Appearance and Character of Papillions
There are a number of different options for those who are interested in buying a small dog. For those who would like a dog they won’t have to take to the groomers regularly, Papillions make good choice. These dogs are also known as butterfly dogs due to their butterfly shaped ears, which are usually pointing up but can also be drooping on some dogs.
The long silky hair of Papillions can be a mixture of white and any other color. Some of the colors that you might see include black, lemon, red, sable, brown, tan, fawn, and silver. The large butterfly ears of these dogs are always colored and not white, and although the head is usually mostly colored, it is preferred for them to have a white blaze and nose band rather than a solid colored head. Besides the ears, the tail of this breed is also somewhat distinctive. It is long and plumed carried curled over the dog, making it appear somewhat like a squirrel’s tail. This is why the dog is sometimes also called a Squirrel Dog.
These are small dogs, with weights ranging between seven and ten pounds and heights of between nine and eleven inches. Because of their small size they are a bit fragile; however, they are very active and athletic and can take long walks. You will want to allow Papillions to get an average amount of exercise to tire them out and keep them calm when they are indoors. They are also very trainable if you use consistent methods and don’t try to force them. Positive reinforcement works well since these dogs like to please their owners.
In temperament these dogs always want to be close to their owners, and can become possessive if the owner doesn’t train the dog well. However, they can also be very loving and and playful. Some of these dogs are also very calm; it all depends on the dog and the socialization and training that it receives, as well as how the owner treats it. Never allow Papillions to get away with doing whatever they want because then they will start to think that they are in charge and this tends to lead to behavioral problems.
