Purebred Dogs vs. Mixed Breed Dogs Which Dog Breed Is Best For You? 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy Advice You Can Trust: 180 Dog Breed Reviews Teach Your Dog 100 English Words How To Buy a Good Dog

Papillons: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Papillon personality and behavior. main page breed review faq health training adopting/buying links My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Papillon, including these excerpts: "One of the brightest and most trainable of the toys, the fine-boned, elegant Papillon is commonly chosen by obedience or agility exhibitors who want a small top-notch competition dog. The Papillon learns very quickly and responds eagerly to positive training methods (praise and food). Papillons are also the master tracking dogs of the toy world. You do have to watch your lines: some Papillons are dainty, even high-strung, while others are confident and outgoing. Much depends on genetics (parents' and grandparents' temperament and the breeder's goals) and the rest on socialization and training. When treated like an intelligent, capable fellow, he is likely to live up to these expectations. Indoors and out the Papillon is lively, happy, and playful, yet light-footed and graceful, not likely to topple lamps. Most Papillons are friendly or at least polite with strangers, but he is a gentle soul who can be overwhelmed by the roughhousing and mischief of small children. With other pets he is not as submissive as you might think. In fact, some are possessive and bossy, especially with larger dogs. This can be dangerous, as the quick-moving Papillon may be viewed as prey. Some Papillons retain sporting instincts from their spaniel heritage and will stalk and pursue birds, mice, even flying insects. Housebreaking can be difficult, and barking may need to be controlled." History Papillon is French for "butterfly," an apt moniker for the large fringed ears that resemble wings. There is also a drop-eared variety known as the Phalene (the French word for "moth.") Size 8-12 inches and 5-10 lbs

Papillons What's good about 'em What's bad about 'em There are energetic Papillons, and placid Papillons. Hard-headed Papillons, and sweet-natured Papillons. Serious Papillons, and good-natured goofballs. Introverted Papillons, and Papillons who love everyone. If you acquire a Papillon puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed... If you want a dog who... Is small, easy to carry, and doesn't take up much space Is fine-boned and elegant, light-footed and graceful Has a lovely feathered coat Is lively and playful Is one of the brightest and most trainable of the toy breeds Is polite with strangers A Papillon may be right for you. If you don't want to deal with... The fragility of toy breeds (see below) Excessive daintiness and timidity, suspiciousness, or highstrung temperaments in some lines, or when not socialized enough Chasing instincts (birds, mice, flying insects) from their spaniel heritage Regular brushing and combing Shedding Barking Housebreaking difficulties, especially in the cold and rain A Papillon may not be right for you. If I were considering a Papillon... My major concerns would be: Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Papillon by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Papillons can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Papillon and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your tiny dog. Papillons must always be kept indoors, in a safely fenced yard, or on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control. Papillons are NOT suited to children, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Papillon who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Most Papillons feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and fearfulness (even defensive biting) may be the result. Providing enough socialization. Papillons need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with. Grooming. To keep their feathered coat free of mats, Papillons require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming. Shedding. Papillons shed quite a bit. Their hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting. Be prepared for frequent vacuuming. Barking. Papillons are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. To teach your Papillon to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Papillon Training Page discusses the program you need. Housebreaking. Toy breeds are almost always difficult to housebreak. It is so easy for them to sneak behind a chair or under a small table, and it takes only a few seconds for the deed to be done. The results can be hard to see. When you don't see it, you don't correct it -- and so the bad habit becomes established. If you hope to housebreak a toy breed, consistent crate training is mandatory. Papillons should not be loosed in the house for many months, until their small internal organs become strong enough for reliable control. If you're considering an adult Papillon... There are plenty of adult Papillons who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you. When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS. Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author.