Papillon
Smart, athletic and playful
Papillons 101
Toy group"Papillon" means "butterfly" in French, and if you guessed their name comes from the breed's large, butterfly-like feathered ears, you're correct! While upright ears are more common, Papillons also come with drop ears – a type known as the "Phalene," French for "moth." Up or down, the breed's ears give an accurate impression of a dog who's alert and always listening. One of the most athletic of the toy breeds, the Papillon excels in sports such as canine agility. These are friendly dogs who love to learn and show off what they know.
What we love about Papillons
Compact companion with can-do attitude
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Very vocal. This breed is very vocal and barks frequently
Size
Size: 8 to 11 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- Very vocal
- Height
- 8 to 11 inches
- Lifespan
- 14 to 16 years
- Weight
- 5 to 10 lbs
The Papillon stands 8 to 11 inches tall and weighs 5 to 10 lbs. Papillons have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a very vocal bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Papillons get?
- Papillons stand 8 to 11 inches tall and typically weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.
- How long do Papillons live?
- The average lifespan of a Papillon is 14 to 16 years.
- Are Papillons good for first-time dog owners?
- Papillons are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Papillons bark a lot?
- Papillons are very vocal — they bark frequently and use their voice to communicate.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Papillon health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Mid-life Papillons should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones poses very high risk.
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Luxated patella
- Moderate Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Moderate Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Senior Papillons face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Urinary bladder stones and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Collapsed trachea
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Papillon puppy
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Papillon puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion †
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis †
- High Risk
Young adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
As Papillons grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella is at high risk.
- Luxated patella
- High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Above Average Risk
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Above Average Risk
Mature adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Mid-life Papillons should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Urinary bladder stones poses very high risk.
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Luxated patella
- Moderate Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Moderate Risk
Senior Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Senior Papillons face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Urinary bladder stones and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.
- Collapsed trachea
- Very High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Very High Risk
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
Papillon puppy
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Papillon puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis and Foreign body ingestion pose very high risk. Conjunctivitis is at high risk.
- Gastroenteritis
- Very High Risk
- Foreign body ingestion †
- Very High Risk
- Conjunctivitis †
- High Risk
Young adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
As Papillons grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella is at high risk.
- Luxated patella
- High Risk
- Urinary bladder stones
- Above Average Risk
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
- Above Average Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Papillon's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Very High Risk, Conjunctivitis: High Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
- Luxated patella: High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Above Average Risk, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: Above Average Risk
- Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
- Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Luxated patella: Moderate Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Moderate Risk
- Senior (10+ years)
- Collapsed trachea: Very High Risk, Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
The Papillon can be found in paintings by European masters, including Rembrandt and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Papillon coat care and colors
The Papillon's silky coat isn't that difficult to maintain. Weekly brushing and combing will clear any tangles. Acclimate to nail trims early in life to make life easier for you both.
What kind of coat does my Papillon have?
What kind of coat does my Papillon have?
Why do some Papillons lose their hair?
Why do some Papillons lose their hair?
Does my Papillon need to go to the groomer?
Does my Papillon need to go to the groomer?
Papillon exercise & training
Papillon fun facts
Top girl names for Papillons
of Papillons are female
of Papillons are male
Top boy names for Papillons
Nationwide loves Papillons of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Papillons insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Papillon statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Papillons
Best. Papillon insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free