Papillon

A Papillon
Photo: Gvdmoort, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Toy Group
AKC RecognizedFamily-friendly
📏 Size
Extra Small
⚖️ Weight
2 - 5 kg
🌍 Origin
France
🐕 Shedding
Moderate
✂️ Grooming
Every few weeks
Energy Level
high
Exercise: 1–1.5 hrs a day
A guide for a healthy adult. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds in the heat need less.

Good to know

  • Butterfly ears: the name means "butterfly" in French, after the breed's large, fringed, upright ears.
  • Easy coat: despite the long, silky hair, they have no undercoat, so grooming is light, with a quick comb where mats tend to form.
  • Athletic and trainable: spaniel ancestry gives them a sporty side, and they are quick learners who often shine in agility and tricks.
  • Fearless little chasers: they will chase squirrels and even insects and don't always realize how small they are around big dogs.
  • Companions at heart: they bond closely with their people and may develop unwanted habits if left alone for long periods.

Getting out with a Papillon

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Explore more breeds in the Toy group

Browse Toy Breeds
BarkParkBarkPark.

The social layer for dog life. Find parks, track your dog's health, and celebrate your pack — all in one place.

© 2026 BarkPark, Inc. All rights reserved.