Is the Papillon a good family dog?
Papillon
Papillons are elegant and lively small dogs with a fine-boned build, silky coat and distinctive butterfly-like ears. Originally developed as companion dogs for European nobility, they are known for their intelligence, confidence and cheerful, alert nature. Generally affectionate and sociable with their family, Papillons can be energetic, vocal and surprisingly bold, so they benefit from early socialisation, positive training and regular mental stimulation.
| Recommended for | Owners in homes or apartments who want a bright, lively small dog and can provide training and mental stimulation. |
| Breed Classification | Toy Group |
| Other names | Continental Toy Spaniel, Butterfly Dog |
| Lifespan | 14 to 16 years |
| Size | Small |
| Temperament | Bright, lively, affectionate and agile |
| Intelligence | Generally intelligent; best results come from patient, positive and consistent training |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate; alert and responsive |
| Maintenance Level | Brush several times weekly, especially ears and tail |
| Health Risk | Papillons are generally robust when well bred and well cared for, but they can still be affected by recognised breed-related conditions that should be discussed with a vet or breeder. |
Thinking of insuring a Papillon?
Explore the Top 5 health issues claimed for Papillons, including highest claims paid and how much pet insurance could help you save on eligible vet bills.
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Papillon personality and temperament
The Papillon is bright, lively and confident, with an energetic personality that often surprises people given its small size. It is alert, quick to learn and usually enjoys games, training and interaction.
Papillons are generally affectionate and sociable with their families, but they can be vocal and bold around unfamiliar people or situations. They thrive with positive training, mental stimulation and owners who treat them as intelligent little dogs rather than delicate ornaments.
Papillons with kids and other pets
Papillons can be bright, playful and affectionate with children, especially older children who understand how to handle a small dog gently. Because they are fine-boned and lively, they may be too delicate for rough play with very young children.
With other pets, Papillons often do well with dogs and cats if socialised early. Despite their small size, they can be confident and bold, so supervision is helpful when they interact with larger dogs.
Papillon training and exercise
Papillons need moderate exercise and mental stimulation, despite their small size. Daily walks, indoor games, trick training, puzzle toys and play sessions help keep them happy and prevent boredom. They are lively and agile dogs that often enjoy learning and staying busy.
Training is usually rewarding because Papillons are intelligent and quick to learn. They respond best to positive reinforcement, praise and varied sessions that keep their attention. Early socialisation helps prevent nervousness or excessive barking and encourages confidence around people and other dogs.
| Energy level | Moderate to high |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate - walks, play and training; enjoys agility |
Common health issues for Papillons
What do Papillon owners claim for the most?
- Patellar luxation: A developmental orthopaedic condition where the kneecap slips out of its normal groove, causing intermittent skipping, limping, pain or reduced mobility. It is more common in small breeds and severity ranges from mild to persistent lameness.
- Dental disease: This commonly involves plaque and tartar build-up that inflames the gums and can progress to periodontal disease, pain, infection and tooth loss. Signs may include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty chewing, pawing at the mouth or loose teeth.
- Eye disease: This includes problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal ulcers and inherited eye disorders. Signs may include redness, cloudiness, discharge, squinting, pawing at the eye, swelling or changes in vision.
- Open fontanelle: A congenital condition where the soft spot in a puppy’s skull does not close fully as the dog matures, leaving a small gap in the skull bones. It is most common in toy and small breeds and may increase the risk of head injury or be associated with conditions such as hydrocephalus.
- Tracheal collapse: A respiratory condition where the windpipe weakens and narrows, causing a dry “honking” cough, wheezing or breathing difficulty. It is most common in small and toy breeds and may worsen with excitement, exercise, heat, smoke exposure or obesity.
Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.
How to choose the right insurance for your Papillon
When comparing cover for your Papillon, look for:
Cover for common Papillon conditions:
Check that the policy covers conditions Papillons can be prone to, including common health issues.
Cover for hereditary conditions:
No exclusions for hereditary or congenital conditions⑅.
Flexible cover options:
Options to adjust your annual benefit limit, reimbursement rate and excess.
Bow Wow Meow's Nose-to-Tail Cover offers flexible options for your Papillon, with cover for accidental injuries, illnesses and hereditary conditions⑅. Get a quick quote for cover that suits your Papillon and your budget.
Papillon feeding and nutrition
The Papillon needs a high-quality small-breed diet that supports its lively energy, fine frame and bright coat. Protein helps maintain lean muscle, while healthy fats provide energy and support skin and coat health.
Because Papillons are small and light, they should not be overfed. Even small amounts of extra food or treats can lead to weight gain. Meals should be measured carefully, and treats should be small, healthy and used in moderation during training.
Papillon care and grooming
The Papillon has a long, silky coat that is relatively easy to maintain because it has little to no heavy undercoat. Brushing a few times a week helps prevent tangles, particularly around the ears, chest, tail and feathering on the legs. The breed’s distinctive ear fringes should be combed gently to avoid breakage.
Papillons do not usually need extensive trimming, though tidying around the feet may be helpful. Bathing should be occasional or as needed. Regular nail trimming, dental care and ear checks are important, especially because small breeds can be prone to dental build-up.
Size, appearance and coat of Papillons
The Papillon is a small, fine-boned toy breed with an elegant outline and a bright, animated expression. It has a delicate head, dark round eyes, a plumed tail carried over the back, and large wing-shaped ears that give the breed its butterfly-like appearance.
Its coat is long, silky and flowing, but without a heavy undercoat. Papillons are usually white with patches of colour, which may include black, red, sable, lemon or tricolour markings, often framing the ears and face.
| Weight range | 2 to 5 kg |
| Height range | 20 to 28 cm |
| Colours | White with patches of any colour |
| Coat length | Long, fine, silky single coat |
Breed history of Papillons
The Papillon descends from the small continental toy spaniels seen in European art from the Renaissance onward. These elegant companion dogs were favourites in royal and aristocratic households, appearing in portraits from France, Italy, Spain and the Low Countries.
The breed’s name means “butterfly” in French, referring to the large, fringed ears that became especially associated with the erect-eared type. A drop-eared variety, the Phalène, also exists, preserving an older ear style within the same breed tradition.
Explore related breeds
Papillon facts!
- Their name means “butterfly” in French, which refers to their large, fringed ears that resemble butterfly wings.
- They were favourites in European courts, appearing in paintings with noble families and royalty.
- They are tiny but athletic, often excelling in agility and obedience despite their small size.
- They are very intelligent and are among the most trainable toy breeds.
- There is also a drop-eared type which is known as the Phalène, meaning “moth” in French.
Summary
The Papillon is a small, fine-boned toy breed with a silky coat, plumed tail and large butterfly-like ears. Bright, lively and surprisingly athletic, Papillons are affectionate companions that often excel in training, tricks and agility-style activities.
They need moderate exercise, mental stimulation, gentle handling due to their size and regular coat care, particularly around the ear fringes and feathering.
FAQs about the Papillon
It can be, provided the household matches the breed’s exercise, training, grooming and supervision needs.
Moderate – walks, play and training; enjoys agility.
Shedding depends on coat type, season and grooming routine. The breed has a long, fine, silky single coat.
No. While some individuals may shed less than others, no dog breed is truly allergy-free.
Most respond well to positive, consistent training, but owners should work with the breed’s instincts rather than against them.
MORE INFORMATION
Papillon Dog Club of NSW Inc: http://www.papillondogclubofnsw.com/
Papillon Club Of Victoria Inc.: https://www.papillonclubofvictoria.com/
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