Toy Group
Papillon
The Papillon β named for their distinctive butterfly-shaped ears (papillon means butterfly in French) β is one of the oldest and most elegant of the t…
📏
Size
Tiny
🐾
Coat
Long, Silky
⚡
Energy
High
✂
Groom Every
8 weeks
Character
What is the Papillon like?
The Papillon β named for their distinctive butterfly-shaped ears (papillon means butterfly in French) β is one of the oldest and most elegant of the toy breeds, appearing in European paintings for centuries. Despite their delicate, aristocratic appearance, Papillons are surprisingly athletic and robust little dogs with exceptional intelligence and trainability. They are consistently ranked among the most intelligent of all dog breeds. They are lively, alert, and deeply devoted β companion dogs that combine glamour with genuine ability.
Social Skills
Papillon with Other Dogs
Papillons are sociable and friendly with other dogs, people, and children. Their confidence belies their small size. They are quick and agile enough to hold their own in canine company. They are alert, enthusiastic watchdogs. Their intelligence means they need consistent handling β they are quick to train but equally quick to learn undesirable behaviours if boundaries are not established.
Grooming Guide
How to Groom a Papillon
The Papillon’s long, silky coat is surprisingly low maintenance for its length β it is single-coated with no undercoat, making it less prone to matting. Brushing two to three times weekly keeps it in good condition. Professional grooming every eight weeks for a bath, blow dry, light trim, nail clip, and ear clean. Their prominent ears should be checked regularly.
Free & Personalised
Get a personalised groom plan for your Papillon
Tell us about your dog and our AI builds a grooming plan β including personalised Magnesium treatment recommendations.
Pros
- ✓Exceptionally intelligent
- ✓Elegant, distinctive butterfly ears
- ✓Surprisingly athletic and agile
- ✓Lower maintenance coat than appearance suggests
- ✓Sociable and friendly
- ✓Long lifespan
Cons
- !Fragile β vulnerable to injury
- !Bold to the point of recklessness
- !Vocal β enthusiastic barkers
- !Prone to dental disease
- !Can be demanding
- !High energy for tiny size