Papillons 101

Toy group

"Papillon" means "butterfly" in French, and if you guessed their name comes from the breed's large, butterfly-like feathered ears, you're correct! While upright ears are more common, Papillons also come with drop ears – a type known as the "Phalene," French for "moth." Up or down, the breed's ears give an accurate impression of a dog who's alert and always listening. One of the most athletic of the toy breeds, the Papillon excels in sports such as canine agility. These are friendly dogs who love to learn and show off what they know.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Papillons

Compact companion with can-do attitude

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
8 to 11 inches tall
Group Size Toy

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My pet’s health plannerSM

Mature adult Papillon

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

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Urinary bladder stones

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Luxated patella

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Intervertebral disc disease

Senior Papillon

10+ years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

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Collapsed trachea

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Urinary bladder stones

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Valvular heart disease

Papillon puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Conjunctivitis

Young adult Papillon

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

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Luxated patella

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Urinary bladder stones

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Mature adult Papillon

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

risk-level-bar

Urinary bladder stones

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

Senior Papillon

10+ years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

risk-level-bar

Collapsed trachea

risk-level-bar

Urinary bladder stones

risk-level-bar

Valvular heart disease

Papillon puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

risk-level-bar

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Papillon

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Papillon conditions

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

risk-level-bar

Urinary bladder stones

risk-level-bar

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

Papillon image

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Papillon image

The Papillon can be found in paintings by European masters, including Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec.

Papillon coat care and colors

The Papillon's silky coat isn't that difficult to maintain. Weekly brushing and combing will clear any tangles. Acclimate to nail trims early in life to make life easier for you both.

Papillon exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

The Papillon prefers to be a dog on the go and needs lots of activity to be happy. Fortunately, the breed's small size means a good walk and indoor games will fit the bill.

Class star

Trainability

The Papillon is not only smart but also eager to please. You'll both enjoy training sessions and be sure to include a few tricks. This is a breed that loves to show off!

Papillon fun facts

Top girl names for Papillons

Top boy names for Papillons

Nationwide loves Papillons of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Papillons

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