The Papillon, which means “butterfly” in French, is a dog breed known for its large, luxurious ears that resemble the wings of a butterfly. This breed has deep roots dating back over 500 years and depicted in numerous European paintings, especially during the Renaissance.
Papillons have always been valued for their intelligence, elegance and lively temperament. They were the chosen ones of European monarchs and aristocracy, including Queen Marie Antoinette. The modern Papillon continues to delight with its magical manners and is an ideal family friend.
Appearance and features
The Papillon is a small, graceful breed of dog with a lively appearance. They usually weigh between 3 and 5 kg and have a height at the withers of 20 to 28 cm. The main feature of this breed is their large ears, which can be raised or lowered, resembling the wings of a butterfly.
The Papillon’s coat is long and thick. The color is usually white with different spots, the most common option is white and red or tricolor (white, black and red). The Papillon’s muzzle is usually decorated with a “mask” of a contrasting color.
Their eyes are lively, bright, large, dark, diamond-shaped, which gives them a special expression. The Papillon’s tail is always above its back, giving it an elegant appearance.
Temperament and character
Papillons are known for their lively and playful nature. They are friendly, open to people and often show an independent character. Thanks to their intelligence and observation skills, Papillons are good learners and often turn out to be the best participants in various dog competitions, especially in agility.
Although they can be a little wary of strangers, they usually quickly become friendly once they realize there is no threat. Papillons are good with children, but because of their small size, they are better suited to families with older children who understand how to handle small dogs.
Papillons generally communicate well with other animals, especially if they are used to them from youth. However, it is important to remember that, like most small breeds, Papillons can be quite courageous and stubborn when it comes to defending their territory or homeland.
Care and special needs
Papillon haircut:
To maintain a neat appearance, some owners opt for a light cut around the belly and ears. This not only provides comfort for the dog, but also makes grooming easier. Thorough brushing twice a week will help your pet get rid of dead hair, strengthen the hair and stimulate blood circulation in the skin.
Bathing:
Papillons tend to have dry skin, so use moisturizing shampoos. After bathing, we recommend using special masks or balms for long-haired breeds to help maintain the silkiness of the coat.
Teeth, eyes, ears and claws:
In addition to daily brushing, it is recommended to use dental gum or specially structured food to keep teeth clean. Regular visits to your veterinary dentist are also important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Papillons have sensitive skin around the eyes – use special products to remove tear stains. Ear cleaning should include not only removing dirt, but also checking for mites, fungi and infections. Nail trimming is important not only for your Papillon’s comfort, but also to prevent injury. Too long nails can distort the natural posture of the paws.
Health:
Papillons are susceptible to several conditions such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Regular medical examinations will help identify problems in the early stages.
Visit our beauty salon:
Pet beauty salon V.O.G DOG offers comprehensive papillon care services. From teeth brushing to deep coat cleaning, the skin treatment is carefully designed to meet the needs of the most demanding breed. Our team of specialists takes full responsibility for caring for your pet, ensuring safety and comfort at every stage of service in the city of Kyiv.
Recommendations from the V.O.G DOG salon masters:
- Regular massage and brushing not only promote relaxation, but also improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for the skin and coat.
- After bathing, it is recommended to use moisturizing sprays or lotions, especially in winter when the skin can become very dry.
- Due to their large ears, Papillons are prone to dirt accumulation. We recommend using specialized ear cleaning products.
The price of procedures and the cost of complexes will pleasantly surprise you.