Papillon at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 20–28 cm
- Weight
- 2–4 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Garden.
Is the Papillon right for you?
Like every breed, the Papillon is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would enjoy training a dog that is usually eager to learn.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
How would the Papillon fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Papillon
The Papillon is a toy breed with a long, silky coat and fringed, upright ears that look like the spread wings of a butterfly, which is where the name comes from: papillon is French for butterfly. It is an elegant, fine-boned dog that is highly intelligent and loves being involved in family life.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Lively
A lively dog that enjoys being busy.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
High
Usually eager to learn and quick to pick things up.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Often fine
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed comes in two varieties. The Papillon has erect ears; the Phalène, named after the folded wings of a moth, has drop ears. Both are the same breed, and the Royal Kennel Club records "Phalène" on the registration certificate of drop-eared puppies.
Toy spaniels that look very like the Papillon appear in European paintings from the 16th century onwards, and the breed is thought to have developed in France or Belgium. It was hugely popular in the royal courts of Europe, with owners including Madame de Pompadour and Queen Marie Antoinette.
Today the Papillon competes with great success in obedience and agility, and rarely outgrows its playful, puppyish ways.
Papillon temperament
Papillons are typically alert, friendly and energetic. They enjoy taking part in family activities as much as time on a lap, and are usually gentle, playful dogs that get along well with everyone.
They are companion dogs through and through: most would choose never to be separated from their people, and many bond closely with one person. They thrive on attention and stimulation, and do not suit homes with little time for a dog.
Papillons can be chatty and are quick to bark at visitors or anything unusual, although they are not generally considered excessive barkers. Early training and socialisation help them grow into confident, sociable adults.
Size and appearance
Papillons are small, fine-boned dogs. Adults typically stand 20–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 2–4 kg, although some sources give up to 5 kg.
The coat is long, silky and single-layered. Breed standard colours are white with patches of colour, such as sable and white, red and white, black and white or lemon and white, as well as tricolour.
How much exercise does a Papillon need?
Around 30 minutes of exercise a day is usually enough, although Papillons are surprisingly energetic for their size and will happily do more if you can offer it.
Play counts as exercise too. Many Papillons love chasing a ball, but they can be easily distracted, so play in a safe, enclosed area. Mental exercise matters as much as walks: obedience, agility and trick training give them the chance to use their brains.
Training a Papillon
Papillons are very obedient and respond well to training. They learn from every experience, though, so an inconsistent trainer gets inconsistent results, even with basics such as house training.
- Use positive, reward-based methods: Papillons never respond well to forced training or punishment.
- Start training and socialisation young, so your puppy grows up confident and sociable.
- Keep sessions fun and varied: they are quick learners who enjoy showing off new tricks.
- Practise recall somewhere enclosed first, because they can be easily distracted.
Papillon grooming
The long, silky coat is fairly easy to look after. Brushing two or three times a week is usually enough to keep it tangle-free, with a bath every month or so if they get dirty.
Although the coat is single-layered, Papillons do shed, and they are not hypoallergenic.
Living with a Papillon
Papillons can make loving family dogs and like to join in with everything. They are small and fragile, though, especially as puppies, and can easily be injured in a boisterous household.
They are typically not a good choice for homes with very small children, or with older children who want to play rough. Families with sensible, older children can suit them well. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Papillon health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Papillons are generally a healthy breed, but some inherited conditions are recognised in the breed. Knowing about them helps you ask the right questions; it does not mean every Papillon will be affected.
Patellar luxation
The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place. It is one of the conditions to ask a breeder about.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
A gradual deterioration of the retina, which can start with night blindness and progress to total blindness. A DNA test for the Papillon form (pap-PRA) is available, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends it before breeding.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD)
A serious condition that affects the nervous system. A DNA test is available, and the Royal Kennel Club recommends it as part of best-practice health testing.
Von Willebrand's disease
A blood clotting disorder that can lead to excessive bleeding. A DNA test is available for the type seen in the breed.
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens of the eye, giving it a cloudy appearance. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme screens breeding dogs for inherited eye conditions.
Puppies are fragile
Papillons are fine-boned, and puppies in particular are fragile and can be injured easily, so they need extra care in their first months.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Papillon home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Papillon cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Papillon home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Papillon
If you have decided the Papillon suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Papillon
Papillons do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Papillons looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Papillon adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Pomeranian
Lively, curious, playful, loyal, energetic, affectionate, gentle and friendly.
View breed guide
Papillon FAQs
Is the Papillon good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Papillon live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Papillon need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Papillon shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Papillon need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Papillon easy to train?
Usually eager to learn. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Papillon be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Papillon bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Papillon good with cats?
Often lives with cats when introduced carefully. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Papillon live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Papillon get?
Adults typically stand 20–28 cm at the shoulder and weigh 2–4 kg.