Papillon

Origin and History

The Papillon is an elegant companion dog prized as a lapdog by nobility in the royal courts of Europe. Its name means "butterfly" in French and comes from its large, fringed ears that resemble butterfly wings.

Appearance and Coat

It has a small, elegant body and characteristic large, fringed ears. Its silky, fine, long coat has colored patches on a white base; because it has no undercoat, it sheds little and needs surprisingly little grooming.

Temperament and Personality

The Papillon is extremely intelligent, cheerful and affectionate, and is considered one of the smartest toy breeds. It loves people and gets along well with children and other animals. It is energetic, curious and athletic, and brave despite its small size. It loves to please.

Care, Exercise and Training

Its silky coat is easy to care for with brushing a few times a week; it sheds little. It needs moderate exercise. Thanks to its exceptional intelligence, it excels at learning tricks and commands and shines in dog sports (agility).

Health

Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), dental disease and breed-specific neuroaxonal dystrophy (a DNA test is available) may occur. Regular dental and eye checks are recommended. The Papillon is ideal for individuals and families looking for a smart, cheerful and trainable small companion.