 1999 when one Papillon won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club show. Since then, the Papillon has enjoyed modest popularity and continues to be a great companion dog.