Papillon

Personality

Papillons are happy, alert and friendly. The AKC calls the breed a "doggy dog" in a dainty package, with a hardy constitution and plenty of spirit. They are devoted to their families and love having a role in whatever is going on.

Most Paps are outgoing with strangers and get along with other pets. Smart, curious and quick, they pick up tricks fast. That intelligence needs somewhere to go, because a bored Papillon will bark, nag you for attention or invent games of its own.

Barking is part of the package. Paps are alert little watchdogs, and the AKC rates the breed at the top of its barking scale, so teach a "quiet" cue early. They can also be sensitive. VCA notes that some are timid, so gentle, upbeat handling and early socialization matter.

Companionship is crucial. The AKC cautions that a Papillon left alone for long periods may become unhappy and develop undesirable behaviors. They also tend to forget how small they are, and may set off after a much larger dog.

History

Papillons are among the most royal of toy dogs. For hundreds of years they were companions to noblewomen and favorites in European courts, and they show up in portraits by famous painters. VCA traces their ancestors to small spaniels developed by the 1300s to flush birds into nets, and says some were probably crossed with Oriental toy dogs such as the Japanese Chin to produce lapdog versions.

During the Renaissance these "dwarf spaniels" became fashionable, as nobles of the era loved miniature versions of their favorite breeds. Admirers included Louis XIV and Madame de Pompadour, and the AKC says the breed was refined and popularized in early breeding centers in Italy and Spain, though its French connection is strong.

Early dogs mostly had drop ears. Erect ears came along soon after, and today both types can appear in one litter. The erect-eared dog is the Papillon, French for butterfly, and the drop-eared type is called the Phalène, French for moth. The AKC treats them as one breed and registered its first Papillon in 1915. They have since become consistent winners in agility.

Appearance, coat & colors

A Papillon is a small, fine-boned, elegant dog standing 8 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm) tall and weighing 5 to 10 lb (2.3 to 4.5 kg). The back is level and straight, and the tail is set high and carried arched over the body, with a long, flowing plume.

The big attraction is the ears: large and well fringed, and in the erect type they resemble the spread wings of a butterfly. In the Phalène, the ears drop and fold. Both types have dark, round, alert eyes with black rims.

The coat is long, silky and straight, with a profuse frill on the chest, feathers on the legs and full breeches on the thighs. There is no undercoat. The base color is always white, with patches of color that may be black, sable, red, lemon or others, plus tan markings in some dogs.

Training

Papillons are among the more trainable toy dogs. The AKC describes them as intelligent and eager to please the people they bond with. They tend to pick up house training more easily than many small breeds, according to the AKC, though a consistent schedule helps any puppy.

Reward-based training with treats, toys and games works best, as VCA notes. Sessions should be short and bright. Papillons love to learn tricks, and VCA counts them among the best toy dogs in obedience and agility. Start puppy classes early so your dog meets people, dogs and places while still young.

Training manners is just as important with a tiny dog. Do not excuse jumping, pushy barking or snapping because the dog is small. Teach a gentle greeting, a "quiet" cue and a calm settle in a pen or crate, like the approach in our crate training guide. Some Papillons are sensitive, so end every session on a positive note, and avoid scolding. Work on being comfortable alone in short, manageable stretches.

Exercise

Papillons are small but not couch decorations. They are active and smart, and they want their people to play with them. The AKC suggests indoor retrieving with a small ball or toy, which most Paps pick up quickly. Outdoors, they will happily chase squirrels, chipmunks and even insects.

VCA recommends a daily short walk or some energetic games. Indoor play can cover most of their needs, but they still benefit from time outside every day to sniff and see new things. Add mental work, such as obedience practice, tricks, puzzle toys or a snuffle mat. See our guide to how much exercise a dog needs.

Keep an eye out during play. Papillons often do not realize how small they are, so they may set off after a larger dog, as the AKC warns. VCA says a dog park can be fine as long as larger dogs are kept separate. At home, block stairs and high furniture for puppies, and always use a harness or secure collar on walks.

Grooming

For a dog with such long, silky hair, Papillons need surprisingly little grooming, mainly because they have no undercoat. The AKC says a full grooming session every month or so is fine. VCA recommends brushing and combing twice a week. Focus on the spots where mats form: behind the ears, the inside of the hind legs and the thigh feathering, called culottes.

A soft slicker brush and a comb are all you need. Bathe every few months, or sooner if your dog gets dirty. Keep baths gentle and dry thoroughly, especially in cool weather.

Nails grow fast and need regular trimming. Pay special attention to the dewclaw, which can curl around and pierce the leg if neglected. Teeth need daily care; the AKC calls regular tooth brushing vital for dental health in this breed. Our guide to brushing your dog's teeth explains how to start.

Shedding is average. Check the ears and eyes at grooming time.

Feeding

Papillons eat very little, so portion control is vital. VCA notes they tend to stay at a good weight, but small snacks can easily add too many calories for such a tiny dog. Weigh or measure each meal, and use our dog food calculator as a starting point. Count training treats toward the daily total, and break them into pea-sized bits.

Young puppies need extra attention. VCA recommends feeding tiny Papillon puppies often to guard against hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is a serious condition in very small puppies. PetMD lists signs such as lethargy, weakness, tremors, vomiting, fainting and seizures, and advises contacting your veterinarian immediately. Ask your vet about a small-breed puppy formula and how many meals to offer.

Pick a diet suited to life stage, whether commercial or home-prepared with your vet's guidance. Make sure fresh water is always available. Keep human foods away from your dog, because many are unsafe.

Health

The Papillon Club of America describes the breed as healthy overall and long lived, and notes it is not unusual for a well-cared-for Pap to reach 15 or more. The AKC lists 14 to 16 years. That said, small size brings specific concerns.

Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is a main one; VCA notes that toy breeds are predisposed. Signs include an occasional skip in the step or running on three legs for a few strides. The AKC also mentions an open fontanel, a soft spot in the top of the skull like a human baby's, which breeders screen for. The parent club asks breeders to confirm that eyes, kneecaps and hearts are normal, and it has worked to develop DNA tests for less common problems such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and neuroaxonal dystrophy.

Fragility is a safety issue. The AKC advises caution around stairs, furniture and larger animals, particularly with puppies, and notes that small children can hurt them easily.

Very small puppies can develop low blood sugar quickly; contact your vet right away if a puppy seems weak, wobbly or unusually sleepy.

Health conditions to know about

• Patellar luxation — Kneecaps that slip out of place, common in toy breeds; parents should have a patella evaluation.
• Eye disease (including PRA) — Inherited retinal and other eye conditions; eye exams and DNA tests help breeders.
• Heart disease — Part of the parent club's screening program; breeding dogs should have a cardiac exam.
• Open fontanel (molera) — A soft spot in the top of the skull, like a human baby's; the AKC says breeders screen for it.
• Low blood sugar in tiny puppies — Very small puppies can drop their blood sugar fast; feed small, frequent meals and call your vet if one seems weak.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Cardiac exam
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• PRA DNA test
• Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) DNA test

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Papillon

Papillons are among the easiest dogs to keep in an apartment. The AKC calls them wonderful indoor pets, and VCA says they can be calm but alert housedogs. Many have even been trained to use indoor potty systems. They also adapt to country life, and the AKC says they thrive in warm or cool climates.

The main requirement is company. Papillons are companion dogs at heart, and the AKC says they may become unhappy or develop undesirable behaviors if left alone for long. If you are out all day, arrange a walker or a midday visit, and teach your puppy to rest alone in short stretches first.

Home safety matters. Block stairs, use a ramp or steps for couches, and supervise around large dogs and small children. They are outstanding with gentle children and bond easily with other pets, but a child can hurt them by accident.

Barking can bother neighbors, so work on training from the start. Offer a coat if your dog seems cold, and provide shade and water on hot days.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Choose a breeder who tests. The Papillon Club of America says breeders qualify for the Canine Health Information Center by testing breeding dogs for normal eyes, patellas and hearts, and the club has helped develop DNA tests for PRA and neuroaxonal dystrophy. Ask for evidence of the eye exam, patella evaluation and cardiac exam for both parents, along with any DNA results.

Avoid sellers who promote "teacup" or "micro" sizes. Extra-small puppies are more likely to have trouble with low blood sugar, and the standard describes a dog of 8 to 11 in (20 to 28 cm). A good breeder raises puppies in the home, socializes them gently and keeps them until they are old enough to leave their mother. They will also take the dog back if you cannot keep it.

Prices differ widely by region and breeder, and a high price does not prove health. Adult Papillons sometimes appear in toy-breed rescues. Whichever route you take, schedule a vet visit within the first few days.