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Papillon
moderateApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Dainty toy breed with distinctive butterfly-like ears. One of the oldest toy spaniels. Despite small size, athletic and trainable, excelling at agility.
Weight2-4.5 kg4.5-10 lbs
Height20-28 cm8-11"
Lifespan14-16 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
HappyAlertFriendlyAthleticElegant
Height
20-28 cm8-11"
Weight
2-4.5 kg4.5-10 lbs
Lifespan
14-16 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Tiny - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Papillon20-28 cm8-11"Compatibility
How well Papillon matches your lifestyle
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Your Match Score
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Papillon
high energy60-90 min/day
The Papillon is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
30-45 minutes daily of play and mental stimulation
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Papillon
Moderate Carehair coat
Papillons need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Papillon
Eager to Please
The Papillon is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Papillon
Tiny Breed3-4 small meals$9-22/month
Tiny breeds have fast metabolisms and small stomachs. They need frequent, small meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Feeding Tips
Frequent Small Meals
Feed 3-4 small meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Appropriately Sized Food
Choose small-breed or toy-breed formulas with smaller kibble sizes that are easier to chew.
Calorie-Dense Food
Tiny breeds need more calories per pound than larger dogs. Choose nutrient-dense formulas.
Monitor Weight Carefully
Even a small amount of extra weight puts strain on tiny frames. Keep them lean.
Important Considerations
- Risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped
- Prone to dental issues - consider dental-focused foods
- Small stomachs can lead to digestive upset if overfed
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Papillon
0
High Risk
4
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Papillon
Monthly costs
Food
$9-22
Insurance
$24-56
Supplies
$11-21
Grooming
$36-44
Monthly total
$80-143
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$372-612/yr
Parasite prevention
$216/yr
Annual total
$588-828/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Papillon's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Papillon
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Papillon
Health·OFA-CHIC
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research