Papillon

Loved by 86% of pet parents

A lively, intelligent, and affectionate companion with striking butterfly-like ears. Loves to learn tricks and thrives in active households that enjoy play and attention.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

20–28 cm (male)

20–28 cm (female)

WEIGHT

2.7–4.5 kg (male)

2.3–4.1 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–16 years

Papillon: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Canidae

Genus

Canis

Species

Canis lupus familiaris

Diet

Omnivore

"A Papillon isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Papillon's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Papillons are alert, friendly, and outgoing dogs known for their lively and affectionate nature. They typically get along well with families and adapt well to different living environments.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Sociable with people and other friendly dogs

Intelligence

Quick learner, excels in obedience tasks

Energy Level

Very active, needs plenty of exercise

Playfulness

Loves interactive games and activities

Adaptability

Adjusts well to new environments and routines

Strengths

Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Friendly and outgoing with people
Generally healthy with long lifespan
Adaptable to both city and country living
Low grooming needs due to fine coat

Challenges

Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
Fragile bones susceptible to injury
May bark excessively if not trained early
Can be stubborn during obedience training
Needs regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom

Protect your Papillon

Papillon are active and energetic, but they can develop patellar luxation and dental problems. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.

Insure your pet

Intelligence & exercise needs

Papillons are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Highly trainable

Overall rating

This breed is highly intelligent and quick to learn, excelling in obedience and agility training. Papillons respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy tasks that challenge their minds.

Trainable Tasks:

Basic obedience commands

Agility course navigation

Rally obedience exercises

Trick performances

Scent detection games

Therapy dog visits

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

30–45 minutes daily

recommended per day

Papillons have a moderate to high energy level and require daily physical exercise combined with mental stimulation. Regular playtime, walks, and interactive games help keep them healthy and content.

Recommended Activities:

Agility training sessions

Interactive puzzle toys

Obedience classes

Short leash walks

Flyball participation

Canine freestyle dancing

Is this breed right for you?

Papillons are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Papillon would fit well in your home.