Papillon
A dainty, bright toy spaniel with fringed butterfly ears, known for quick wits and a lively, sociable outlook.
At a glance
- Size
- Toy
- Height at the withers
- 20–28 cm
- Weight
- Males 2.5–5 kg · Females 2.5–4.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–16 years
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Grooming
- A few times a week
- Coat
- Silky, long
- Colours
- White, Black, Red, Sable, Tricolour
- Bred for
- Companionship
- Country of origin
- France
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 77 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 5/5 – Very high |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 4/5 – High |
| Good with cats | 4/5 – High |
| Open to strangers | 4/5 – High |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 5/5 – Very high |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 5/5 – Very high |
| Prey drive | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Watchful and protective | 2/5 – Low |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 4/5 – High |
| Suits apartment living | 5/5 – Very high |
| Adaptability | 4/5 – High |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 2/5 – Low |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a small dog that likes to learn and do sports
- live in a flat but can offer daily activity
- enjoy a dog that follows you around
Think twice if you …
- have very young children who might drop a small dog
- are away for long hours
- want a quiet dog that never barks
Care
Temperament
Alert, cheerful and curious, the Papillon is usually friendly with people and enjoys company. Some can be a little reserved or vocal with strangers, and they may forget their size around bigger dogs.
Exercise
Daily walks plus some play keep a Papillon content; many enjoy agility, trick training and short hikes.
Grooming
The single silky coat does not mat easily; brushing a few times a week and regular tooth care are usually enough.
Training
Quick and eager, Papillons learn readily with short, reward-based sessions; house training may need patience.
Health
Patellar luxation, eye disease and dental problems are the issues most often seen, and the fine bones of puppies can be injured in falls. Ask the breeder for knee and eye results and the outcome of any DNA tests.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Eye examination
DNA tests
- PRA1
- NAD
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Papillon belongs to the old family of continental toy spaniels that appear in European paintings from the Renaissance onward, kept by noble households in France and Belgium. The upright, fringed ears gave the breed its French name for butterfly; the drop-eared form is called the Phalène.
Living with a Papillon means sharing your home with a small dog that takes a real interest in everything. They are light enough to carry but sturdy and athletic for their size, and many do well in agility and obedience. They bond closely, notice comings and goings, and are happiest when included in daily life rather than left on a cushion.
Did you know?
Papillons and Phalènes are the same breed, and both ear types can appear in one litter.