Personality

 

Papillons’ sparkling personalities make them a favorite of everyone who meets them. Contrary to popular belief, these dogs are not lap dogs. They are active and playful, and they will not be content to lounge on the couch all day. However, they do love companionship and will always try to be where their humans are. They will alert you when the mail arrives, the school bus stops, or someone is at the door, but usually settle down quickly.

 

If you like to play rough-and-tumble games with your dog, don’t get a Papillon.

If you are looking for a guard dog, don’t get a Papillon.

If you want a backyard dog, don’t get a Papillon.

If you are gone from home a lot and expect your dog to adjust, don’t get a Papillon.

 

When looking for a Papillon, don’t let one quality over-ride the choice. For example, a red-and-white male with gorgeous ear fringes, might be less suitable in other ways. Be prepared to share with the breeder information about your home, family, daily routine, and what you would like to do with the pup. The breeder will help choose a puppy whose personality is the best match for you. 

Papillons get along well with other pets in the family, including cats, if introduced at a young age. The fearless Papillon will often boss around dogs much bigger than he is, and this may or may not cause problems. They are also noted to have a tendency to lie on the back of the couch or recliner and watch out the windows.

Papillons love children, but the combination of a tiny dog and a young child requires close supervision. We reccomended having young children sit to hold or play with the new puppy.  Be aware of signs of tiredness or irritation in either of them and keep play sessions short at first.

 

“STATS” & HISTORY:

 

Breed group: Toy

Height at withers: 8–11 inches (20–28 cm)

Weight: 4–10 pounds (2–5 kg)

Lifespan: 13–16 years

The name Papillon comes from the French word for butterfly, due to their ears resembling butterfly wings ( or dragon wings, I  think!) . The breed was popular in France, Spain and Italy, where they were often depicted in classic paintings. Papillons were brought to the U.S. during the late 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915. They are currently ranked the 45th most popular breed in the US.

 

Potential Health Problems:

Papillons are generally a sturdy, healthy breed with few health concerns.  Buying from a reputable breeder significantly decreases the chances of having heart breaking or expensive health issues. Potential areas of concern include luxating patellar,  dental issues, heart valve weakness, and  progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). 

Reputable Breeders have done screening on their breeding stock and include a health guarantee with their puppies. They are also familiar with the health of several generations and have provided excellent care for their animals. 

Our puppies come with a written health guarantee, well puppy vet checkup, & are current on their vaccinations.