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
Very vocal
Talkative
As needed
My pet’s health plannerSM
Mature adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Urinary bladder stones
Luxated patella
Intervertebral disc disease
Senior Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Collapsed trachea
Urinary bladder stones
Valvular heart disease
Papillon puppy
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Gastroenteritis
Foreign body ingestion †
Conjunctivitis †
Young adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Luxated patella
Urinary bladder stones
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Mature adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Urinary bladder stones
Luxated patella
Intervertebral disc disease
Senior Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Collapsed trachea
Urinary bladder stones
Valvular heart disease
Papillon puppy
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Gastroenteritis
Foreign body ingestion †
Conjunctivitis †
Young adult Papillon
Risk level for common Papillon conditions
Luxated patella
Urinary bladder stones
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Nationwide can help you save on your Papillon's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
Get your Papillon’s health information in a free report
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?
The Papillon has a silky coat of medium length.
Why do some Papillons lose their hair?
Shedding is normal for all dogs, including the Papillon. If the hair loss seems excessive, make an appointment with your dog's veterinarian to see what might be causing it.
Does my Papillon need to go to the groomer?
It's not necessary to take your Papillon for professional grooming, as long as you comb and brush weekly, trim or grind nails and bathe as needed.
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
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