Pet Wiki

Ears like wings, heart like gold.

Papillon

Also called Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Phalène (drop-eared variety)

A cheerful, alert and inquisitive little dog with a big appetite for learning, which makes it a natural at tricks and dog sports.

SizeToy
Weight1.8 to 5 kg (4 to 11 lb)males 1.8 to 4.5 kg, females 1.8 to 5 kg123
Height20 to 28 cm (8 to 11 in)132
Lifespan12 to 16 years2456
CoatLong, silky single coat with no undercoat
OriginFrance and Belgium (FCI patronage); early toy spaniel ancestors are traced to Renaissance Italy and possibly Spain7365
GroupCompanion and Toy Dogs (FCI group 9)
Exercise90 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
very quick learner
happy, alert and friendly
small but sturdy and athletic
356

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, alert and inquisitive little dog with a big appetite for learning, which makes it a natural at tricks and dog sports. Papillons are affectionate and sociable once they know someone, can be a little reserved at first meeting, and tend to keep a watchful eye on their home. They are companion dogs at heart and prefer company to long spells alone.35642

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, silky single coat with no undercoat

A small, fine-boned and elegant toy spaniel with a proud carriage and a muzzle slightly shorter than the skull. Its flowing, glossy coat has no undercoat, is short on the face and front of the legs, and grows longer on the body, forming a ruff at the chest, fringes on the ears, feathering on the legs and a plumed tail carried over the back. The large, heavily fringed ears stand up like butterfly wings in the Papillon or hang down in the Phalène.134

Colourswhite with patches of any colour (FCI)white with blackwhite with brownwhite with yellow134

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Papillon. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
  • ExerciseAbout 90 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. About 30 minutes of exercise a day through short walks and lively indoor or garden games, plus regular training for mental stimulation. Many excel in obedience, agility and rally, and some work as therapy dogs.5246

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The silky single coat is fairly easy to keep: brush it about twice a week, paying attention to the ear fringes and feathering. It sheds an average amount and lacks the dense undercoat that tends to mat.254

Home where they are happiest

Well suited to flats and apartments; a garden is not required and it fits into town or country life. At dog parks it is best kept apart from much larger dogs because of its small size.52

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, portion-controlled diet sized for a toy breed, since very small amounts meet an adult's needs. Puppies do best on several small meals a day of a food rich in protein and energy.2

Company who they like around

A devoted companion that likes being near its people and does not enjoy long periods on its own. Usually gets on well with other pets and dogs.24

The story where it all began

Small spaniels of this type can be spotted in Italian art from the 13th century onward, including frescoes attributed to Giotto's era and paintings by Titian such as the Venus of Urbino, and later in works by Veronese, Watteau and Fragonard. Over the 16th to 18th centuries the little dogs became favourites of European courts, above all in France, where Louis XIV, Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette are linked with them. Early examples had hanging ears; the upright, butterfly-like ear became fashionable toward the end of the 19th century, when the name Papillon (French for butterfly) came into use and the drop-eared type became known as the Phalène (moth). The first Papillons reached America in 1907, the AKC recognised the breed in 1915, and a breed club was founded in England in 1924. The FCI accepts both ear types as one breed, the Continental Toy Spaniel, under the patronage of France and Belgium.465732

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Papillon' is French for butterfly, named for the breed's big fringed ears; the drop-eared form is called Phalène, French for moth.3

  2. 2

    Titian painted a small spaniel of this type curled up on the bed in his famous Venus of Urbino.6

  3. 3

    In 1999, Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being ('Kirby') became the first Papillon to win Best in Show at Westminster.8

  4. 4

    In 2019 a Belgian-owned Papillon nicknamed 'Dylan the Villain' became the first of its breed to win Best in Show at Crufts in the show's 128-year history.9

  5. 5

    The erect-eared Papillon and the drop-eared Phalène are judged as two varieties of a single breed by the FCI.7

  6. 6

    A 2024 UK study put the breed's life expectancy at 14.5 years, above the purebred average of 12.7 years.6

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Papillon' is French for 'butterfly,' given to the breed in the late 19th century due to its large, fringed ears that resemble the wings of a butterfly.10

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

BellaCocoChoupetteFifiGigiLuluMimiPapillonPipRoiSoleilZazou

A day in the life told by a Papillon

I woke up this morning and did my happy dance, a little twirl to show the world I’m ready. My human laughed and called me a butterfly, which I think is true because my ears are like wings! After breakfast, I practiced my tricks: spin, sit, and a new one called 'wave.' I love making my human proud. Then we went for a walk in the park, where I greeted every dog with a wag and a sniff. Back home, I curled up on the sofa for a nap, dreaming of tomorrow’s adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 77 (Continental Toy Spaniel), Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 9; varieties Papillon (erect ears) and Phalène (drop ears); definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1954; current standard published 4 Jun 19987
AKC
Toy Group; recognised 19154
UKC
Companion Dog Group; recognised 19503
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; Papillon Club formed in England in 19245

Popularity AKC rank No. 44 in 202411

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Papillon tip

Papillons have small jaws and are prone to dental problems, so choose treats that help reduce tartar, like dental chews, and always supervise chewing. Because they can be finicky eaters and puppies are prone to low blood sugar, offer small, frequent meals and keep treats tiny to avoid tummy upsets.

Source: vcahospitals.com

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Papillon, and at what times?

Adult Papillons do best on at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times, but the exact schedule depends on your dog's routine, ask your vet for a plan that suits your Papillon.212 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Papillon eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a complete, portion-controlled diet made for toy breeds, as very small amounts meet an adult's needs. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA, never give these to your Papillon.213

How often should I bathe a Papillon?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Papillon gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep the silky coat healthy.14 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Papillon need brushing?

Brush your Papillon about twice a week to keep the silky coat free of tangles, especially the ear fringes and feathering. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests every 2 days for a neat look, but twice a week works well for most.254 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Papillon's nails, and how often?

Trim your Papillon's nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, if you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.14 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Papillon need?

Papillons have moderate exercise needs, about 30 minutes of walks and lively games daily. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests around 90 minutes, so adjust based on your dog's energy and your schedule.5246 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Papillon's teeth and ears?

Brush your Papillon's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily, and the ASPCA says at least 2-3 times a week. Check ears every two weeks and gently wipe the outer ear; never push anything into the ear canal.14 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Papillon live?

Papillons are a long-lived toy breed, typically enjoying a lifespan of 12 to 16 years with good care.2456

Is a Papillon good with children and other pets?

Papillons are usually good with other pets and dogs, and they are affectionate once they know someone. Their reaction to children can vary, supervise early interactions and ask your breeder or vet for guidance.24356

Can a Papillon be left alone?

Papillons are companion dogs at heart and prefer not to be left alone for long stretches. They can manage short periods if left with toys, but they thrive best with company.24

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 77 fci.beused for size, weight classes, coat, colours
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Papillon vcahospitals.comused for lifespan, weight, exercise, grooming, diet
  3. UKC breed standard: Papillon ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, coat, height
  4. Papillon Club of America: Dog or Butterfly? A breed profile papillonclub.orgused for history timeline, AKC 1915, grooming, activities
  5. The Royal Kennel Club: Papillon royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home, lifespan, history
  6. Wikipedia: Papillon dog en.wikipedia.orgused for art history, colours, lifespan study (secondary)
  7. FCI nomenclature: Continental Toy Spaniel (77) fci.beused for recognition, origin, varieties
  8. Wikipedia: Loteki Supernatural Being en.wikipedia.orgused for Westminster 1999 fun fact
  9. Dogs Monthly: Papillon Dylan the Villain takes Best in Show at Crufts 2019 dogsmonthly.co.ukused for Crufts 2019 fun fact
  10. britannica.com britannica.com
  11. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024 akc.orgused for popularity
  12. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  13. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  14. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.