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Papillon dogs are known for their petite, yet sturdy bodies that come with an active, alert, and friendly nature — they are among the smartest breeds in the world and can make wonderful companions. Dog owners looking for a gorgeous toy dog will be more than pleased to add one of these playful pups to their family. In this article, we share all you need to know about how to care for these dogs in your home while discussing their temperament, history, and where you can find one.
What is the Papillon Dog?
Papillons are playful, spirited, and small dogs that come from Spaniels and toy breeds. These cute dogs come with high energy levels and will excel in obedience and agility competitions. They have sparkling personalities that endear them to anyone who owns them and despite their appearance, they aren’t lap dogs so be sure to take them out to help them get enough exercise.
The Papillon won’t be content to lounge around the couch all day but they’ll be happy to spend time with you and will always try to hang out with you. Because they love being in your presence, they’re not the best dogs to have if you’re away for long periods of time. But if you can provide for their needs, you’ll have a sweet and loving companion who will stay by your side.
History of the Papillon
Originally developed in France, this dog was named for its signature ears; the word ‘Papillon’ means butterfly in French, but not all dogs will come with erect ears. The drop-eared variants are referred to as the ‘phalene’ or moth. These dogs were hugely popular throughout the Renaissance and are often seen in paintings going back to the 16th century.
With roots going as far back as the 13th century, the breed used to be called the dwarf spaniel and also grew popular in countries like Italy and Spain. However, these were the drop-eared variants and the Papillons with erect ears only came into the dog world during the late 1800s. They eventually made their way to the United States by the late 19th century and by 1915, they were a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Papillon Appearance
Because these little dogs are so small, they’re great for anyone who wants to travel with pets since they’ll comfortably fit inside a carrier that you can tuck under an airplane seat. These dainty dogs have a distinctive appearance thanks to their distinctive butterfly-like ears. They also have long and silky coats that flow paired with a waving plume around their tails.
The average weight of an adult papillon for both males and females will range between 8 to 12 inches while they will have an average weight of 2 to 10 pounds. Unlike other breeds with long hair, Papillons don’t come with an undercoat so they won’t shed every 6 months and their flowing locks won’t mat easily. Their coats are generally available in white with patches of red, black, sable, or orange tan — other color combinations include tricolor, white and black, and white and sable.
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is a delightful little dog that makes them great exercise buddies and lap dogs at the same time. Known for their alert, happy, and affectionate nature, the Papillon is an independent dog with a moderate to intense energy level. They are highly trainable, and smart and will form a strong bond with their family; because of this, they can be excellent companions for all kinds of households, even for apartment living.
When given proper training and socialization, these dogs can fit in homes with more than one pet and will get along with young children and even cats. However, their social nature may not be the best match in families with bigger dogs that might see them as prey or injure them accidentally while playing. They will also display good behavior most times and will love to be included in family activities — enrolling them in puppy classes will give them a good start.
Papillon Care
Despite their small size, Papillons have more energy compared to your typical lap dog and will always want to explore places. These dogs need plenty of mental stimulation and interaction with their families and may develop behavioral problems when left for too long. Below are a few tips on how to care for your Papillon in terms of their feeding, grooming, exercise, and training needs.
Nutrition
Because they’re so tiny, you need to make sure that your Papillon doesn’t become overweight since this can make their knee problems worse. Most of the time, ¼ to ½ cups of dry dog food will be enough for your pup but it should be divided into two portions per day. While this may seem like a small amount of food, it’s so easy to overfeed these dogs so don’t leave any food lying around their bowls throughout the day.
It’s also important not to feed your Papillon any human food as treats; be sure to tell everyone in the family to help ensure the health and safety of your pup. If you notice that your pooch has gained weight, make sure to speak to your vet for a recommendation on the right dog food, feeding schedule, and an exercise routine to keep your dog at a proper weight.
Grooming
These dogs come with gorgeous, silky coats that need moderate grooming; this means brushing their hair 2 to 3 times every week. Fortunately, these dogs won’t need too many visits to the hair salon since their hair doesn’t grow continuously. Bathing these dogs should be kept to once a month so that you don’t end up stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Papillons are also prone to dental problems, so you will need to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent gum and teeth issues. It’s also important to check your pup’s ears for signs of dirt, debris, and infection, then gently clean their ears using a dog-friendly cleaner. Furthermore, Papillons can end up with tear stains, so it’s also important to check the fur around their eyes and keep them clean.
Exercise
These dogs are highly driven and energetic, so giving them regular exercise is recommended and they will need plenty of playtime. They will need 2 to 3 walks every day for 20 to 30 minutes every time and it will also help to have a yard or a dog park close by where they can run freely. Just keep in mind that these dogs come with a single-layer coat so they may need a sweater when going out in the cold but they should be able to tolerate heat well.
Papillons will also be happy to get mental stimulation, so be sure to give them some puzzle toys and agility or obedience training to keep them mentally sharp. It’s also important to remember that excessive exercise or overexertion may damage their delicate little bodies, so try to avoid high-impact activities. Always take into account your Papillon’s health, age, and energy levels to ensure that your dog’s exercise routine is tailor-made for its needs.
Training
Like many small dogs, Papillons can have a stubborn streak, but they are very smart and will learn quickly when given the time and attention they need. These dogs will take the initiative and play the role of pack leader when living with other dogs; they will do the same with humans if you don’t assert your position and don’t train them correctly. Because of their eagerness to please and high intelligence, they are generally easy to train but consistency during obedience training is necessary.
To keep them focused and engaged, keep your training sessions short and concise; these dogs will do well when given positive reinforcement, which means giving them lots of praise and a few treats. They will also need socialization from a young age to help them become well-adjusted inside homes with other pets and small children. When given professional training, these dogs can excel in many different dog sports such as rally, agility, and obedience.
Papillon Health Problems
When kept in good health, these dogs can enjoy a life expectancy between 14 to 16 years, which is pretty standard for dogs of the same size. However, they can live longer or shorter depending on how well they’re cared for — these purebred dogs may also carry potential health considerations which include the following.
- Hip Dysplasia: This abnormality occurs when the joints don’t fit the sockets properly, which can lead to lameness, pain, and fatigue.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This condition results in the progressive damage of the retina, which can lead to vision loss and blindness. Because PRA can be inherited, Dalmatian Australian Shepherd mixes should regularly see an ophthalmologist.
- Patellar Luxation: This refers to a loose kneecap that can slip in and out of place, which can cause lameness and pain until the muscle relaxes so that the kneecap can get back into place.
- Collapsing Trachea: In general, dogs with collapsed trachea can still live relatively normal lives when given proper treatment and management. However, it’s vital that you work with your vet to create a treatment plan that will be tailored to your pup’s specific needs.
- Open Fontanelle: Refers to a gap between the growth plates at the skull of your puppy which should close over time. However, small dogs may have a genetic abnormality that leaves the skull open instead of closing like it needs to.
- Hypoglycemia: This condition is also known as low blood sugar; unfortunately, Papillon puppies are the most vulnerable to this condition. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness and disorientation, and it will need prompt treatment.
To ensure that your dog avoids such health issues, make sure to look for responsible breeders who can guarantee the same breed standard provided by kennel clubs such as the AKC. You can also help your pooch maintain its health by making regular vet visits to help monitor their health and for the early detection of potential health problems.
Finding Your Papillon
Before anything else, make sure to consider adopting one of these dogs. It’s always better to take the adoption route because you won’t just get a new pet but you’ll also be providing a new home to a dog in need. Adopting one of these dogs will also be more affordable compared to purchasing one — the best place to start is the Papillon Club of America.
Be sure to consult their breeder referral list to help put you in touch with good dog breeders. You can also look into rescue groups around your area or you can also try the PapAdopters & Placement Service, which is a volunteer organization for the rehoming and rescuing of purebred Papillons. But if you do buy one of these dogs, you can expect to pay between $800 to $3,000; apart from this initial cost, you’ll also need to set aside a few hundred to thousands of dollars to care for these dogs.
Papillon Costs
As mentioned, there are two routes you can take when you want to welcome the Papillon breed into your home. The best way to get one of these dogs is to either adopt one or buy one, but you should always avoid puppy mills since they may not always follow the right breeding practices and may only be looking to make quick money without checking their puppies’ health.
Buying a Papillon
Be sure to research a reputable breeder who will be able to guarantee the quality of your pup; these dogs can have an average cost between $500 to $1900 but the final price will depend on various factors. This includes the dog’s lineage, the breeder’s reputation, and the pup’s overall quality. Great breeders will prioritize the well-being of their dogs and invest in genetic testing — while this comes with higher prices, they will be healthy puppies.
Another factor that can affect the cost of a Papillon puppy is its coat color; rarer colors or certain markings can influence the final cost of these puppies.
Adopting a Papillon
This can be a great option for anyone who wants to provide a loving home for a puppy in need of a family who will accept them. Adoption fees can range from $50 to $500, which is much more affordable than buying them. Be sure to check out your local animal shelter, where you can help to give an unwanted puppy a second chance at life and happiness.
Monthly Costs for a Papillon
There are a few things to consider when you want to care for one of these dogs. Overall, the monthly cost of caring for one of these dogs during their lifetime is estimated between $8,980 to $17,650. Below, we break down these costs so you can see where to invest more and what to buy to give your pup a comfortable life.
- Food Costs: Feeding your Papillon puppy can run between $10 to $20 every month, but this will vary depending on the quality and brand of the food you choose. If you’re unsure about the best option for your puppy, consult with your vet for the right choice.
- Grooming Costs: Grooming for these dogs will cost between $35 to $95, depending on how often your dog needs grooming. Because of their long and silky coats, these dogs will need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Some owners will take their pups for a professional grooming session once every 2 to 6 months.
- Medical Costs: This will usually get more expensive as your puppy ages since older dogs tend to get more ill and are more prone to health conditions. These include patellar luxation, which can cost between $300 to $2,000, dental disease which can set you back $400 to $800, and mitral valve disease of the heart which can cost another $300 to $800.
One-Time Papillon Costs
Apart from the monthly costs of owning one of these dogs, there are also one-time costs that you will need to consider. This refers to the costs of getting your dog ready for life in your home and ensuring that your dog lives a comfortable life while giving you peace of mind.
- Initial Cost: Ranging from $150 to $650, this includes the budget for your dog’s supplies, which includes their food and water bowls, leash and collar, a comfortable bed, a crate for training, grooming supplies, and training supplies.
- Microchipping: This will cost between $25 to $50 and is a cost-effective way of keeping track of your pet to help you reunite with them if they get lost. Microchips are implanted under the skin — thanks to the identification number in it, anyone will be able to identify your pet and return it to you.
- Vaccinations: Vaccines cost around $75 to $100 and your pup will need different sets of vaccines during their first year. These vaccinations will typically be given as a series of shots and will vary in price depending on your vet and location. As such, it’s crucial that you set aside a budget for vaccinations to help protect your healthy puppy.
- Miscellaneous: Other services such as dog boarding and walking are additional costs that should be considered when you own a dog. Dog walking can cost between $15 to $50 depending on the length of the walk. Boarding your pup can cost between $25 to $85 each day and may depend on the amenities included but will save you time and money when you need to travel without your dog.
How Does Pet Insurance Help?
Having pet insurance can help your pet live a happy and healthy life but will also protect you from overwhelming vet bills. Getting pet insurance is a good idea since it can help cover a range of veterinary care services, which can include preventive care, accident and illness coverage, and accident-only coverage. Pet parents who want to cover the costs of routine vaccinations should look for options with preventive care coverage.
Conclusion
This small breed can be a good choice for families who can provide them with good homes and provide them with an active schedule every day. If you want to get this affectionate dog but don’t want to spend too much money, be sure to look into rescue organizations. To keep your Papillon a happy dog, be sure to take them on regular vet visits and give them a proper and balanced diet that will keep them on a healthy weight.
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