Papillon
Also known as Continental Toy Spaniel (Épagneul nain continental), Phalène
- Height at the withers
- 20 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 2 to 4.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- France and Belgium
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
A dainty, elegant toy spaniel with large, erect, fringed ears that look like a butterfly’s wings, hence its name (papillon is French for butterfly; the drop-eared variety is called the Phalène). Its silky, abundant coat goes with a lively, sociable and energetic temperament.
History and origins
Descended from the continental toy spaniels prized at European courts for centuries, which appear in paintings by masters such as Titian, Goya and Rubens. The breed was refined in France and Belgium.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Tracheal collapse
- Periodontal disease
- Neuroaxonal dystrophy (rare)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Very easy, 5 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Papillon FAQ
How big does the Papillon get?
The Papillon stands 20 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 2 to 4.5 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Papillon shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Papillon live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Papillon need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Papillon good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Papillon live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy.
