Papillon
The Papillon is an elegant toy companion breed of French and Belgian origin, named for its butterfly-like ears. It is a highly active, intelligent, and cheerful dog ranked 8th among the smartest dog breeds by Stanley Coren. Despite its small size, the Papillon thrives on exercise, training, and close interaction with its family.
Weight
2–5 kg
Height at withers
20–28 cm
Life expectancy
14–16 years
Size
extra small
Activity
high
Shedding
low
Barking tendency
moderate
Apartment friendly
Well-suited for apartment living due to its compact size. Daily walks and mental enrichment are essential to prevent restlessness and excessive barking. Early training helps manage the breed's tendency to alert-bark at noises.
Care
Brush the coat a few times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Clean teeth regularly as the breed is prone to tartar build-up. Trim nails and check ears routinely. Provide daily walks and mental stimulation through training games and puzzle toys.
Health
Luxating patella, progressive retinal atrophy (Pap-PRA), open fontanelle, Von Willebrand's disease, dental disease
Coat
Long, silky, single-layer coat with no undercoat
Travel
Papillons travel well when properly socialized from puppyhood. Crate-train early so the dog is comfortable in a carrier. Their small size typically qualifies them for in-cabin air travel. Monitor for overheating in summer and provide a warm coat in cold weather. Bring familiar water and a portable bowl.
Carrier size
A carrier rated for dogs up to 6 kg (size S/XS) is suitable. Internal length approximately 45 cm, height approximately 30 cm.
Harness size
Size XS–S. A soft step-in or vest-style harness is recommended to distribute pressure evenly and protect the delicate trachea and neck.
Leash
A lightweight 1.2–1.8 m leash or a retractable lead for open areas. Avoid collar-only walking; use a harness to protect the neck.
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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