Papillon

Compared to other long-haired breeds, Papillons are relatively low maintenance in the grooming department (great looks, easy effort—what a fabulous trait!). They don’t have an undercoat, and their hair doesn’t shed much. Besides a monthly trip to the groomers for a wash, trim and blowout, they can get by with a weekly brushing with a slicker brush to control mats and remove debris and loose hair. Otherwise, they only need to be bathed if they get muddy or roll in something stinky. Lick mats can help make bath time at home a fun event.

Nails should be trimmed as soon as you hear them tapping on the tile, about every two weeks or so. Dewclaws especially need to be trimmed regularly, so they don’t curl inward and cause injury or become easily caught on clothing or furniture.

Like most toy breeds, Papillons are prone to dental problems and periodontal disease, impacting their overall health. In addition to annual dental checkups and cleanings by a veterinarian, their teeth should be brushed daily. Start them out as puppies to get them used to their mouths being handled. Your vet can show you the proper way to brush their teeth if you need help. Between brushings, dental treats, like Greenies, can also help reduce tartar and keep teeth clean and breath smelling sweet.

Papillons are smart as a whip. Their intelligence, combined with their cheerfulness and their natural enjoyment of activities, make them a joy to train with positive reinforcement methods that focus on rewarding desired behaviors with treats, fun toys and praise. It’s important to teach this breed the basic safety commands such as come, heel and drop it, so that their overconfidence and adventurous spirit doesn’t lead them nose-first into danger. But they also do great at advanced training, and teaching your dog to do tricks, like how to shake their paw, is one of the greatest joys of being a Papillon parent.

Training should begin when they’re puppies and include proper socialization, which involves safely exposing them to new people, places and experiences. Start as young as possible, and also get your pup used to being touched and handled to help make things like toothbrushing and nail trimming—not to mention veterinary exams and trips to the groomers—go a lot more smoothly as they get older.

Papillons typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food that’s formulated for their current stage in life, whether puppy, adult or senior. Food that’s made especially for small dogs or toy breeds can help provide any special nutritional needs for dogs this size.

While there’s no standard feeding chart for Papillons, your vet can guide you on the type of food and diet appropriate for your dog. When giving treats, whether during training or just because, remember to deduct those calories from their overall daily diet. Again, consult with your veterinarian, as they’re in the best position to help you pick the best food for your dog based on their individual needs.

While Papillons need a good bit of exercise for a dog their size, the fact that they’re tiny means you won’t need to become a marathon runner to keep up with them. But it will help if you enjoy going on leisurely walks around the neighborhood while they poke around and explore.

They need 30-45 minutes of exercise each day to deplete their energy levels, which can be met by vigorous playtime in the backyard or in a long hallway or large living room, in addition to one or two short walks throughout the day.

Just don’t expect them to entertain themselves. These bright dogs need interaction and mental stimulation on top of physical exercise to keep them calm and happy. And even if you let them get their zoomies out in a fenced-in yard, you’ll still need to hang out and supervise them to be sure they stay out of trouble. (They’re rather speedy. With quick sprints, they can top out at 18 MPH!)

The Papillon breed is not a good match for couch potatoes who shun the outdoors. Papillons do love to cuddle and can make good lap dogs—after they’re tired out from exercise and activity. The ideal home will have enough space to run and play, whether a house with a fenced yard or a roomy apartment. A walkable neighborhood with good sidewalks or walking paths is a bonus.

This is a good breed for energetic singles, couples or active families with older children and small pet siblings (even cats!). Papillons are adventurous and can get along well with anyone, but because of their tiny size, it’s best to supervise any and all play with small children or large dogs.

As social papillons, they’ll also fit well into a home that plays host to parties or has a lot of company over. But they need to be with a human who can be home most of the time or who can take them to work. This is not a breed who can be left home alone a good portion of the day.