Papillon, also known as the Butterfly Dog, is from France and gained popularity in the 16th century during the reign of Louis XIV. They were highly valued and appreciated by notable figures in the French court. They are beloved as companion and toy dogs.
- English Name: Papillon
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Subclass: Theria; also known as Eutheria
- Order: Carnivora
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Canidae
- Subfamily: Caninae
- Genus: Canis
- Distribution: Origin: France, Belgium
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Common Ailments: Patellar luxation, eye issues
- Size: Small
- Purpose: Companion dog, toy dog
- Coat Length: Long
Morphological Characteristics of Papillon
- Ideal shoulder height for adult Papillons is 20-28 cm, and the ideal weight is 4-4.5 kg.
- The head is small, moderately wide, with a slightly arched skull. The nose is round and black.
- Eyes are dark, round, not protruding, and moderately sized. The gaze is alert.
- Ears are large, well-fringed, and either erect or drooping. Erect ears resemble the wings of a butterfly in flight.
- The tail is long, set high, and carries feather-like fringes, curving towards the back.
Personality Traits of Papillon
- Intelligent, lively, bold, and appropriately affectionate and playful.
- Easy to train for various tricks.
- Highly regarded as a precious and elegant companion and toy dog.
- Intelligent, lively, responsive, and obedient to the owner. Not prone to excessive barking.
Grooming Tips for Papillon
- Regular brushing with a boar bristle brush to maintain the silky coat.
- Bathing every 4-5 months or more frequently in hot weather.
- Trim the hair on the footpads and, if necessary, trim the nails.
- Use quality pet shampoo during bathing.
- Pay attention to ear hygiene, ensuring they stay dry.
Feeding Guidelines for Papillon
- Puppy feeding frequency: 3-4 times a day for puppies under 3 months.
- Transition gradually to specialized puppy food after weaning.
- Include a variety of meats, vegetables, and grains in the diet.
- Avoid excessive feeding of meat to prevent digestive issues.
- Provide glucose water after exercise.
Additional Care Tips
- Avoid overindulging and train for good behavior.
- Be cautious about their sensitive digestive system.
- Ensure they sleep comfortably without getting cold.
Note on Annual Molting
- Papillons naturally shed their coat once a year, usually between March and April.
- No need to trim the fluffy coat during this period.
In summary, Papillons are relatively easy to care for, and their well-groomed appearance contributes to their charm. Regular grooming, a balanced diet, and proper training contribute to a happy and healthy Papillon.
