About Papillon Dogs

The Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel or Squirrel dog, is a breed of French origin related to the Dwarf Spaniel. The history of the Papillon dates back to the early 16th century. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915. This breed requires a lot of care and attention. The Papillon's small size makes the pet vulnerable to all kinds of accidents. The lifespan of a Papillon varies from 12 to 16 years, depending on its diet and lifestyle.

  1. Papillon Appearance

    • The name Papillon is French for butterfly and comes from the fact that the dog has large and long fringed ears that look like giant butterfly wings. Papillons have a silky coat of very fine hair and a long fluffy tail that curls over the body, resembling the tail of a squirrel. The head of the Papillon is rounded between the ears and the muzzle is short and rather pointy. The white coat is covered with patches of various colors, which also frame the face and ears like a mask. The eyes are medium-sized, round and dark. An adult Papillon grows as high as 11 inches and weighs between 7 and 10 lbs.

    Personality

    • Papillons are extremely playful and friendly, and their small size make them suitable for indoors. They make good family dogs although the overwhelming affection they receive from small children can sometimes harm them. They are sharp and can be surprisingly fast.

    Training Your Papillon

    • Along with the Toy Poodle, the Papillon is one of the most trainable toy dogs. Their temperament is partly innate, partly acquired through training and socialization. Papillons are not so keen on strangers or larger dogs, which is why an early emphasis on socialization should be part of their training. The loving and excessive nature of a Papillon can sometimes translate into a lot of barking, which should be controlled and dealt with while the dog is still young. The dog responds better to praise and reward, rather than crude punishments.

    Exercise and Grooming Needs

    • Papillons are extremely active and unless you control them, will turn any physical exercise into an endless game. Papillons need daily exercise and regular grooming. Their silky coat is prone to mats and knots, so the dog requires careful, consistent brushing and combing.

    Papillon Dog Uses

    • Papillons may be trained as mobility service dogs or signal dogs for people that are physically disabled or are hearing impaired. Papillons also work as seizure alert dogs for people suffering from epilepsy and have also proven efficient in assisting elderly and mentally disabled people.