Papillon
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- Dog Breed Group
- Toy Dogs
- Origin of Breed
- France as a companion
- Life Expectancy
- 13 to 16 years
- Color
- From pale lemon and white to rich shades of red, chestnut, deep mahogany
- Coat
- No undercoat. Long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture.
- Exercise Needs
- Can obtain his exercise indoor, but loves to take walks outdoors.
- Temperament
- Papillons are active, lively dogs, although generally not nervous or yappy. They might alert you when someone is at the door but
- Good with Children
- Good with older children. Gentlest and most obedient of toy breeds. Good with other animals but may challenge larger dogs. Makes
- Grooming Needs
- Weekly brushing of the coat. Trimming of the pads of their feet. Minimal bathing.
- Average Size - Male (in)
- 8 - 11
- Average Size - Female (in)
- 8 - 11
- Average Weight - Male (lbs)
- 3 - 9
- Average Weight - Female (lbs)
- 3 - 9
- Health Issues
- Usually very healthy. Some problems with inadequate tear production, progressive retinal atrophy and patella's .v
- Living Conditions
- Good apartments dog but loves the outdoors.
Breed Description
The Papillon is a breed of toy dog known from the 16th century, when it was called a dwarf spaniel. A fashionable dog, it was favoured by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette, and it appeared in paintings by some of the Old Masters. He was originally called the Dwarf Spaniel. The name papillon (French: "butterfly") was given to the breed in the late 19th century, when a variety with large, flaring ears resembling the wings of a butterfly came into vogue. There is another variety of papillon, with drooping ears. Its coat is soft, full, and usually white with patches of black or of pale tan to dark reddish brown.