Papillon

Toy Spaniels that feature in many Renaissance paintings bear a strong similarity to the Papillon dog, and the breed is thought to have developed in France or Belgium. The Papillon dog was a favoured companion of royalty and the nobility on the Continent, and one is even said to have been carried by Marie Antoinette when she walked to the guillotine.  

The breed's name, which translates as 'butterfly', comes from its large ears, which look like a butterfly with outstretched wings. If a dog has drop ears, it is called a Phalene, which translates as 'moth'. 

For those who want an active, clever, trainable and sporty breed, but in a much smaller package, the Papillon is ideal. If you enjoy walks, training and a bit of grooming, can provide a secure garden of any size, and want a fun companion in a very economic, easy to house size, the Papillon is a lovely breed. Great for the child-free home, for the older but still very active owner, or families with sensible/older children, all a Papillon wants is to be with you whatever you’re doing.

About half an hour a day will be needed for the Papillon dog, though they are capable of more if you can offer it. For their size, they are surprisingly energetic and has competed with success in agility. 

Play can also be included in their exercise routine, as they very much enjoy spending time and having fun with their owners. Many Paps love chasing balls, so they’ll never not be up for that, however, they can also be quite distractible, so it’s best to play with them in an enclosed area where they can be safe. 

The Papillon dog breed is pretty compact and very adaptable, so given their small size, they’ll be comfortable living in most environments. Apartment life will work out for them, but given their high energy, a backyard with plenty of space will be much appreciated as they enjoy running around and playing somewhere with plenty of space. 

Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Papillon lifespan reaching 16 years. 

The Papillon grooming process is fairly easy. The profuse, long, silky coat should be groomed two or three times a week to keep it tangle-free. They will also need bathing every month or so, especially if they’re smelly or they get themselves dirty while playing outside. 

Paps love being the center of attention, and as they’re also agile and quick learners, they’ll be happy discovering new tricks that they can show off to an audience. Training should be done at an early age and should be abundant in positive reinforcement, which will lead to them learning faster and being more willing to obey. 

Papillons make excellent family dogs as they get on with everyone and will join in with any activities. They are however small - especially as puppies - and so can be prone to injury in boisterous households. They also tend to bond closely to one person. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.