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Papillon

Though tiny in stature these adorable pint-sized pals are big in personality. Also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is a little dog with fine bones but big hairy ears. Their small head is slightly rounded and their muzzle is somewhat short and thin which tapers to the nose.

They have dark, medium sized, round eyes have black rims. And those super-sized ears can either be erect or dropped with rounded tips. Papillon with drop ears actually have their own name, called Phalene Papillon (Moth). The hair on the ears is long, and fringed, giving it a butterfly-like look. Their teeth meet in a scissors-like bite, and their long tail is set high carried over the body, and covered with long hair that bounces around as they walk. They have a straight, long, fine coat with extra frill on the chest, ears, back of the legs and the tail.

Other Names
Continental Toy Spaniel, Phalene, Epagneul nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Pap
Country of Origin
France
Colour
White with patches of any color accept for liver. A mask of a color other than white covers both ears and eyes from back to front.
Size
Small
Height / Weight
25-28cms in height and males weigh 4kg-5kg; bitches are 3-4kgs.
Health
Papillons are sometimes prone to problems with the patella in the hind legs, this can sometimes be corrected by surgery. Also watch out for problems with the fontanel (an opening at the top of the skull similar to a baby human's "soft spot"). It sometimes corrects itself but if it does not, the dog needs to be protected. Some have a difficult time under anesthesia.
Life Span
14 -16 years
Intelligence
Papillons are intelligent dogs, and are easy to train. They are very sensitive to harsh words so make sure to train them fairly and calmly. A hard approach is likely to do more harm than good.
Exercise
High
Suitability (Children)
Medium
Feeding

Papillons cost very little to feed as they are not big eaters, preferring to pick regularly rather than sit down to a set meal.

Feeding Cost
Up to $5 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
With high levels of energy, Papillons need a daily walk. They will also enjoy a good run and play in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. They're intelligent dogs so will also enjoy agility trials which can also help tire them out.
Ailments
Papillons are sometimes prone to problems with the patella in the hind legs, this can sometimes be corrected by surgery. Also watch out for problems with the fontanel (an opening at the top of the skull similar to a baby human's "soft spot"). It sometimes corrects itself but if it does not, the dog needs to be protected. Some have a difficult time under anesthesia.
Hair Shed
Little
Grooming

Daily combing and brushing of the long, silky, single coat is important to prevent matts and is fairly straightforward. Paps are like cats, in that they are usually clean and odorless, but you should certainly bathe them or even dry shampoo your Papillon when necessary. Keep the nails clipped and have the teeth cleaned regularly because they do tend to accumulate tartar.

Grooming Frequency
Daily
Trimming
Moderate
The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with a recorded history in Europe going back nearly a whopping 700 years. The breed originally only had dropped years and began as toy spaniels, or dwarf spaniel. Much of the breed's development is known because of its depiction in historic paintings. This tiny breed is recognisable in 13th through 15th century Italian paintings in the Renaissance period. They were often painted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen, so they have hundreds of years worth of experience being pampered.


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