Dog Breed Guide: Papillon

Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee

It's impossible to see a Papillon without thinking, “Look at those ears!" Their large ears are the shape of butterfly wings, which is how the breed got its name: Papillon is the French word for butterfly.¹

These diminutive dogs are outgoing and affectionate. Although Papillons weigh just 5 to 10 pounds—small enough to be toted around in a handbag—this high-energy breed would rather be running and playing than observing.¹ Papillons are equal parts adorable and athletic and make amiable companions for families who want a small but active companion. Although Papillons are not very common, the breed is becoming more popular.² If you're considering a Papillon as your next pup, here's what to know about the breed.

History and Origin of the Papillon

Papillons were bred as companions for noblewomen. The breed was popular in the royal courts of Europe and often featured in paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and other European masters.¹

The dogs were found in Spain and France in the early 1500s.³ The petite pooches, once known as dwarf spaniels, were developed at a time when nobles had a penchant for breeding miniature versions of their favorite breeds.¹ It's believed that Papillons are descendants of Continental Toy Spaniels, and their athletic and biddable nature has been passed down through the generations.³

Unique Physical Traits, Size and Lifespan

Although their wing-shaped ears captured the public's attention, this is just one of the Papillon's distinctive features. Papillons are a fine-boned breed with small heads and plumed tails.⁴ The dogs have long, silky coats that can be several colors:¹

• White and black
• White and lemon
• White and red
• White and sable
• White, black and tan

Papillons stand 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 5 to 10 pounds. Their lifespan is 14 to 16 years.¹

Personality and Temperament

Papillons are often described as perpetual puppies who never outgrow their happy, playful ways. They are gregarious, friendly dogs who thrive on attention and prefer to spend time with their families, especially when given opportunities to be active and show off their intelligence. Obedience and agility classes or other activities that allow them to exercise their bodies and minds help Papillons shine.⁵

Although Papillons are great companions, their small stature means the breed might not be a good choice for homes with small children (or even older children who want a companion for roughhousing). In general, Papillons get along with other dogs, but it's best to be vigilant around medium-to-large breeds that could easily injure the toy breed.⁵

Papillons are affectionate with their families and friendly toward strangers. While they easily adapt to different living situations, Papillons might not be the best dogs for apartment living due to their tendency to bark. This is a breed that prefers to be with their families and can feel lonely or develop unwanted behaviors when left on their own for too long.¹

Exercise Needs and Activity Level

These little dogs have some big exercise needs! Papillons are considered an energetic breed that will do best in a home that provides regular exercise. You don't need to train for a 5K together, but be prepared for daily walks or games of fetch in a fenced yard or indoors—their small size makes it possible to toss a ball down a hallway and watch them run to retrieve it!¹

Training and Intelligence

Papillons are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them a joy to train.¹ It also allows them to excel at dog sports like agility and obedience. Focus on consistent, rewards-based training to teach Papillons basic commands and new tricks. The breed does best with positive reinforcement and won't respond well to harsh training methods.⁵

Health Considerations and Common Conditions

Papillons are known for being a healthy breed with a long lifespan, but the breed can experience some common health issues.¹

• Patellar luxation: This condition, also known as slipped kneecaps, occurs when slight abnormalities cause the kneecap to dislocate, causing pain and occasional lameness. Many dogs don't need treatment, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases.⁶
• Progressive retinal atrophy: PRA is caused by a recessive gene that affects the retina. Symptoms are often mild and can include night blindness and eye dilation—which eventually lead to complete blindness.⁷
• Von Willebrand's disease: The inherited bleeding disorder is diagnosed when dogs lack sufficient amounts of the specific protein that helps the blood clot. This can lead to poor clotting, hemorrhaging or other bleeding issues.⁸
• Dental disease: Like other small-breed dogs, Papillons have small jaws and their teeth are often crowded, making them more prone to dental issues. Although dental disease is common, it can be painful and cause symptoms like head shaking, trouble swallowing, excessive drool and bad breath. You can prevent periodontal disease (the inflammation and infection of the gums around the tooth) with regular toothbrushing using a dog-specific toothpaste, dental chews or treats and routine dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.⁹
• Mitral valve disease: The mitral valve—the valve that moves blood between the left atrium and the left ventricle—can undergo degenerative changes that make it thick and floppy or leaky, causing blood to flow backward. A heart murmur is often the first sign of mitral valve disease. Your vet may recommend X-rays or an electrocardiogram (EKG) and prescribe medication to improve heart function. There is no cure.¹⁰

Grooming and Maintenance

It doesn't take a lot of grooming to maintain a Papillon's long, silky hair—they need to be brushed once a month or so. It's important to pay special attention to the longer hair on the insides of their hind legs, behind their ears and around their thighs and buttocks, which is prone to matting.¹

Papillons have fast-growing nails. Keeping them trimmed will prevent cracking and splitting and stop them from becoming overgrown and painful. Their dew claws are especially prone to overgrowth and may curl around and pierce their legs.¹

Is the Papillon the Right Dog for You?

Papillons are an ideal breed for families who want an energetic companion and are committed to providing the exercise, mental stimulation and rewards-based training these smart and social dogs need to thrive. Like all dog breeds, Papillons need routine vet care to live long, healthy lives.

If you want to add this pup to your family, look for a reputable breeder or breed-specific rescues. They can share information about the temperaments and health needs of the Papillons available for adoption to help you decide if it's the best breed for your lifestyle.

Pets Best Is Here To Help

Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that may help you cover the cost of unexpected health issues that arise with your Papillon. As a policyholder, you can also access veterinary experts through the Pets Best 24/7 Pet Helpline to get answers to your questions and help ensure your Papillon receives the best care.

Sources/ Citations

1. “Papillon," (n.d.), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/papillon/
2. “The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2023," Melanie Haid (4/2024), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2023/
3. “A Brief History of the Papillon," Rachel D. Kemmerer (1999), The Papillon Club of America, https://papillonclub.org/articles-a-brief-history-of-the-papillon/
4. “Official Standard of the Papillon," (7/1991), American Kennel Club, https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Papillon.pdf
5. “Is a Papillon Right for You?" Lori Bovee (2003), The Papillon Club of America, https://papillonclub.org/articles-is-a-papillon-right-for-you/
6. “Luxating Patella in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
7. “Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs," Tammy Hunter et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/progressive-retinal-atrophy-in-dogs
8. “Von Willebrand's Disease in Dogs," Krista Williams and Ernest Ward (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/von-willebrands-disease-in-dogs
9. “Dental Disease in Dogs," Courtney Barnes et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-dogs
10. “Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs," Malcolm Weir et al. (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mitral-valve-disease-in-dogs