The Papillon, a spirited and playful small dog breed, descended from toy breeds and spaniels. Originally from France, these charming pups are named for their butterfly-like ears. Largely popular throughout the Renaissance, were often depicted in paintings from the 16th century. Although small in size, these dogs are highly active and excel in agility and obedience competitions.
Papillon Quick Facts
Origin: The Papillon is a toy spaniel breed who originated in France. They are thought to have descended from the Continental Toy Spaniel, which was brought to France by Spanish traders in the 16th century. They were originally bred as a companion dog for royalty and nobles.
Size: Papillons are small dogs, typically standing 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 4-8 pounds. They have long, silky coats and feathered ears.
Lifespan: Papillons have a lifespan of 12-15 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but some common health problems include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and dental problems.
Coat: The Papillon’s coat is long, silky, and flowing. It can be any color, but the most common colors are white with black, tan, or brown markings. Brush the coat daily to prevent matting.
Temperament: Papillons are happy, outgoing, and have intelligent personalities. They are playful and affectionate dogs that love to be around people. They are also relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement.
Exercise needs: They need at least 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. They enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and running around in the yard.
The name Papillon comes from the French word for butterfly, due to their ears resembling butterfly wings. Papillons have been in multiple movies, including “Wolf of Wall Street,” “Click,” and “The Bracelet of Bordeaux.”