Papillon Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Shedding and Lifespan
Papillon overview
The Papillon is a small, elegant Toy-type breed with a fine-boned build and a lively way of moving. Its most distinctive feature is a pair of large ears that look like the wings of a butterfly. The American Kennel Club places the breed in the Toy Group.
History of the Papillon
The breed may have started in Spain or Italy, though France and Belgium both claim it today.
How big is a Papillon? Papillon dog size
The American Kennel Club publishes a height of 8-11 inches and a weight of 5-10 pounds, and it files the breed under its smallest size category. The United Kennel Club's standard gives the same 8 to 11 inch height range and says weight should be in proportion to height. Despite what some sellers claim, there is no such thing as a Teacup or Miniature Papillon, and very tiny individuals tend to be more prone to injury and health problems.
Papillon dog temperament
The American Kennel Club describes the Papillon as alert, friendly and happy. The United Kennel Club's standard calls the breed intelligent and trainable, and says it should never be shy or aggressive. Some Papillons do tend to be shy, so exposing puppies to many people, pets and places helps build confidence. Because they are so small and fine-boned, they can be easily injured and might nip to defend themselves if overwhelmed, so adults should supervise play with children or larger dogs. Many Papillons get along well with cats.
Activity and enrichment
The American Kennel Club rates the breed's energy level 4 of 5 and its need for mental enrichment 5 of 5. Papillons have plenty of energy and intelligence, so training that stays interesting and active is a good outlet.
Do Papillon dogs shed?
The American Kennel Club rates shedding 3 of 5 and grooming frequency 2 of 5. The coat is long and silky but single, with no undercoat, so it doesn't mat as easily as many other long coats. Care involves brushing a few times a week with a natural bristle brush and a steel comb, plus nail clipping, tooth brushing and cleaning the ears.
Training a Papillon
Papillons are among the easier toy breeds to train, and the American Kennel Club rates trainability 5 of 5. Housetraining can be harder if the dog doesn't learn what is wanted, but a regular outing schedule, supervision and short rests in a crate tend to teach the rules quickly.
Papillon dog lifespan: how long do Papillons live?
The American Kennel Club gives a general life expectancy of 14-16 years. Like many small dogs, Papillons can suffer from luxating patellas and dental problems, and some may develop progressive retinal atrophy. The breed is also sensitive to anesthesia, so a veterinarian can advise on safer options if surgery or a dental procedure is ever needed.
Elderly Papillon dog and senior companions
The smallest Papillons often make good pets for seniors or people who can't get outside much, while larger ones make sturdier playmates for kids. The breed was developed over centuries as a companion, so Papillons tend to want to be with their people and travel well.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Papillon as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1915
- Height (AKC published)
- 8-11 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 5-10 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 14-16 years
- AKC size category
- XSmall
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 5 of 5
- Trainability: 5 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 5 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 5 of 5
- Playfulness: 5 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Papillon | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Papillon | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Papillon - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
