Breeds
Papillon: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Papillon is a tiny, bright, lively dog with butterfly ears and a huge appetite for play and learning. Paps are affectionate, friendly with strangers, quick to train and long-lived, and they need less grooming than their silky coat suggests. They are also small enough to be hurt easily and keen barkers, so they suit homes that can protect them and keep them busy. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Papillon temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Papillon five out of five for affection, playfulness, openness to strangers, trainability and mental stimulation needs. Paps are smart, active and eager to please the people they bond with, and the AKC calls them tough and gutsy despite their size.
Barking is five out of five on the AKC scale, so expect a vocal doorbell. VCA notes limited tolerance for being left alone and a preference for company. A Papillon that gets attention, play and training is a cheerful, adaptable companion.
How big do Papillons get?
The AKC lists the Papillon at 8 to 11 inches tall and 5 to 10 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. The large, wing-shaped ears give the breed its name, papillon being French for butterfly; dogs with dropped ears are called the Phalene type.
Paps are dainty and fine-boned, with a plumed tail and long silky coat. The AKC warns owners to be careful with them, especially as puppies, around stairs, furniture and larger animals, and VCA notes they are sensitive to cold.
Papillon lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Papillon lifespan of 14 to 16 years, and VCA calls the breed generally long-lived and healthy. VCA notes that small size raises the risk of orthopedic and dental disease, and that eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy can gradually affect vision.
The AKC recommends patella, cardiac and eye evaluations for breeding dogs, and VCA also lists patellar luxation, tracheal collapse and heart valve disease among breed concerns. Ask a breeder for those results, keep up daily dental care, and see your vet about a skip in the step, a honking cough or trouble seeing in dim light.
Exercise needs
The AKC says Papillons make wonderful indoor pets but still need exercise: they are active, smart dogs that want their people to play with them. Indoors, many quickly learn to retrieve a small ball or toy and bring it back to be thrown again.
Outdoors, the AKC notes their spaniel heritage shows in a love of exploring, so walks and safe, fenced play suit them. Many Paps excel at agility and obedience. Keep them on leash near traffic and larger dogs, and use a harness rather than a collar.
Papillon grooming and shedding
For a long-coated breed, the AKC says Papillons need surprisingly little grooming because they have no undercoat. A full grooming session every month or so is fine, with a quick comb or soft slicker brush between sessions through the hair inside the hind legs, behind the ears and on the thighs.
Shedding is moderate, three out of five on the AKC scale. Trim nails regularly, as small dogs rarely wear them down, and brush the teeth often, since VCA flags dental disease as a common concern.
Training a Papillon
The AKC calls Papillons intelligent and eager to please, and notes they make house training easier than many small breeds. It calls early socialization very important and suggests obedience classes, which Paps tend to enjoy. Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes, ended while the dog is still keen, usually work better than one long session.
Short, fun, reward-based sessions keep a quick learner engaged, and many go on to trick training, rally and agility. Teach a quiet cue alongside the alert bark, and practice short periods alone from puppyhood.
Are Papillons good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Papillon five out of five with young children, and VCA says they are typically great with children. Even so, the AKC warns that a small child can easily hurt a Papillon by accident, so supervise and teach children to sit down to hold or play with the dog.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA says they are usually compatible with proper introduction. Choose gentle canine companions, and supervise play with larger dogs that could injure a small one.
What a Papillon needs at home
Useful kit includes a lightweight harness and leash, a soft bed, a sweater for cold days, small fetch toys and puzzle toys, a fine comb or soft slicker brush, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush. Pet steps help protect small legs on the way up to the sofa.
Baby gates keep a tiny dog safe from stairs, and a carrier makes vet visits easier. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Papillon home and ask about dental care and the kneecap check.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Papillons live?
The AKC lists a Papillon lifespan of 14 to 16 years. Daily dental care, a lean weight, protection from falls and regular vet checks help a Papillon reach the upper end of that range.
How big does a Papillon get?
The AKC gives a height of 8 to 11 inches and a weight of 5 to 10 pounds. Papillons are fine-boned toy dogs and can be injured by falls or rough play.
What is a Papillon's temperament like?
Bright, lively, affectionate and friendly. The AKC rates Papillons top marks for playfulness and trainability, though they are enthusiastic barkers and dislike long hours alone.
Do Papillons need a lot of grooming?
Less than you might expect. With no undercoat, a full groom about monthly and a quick comb behind the ears and legs between sessions is usually enough, according to the AKC.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
