Papillon Dog Breed Information

Personality

Papillons are lively, attentive, and affectionate small dogs that enjoy snuggling and participating in family fun. These happy and smart little dogs usually get along nicely with kids and other animals, but their tiny size requires careful and gentle interaction. Although they are generally very social, some Papillons might feel shy when meeting new people.

History

Originating from toy Spaniels, these elegant dogs have been shown in artwork with European queens and princesses since the 1500s. They were highly valued pets among the wealthy. Spain and Italy were popular places for these beloved dogs, and during the time of Louis XIV in France, Papillons became favored companions in the royal courts.

Ideal Owner

The Papillon is an excellent choice for energetic people looking for a smart and playful pet that doesn’t take up much space. The best owners are those who love going for walks, engaging in training, and doing some grooming. Their main wish? To stay close to you, whatever you’re doing.

Exercise Needs

Papillons may be small, but they are full of energy. They love being indoor pets and have a great time playing games like fetch inside the house. When they are outside, their spaniel background shines through, and they happily run after squirrels, chipmunks, or even bugs in a safe yard.

Space Requirements

All a Papillon needs is a safe area to enjoy the outdoors and a comfy pillow to snuggle on. These joyful dogs do well in many types of homes, whether they are with families that don’t have young kids, older, lively owners, or households with older children.

Training

Papillons are friendly and smart, which makes them easy to train. They enjoy learning new tricks and love being the center of attention. Using positive reinforcement helps them stay happy and interested, allowing them to showcase their talents. On the other hand, these dogs need company; if they are left alone for too long without their owner or another pet, they may feel sad or pick up unwanted behaviors.

Grooming

Despite their long, beautiful fur, Papillon dogs are actually easy to care for when it comes to grooming. They don’t have an undercoat, which helps reduce shedding and tangles. A few brushings with a comb or a soft slicker brush now and then are perfect, especially in spots that tend to get knotted, such as the back legs, behind the ears, and around the "culottes."

Suitability for Family Life

Papillons are social dogs that enjoy being part of family activities, making them a great fit for any household. However, because they are small, they can be at risk during rough play with young kids, so it's important to supervise them closely. Also, these dogs tend to develop a close connection with one person, so consider this if you want a pet that gives affection to everyone equally.

Did You know?

Papillons didn't start out as spoiled pets. They were once excellent at catching mice, using their quick movements to tire out rats before striking. If you examine artworks by well-known painters such as Titian, Goya, Rubens, and Rembrandt, you might find a Papillon featured in them. When actress Lauren Bacall died, she bequeathed a generous $10,000 to her Papillon to keep it living in comfort.