November 14, 2024, 9:33 am | Read time: 5 minutes
The Papillon is well suited as a beginner’s dog due to its friendly nature. Butterfly ears are characteristic of the breed. Despite their small size, these intelligent dogs should not be underestimated.
Origin
Although the Papillon may seem like a modern breed at first glance, its history goes back to the 13th century. The breed already appears in paintings from France. France, along with England and Belgium, is likely one of the breed’s countries of origin. The exact origins of the breed are now difficult to pinpoint. The small companion dog was particularly favored by aristocrats. The breed also found favor with the British royal family.
Systematic breeding did not take place until the end of the 19th century. The breed’s first standard was established in 1905. However, the breed was not officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) until 1990 and is listed there under the name “Epagneul Nain Continental (ECN)” and is also known as the Continental Miniature Spaniel in German-speaking countries.
Appearance & coat
The most striking feature of the Papillon is its large, pointed, upright ears. They are reminiscent of a butterfly, which gave the breed its name. They are sometimes referred to as butterfly dogs in German. Their ears may be adorned with long, wavy hair, enhancing the ‘butterfly effect’ even more. There is also a variant of this breed with drooping ears, which is called “phalene” in French.
Otherwise, the Papillon is a small spaniel with long hair and a normal, harmonious build. The muzzle is not quite as short as that of other spaniels, but according to the standard, it is shorter than the skull. The tail is set high, rather long, with luxuriant fringes that form a beautiful plume. Standing at 28 centimeters at the withers and weighing between 2.5 and 5 kilograms, the Papillon ranks among the world’s smallest dog breeds.
Character & disposition
Although the Papillon is a companion dog, it should not be mistaken for a lap dog. After all, the breed is descended from the spaniel and therefore has hunting dog blood. However, these dogs are more likely to chase after squirrels or mice. They are much more interested in the company of their humans. They like to be everywhere and actively participate in everyday life. Accordingly, they are very affectionate and have a friendly nature. They are known to get along well not only with other dogs but also with other animals, including cats.
Unfortunately, like many small dogs, the Papillon is often underestimated and not challenged enough. They are clever little fellows who want to be challenged. This breed is not content with sitting on the sofa for hours or being toted around in handbags. They want to experience something – preferably together with their human.
Training
Even if the breed is considered a beginner’s dog, you should put some work into training it. Similar to other small breeds, such as the Chihuahua or Miniature Spitz, the Papillon tends to bark. It’s important to address this behavior early on. Positive reinforcement works well with this sensitive breed. Strict and harsh commands can unsettle the dogs, which does not mean that you do not have to remain consistent. Therefore, enrolling in a dog training school is advisable not only for good basic obedience but also for good socialization. This aspect of training is especially crucial for small dogs.
Papillons are considered to be open-minded towards other dogs. Due to the Papillon’s small body size, there is a high probability that it will have bad experiences with large dogs if they are careless in play or do not take the small spaniel seriously in the first place.
In terms of activity, mental exercise is important. The Papillon is considered to be quite intelligent. Therefore, Activities like clicker training, search games, and sports like dog dancing or agility are ideal.
Correct keeping & care
These adaptable dogs feel at home in a small city apartment and in the countryside. As they were bred as companion dogs, they generally find it difficult to stay alone and prefer to have their humans around them all day. Having a second dog does not justify leaving them alone for extended periods. Prospective owners should be mindful of this before acquiring a dog.
Although the coat is long, it is not as high-maintenance as other breeds. Since the Papillon lacks an undercoat, thorough brushing and combing two to three times a week is sufficient. Washing is not usually necessary.
Nutrition
The Papillon has no special dietary requirements. Food that is specially advertised for small breeds is not necessary. At most, you should make sure that the kibble size is appropriate for dry food. Keep in mind that many manufacturers’ feeding guidelines start at five or eight kilograms of body weight when calculating your pet’s food portions. You should, therefore, calculate how much food your pet needs. This depends not only on weight but also on age, lifestyle, and gender. It’s advisable to consult your veterinarian for guidance.
Susceptibility to diseases
There are hardly any breed-specific hereditary diseases in the Papillon. However, as with many small breeds, patellar luxation, the displacement of the kneecap, is common. This can lead to pain and, in the worst case, require surgery. In addition, the dogs are quite fragile due to their delicate build and can injure themselves more easily in wild play with heavier dogs. Additionally, the absence of an undercoat may render the dogs more vulnerable to heat and cold, potentially impacting their health.
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Overview of the Papillon
- Character: alert, intelligent, vivacious, sociable
- Size: 20-30 cm
- Weight: 2.5-5 kg
- Coat: white with spots, multi-colored; long, fine, without undercoat
- Average life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Special features: well-suited for city living and beginner pet owners