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Papillons are undeniably cute. They’re known for being great with kids and other pets, and their sweet, affectionate nature makes them wonderful household companions.
These fluffy little dogs are healthier than many other toy-breed dogs, making them a great choice for a small dog without the usual health concerns.
But they’re not perfect – no dog is. Before you get a Papillon, let’s take a closer look at the reasons to Love (and maybe not love) Papillons so you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Below are the top 10 pros and 10 cons of having a papillon dog to keep you informed before adopting these little canine lookers.
10 Pros of Having a Papillon Dog
1. Papillons are small
One of the top reasons people love Papillons is their pint size. They’re usually only 4 to 8 pounds, making them perfect for people living in small quarters.
They’re also super easy to take on trips since they’re so light and portable – no need to worry about making special arrangements when you have a Papillon in the car.
Papillons are also a great fit for folks who just aren’t up for handling a larger dog, like older adults. They’re much easier to manage and care for.
2. Papillons are gorgeously cute
I mean, come on, have you seen a Papillon? You will agree with us that papillons are one of the cutest small dog breeds you will ever find.
Those big, soulful eyes that practically glow with intelligence, their silky, flowing fur that comes in the most gorgeous colors, and those signature butterfly ears – they’re just too adorable.
Whether they’re prancing around with their fluffy tails held high or giving you the sweetest puppy-dog eyes, Papillons have a way of making everyone fall in love with them.
3. They have lots of energy
Papillons are small but packed with tons of energy. These little guys are always on the move and love nothing more than playing, running, and getting into all sorts of fun activities.
Whether the Papillon’s energy is a plus or minus depends on your lifestyle. These little canines are perfect for people who have an active lifestyle and enjoy spending time outdoors.
To keep them happy and healthy, Papillons need regular exercise and playtime, such as brisk walking, some playtime in the yard, or a good game of fetch.
4. Papillons are generally healthy
Papillons are pretty lucky when it comes to health. They’re known for being a robust breed that lives longer than other breeds.
With the right care, like a healthy diet and regular check-ups at the vet, your Papillon can easily reach 15 years or even older.
Thanks to good genes, these little furballs are less prone to many health problems that other breeds can have.
Of course, no dog is completely immune to issues, but overall, Papillons are generally healthy and don’t require a ton of medical attention.
They can sometimes have knee problems or dental issues, but responsible breeders are good about screening for those to keep the risk low.
5. They are lively and playful
Papillons are known for their fun-loving and playful personalities. They’re always up for a good time and love to play games and be silly.
This makes them fantastic companions, especially for families with kids or other pets. They thrive on being around people and enjoy activities that challenge their quick minds and agility.
If you want a furry friend who can liven things up and remind you how to enjoy the simple things in life, a Papillon is the way to go.
6. Papillons are smart & highly trainable
Papillons are super smart and always eager to make their owners happy, which makes them very easy to train.
They pick things up fast and love the mental challenge that training provides. Positive reinforcement, like treats and lots of praise, works wonders with these clever pups.
7. Papillons need moderate maintenance
Caring for a Papillon is somewhere in the middle when it comes to how much work it takes. Their gorgeous, silky fur does need regular brushing to keep it looking its best, but it’s not too demanding.
A few brushings a week is usually enough to prevent mats and tangles. You’ll also want to bathe them every so often and trim their nails when needed to keep them clean and tidy.
Even though they’re small, they still need a bit of exercise. A daily walk and some play times are good ideas to keep them from getting too energetic.
And like any other dog, your lovely pap will need regular checkups at the vet to make sure they’re healthy.
So, while Papillons do need some attention, it’s manageable and worth it for the love and companionship they bring to your life.
8. Papillons love to cuddle
Papillons are the best cuddle buddies you’ll ever find. They’re affectionate and love being close to their favorite humans.
Even though they’re playful and energetic, they also have this sweet, cuddly side and thrive on meaningful companionship.
Some might be a little more independent than others, but most Papillons have a cuddly side and love nothing more than a good snuggle session.
9. Papillons are relatively low-shedding
If you’re not a fan of dealing with loose dog hair everywhere, then a Papillon might be your perfect canine choice.
They have a single layer of fur, which means they don’t shed nearly as much as double-coated breeds. That means less time spent cleaning and grooming and less fur on your clothes and furniture.
Don’t get it wrong, paps still need regular brushing to keep their coats looking soft and shiny, but the overall maintenance is low compared to those heavy shedders.
This also makes them a good option if you have mild allergies, since there’s less loose fur and dander floating around your home.
10. They are highly alert
Papillons are tiny, but they’re incredibly alert and make surprisingly good watchdogs. They have sharp senses and amazing hearing, so they can pick up on the slightest sounds that seem out of place.
This natural alertness means they’re quick to bark and let you know if something’s not right in your home. But it’s not just about protection, their alertness also makes them highly responsive to training.
While it’s great to have a little watchdog, it’s important to teach them the difference between harmless things and actual threats, so they don’t bark at every little thing.
10 Cons of having a Papillon dog
1. Papillons tend to bark a lot
Papillons are known for being quite vocal. They’re naturally alert and have sharp hearing, so they tend to bark at anything new or unusual they notice.
This can be great if you want a little watchdog, but it can also be a bit of a challenge if you live in a quiet place like an apartment building.
Papillons are super quick to sound the alarm if anyone walks by, rings the doorbell, or if the mailman is standing by your door.
The good news is you can train your dog to stop barking. It can be a bit tricky to train a chatty dog to bark less, but if you need help, feel free to sign up for professional training sessions.
2. They are picky eaters
Papillons can be a little fussy when it comes to food. They might turn their noses up at certain foods, making it tricky to ensure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
To figure out what your Papillon likes, you might need to try different types of dog food, like wet, dry, or even homemade meals.
Avoid switching up their food all the time, as that can make them even pickier. Stick to a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for small dogs and have regular mealtimes.
Another way to deal with their finicky ways is to set a regular feeding schedule and try not to give in when they beg or try to snag food from your plate.
If you’re struggling, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet. They can rule out any underlying health issues that might be contributing to your dog’s eating habits.
3. Papillons can be timid
Papillons are full of energy and spunk, but they can also be a bit timid, especially if they weren’t exposed to a lot of different people, places, and animals when they were young.
It’s really important to socialize them early on so they can build up their confidence and overcome that natural shyness.
If they don’t get enough socialization, they might get scared or anxious in new situations, and that can lead to them acting out in fear.
If you notice your Papillon being overly shy, it’s important to help them out with some positive reinforcement training, gentle encouragement, and slowly introducing them to new experiences.
Making sure they have a safe and comfy space at home can also help them feel more confident and secure.
4. Papillons struggle when left alone
Papillons are super attached to their humans, so if you travel a lot for work or are gone for long hours, they might not be the best fit for you. They get really upset when left alone for too long.
If they don’t get enough time with their owner, they can get bored and unhappy, which can sometimes lead to them being destructive.
These little cuddly guys are very social and want to be around their favorite humans as much as possible.
Now, this attention-seeking behavior can be good if you’re looking for a cuddly companion. But if you’re not always up for constant snuggles, it might get a little overwhelming after a while.
5. They can have a stubborn streak
Papillons are smart, but they can be a bit stubborn sometimes. They can be a little headstrong and might test your limits during training or when you’re trying to get them to do something they don’t love.
This can be more obvious when they’re puppies or if they haven’t had consistent training from a young age.
Setting clear rules early can help reduce stubbornness. Papillons do best with gentle but firm guidance, so be consistent with enforcing the rules without being too harsh.
Keeping their minds active with different training activities and challenges can also help because it keeps them mentally stimulated and engaged, which can lessen those stubborn tendencies.
6. Papillons are fragile
Papillons are tough little dogs, but one of their biggest cons is that they’re still as delicate and fragile as any other toy breed.
Always be gentle with your pap because their delicate bone structure means they can get hurt more easily, especially around kids or bigger dogs who might play too rough.
Their long, feathery ears and tails are also pretty delicate and can get pulled or caught on things accidentally, so always be careful when handling them.
When it comes to exercise, it’s best to stick to activities that are less likely to cause any strain or injuries, like going for walks on a leash or playing in a fenced-in area where they’re safe.
7. Papillons can be territorial
While most Papillons are friendly and loving, some can be a bit territorial at times. They might get possessive over their items, and they could growl, snap, or bark to protect them.
It’s important to socialize and train them early on to prevent or deal with any territorial behavior.
Introducing them to different people and animals in a positive and controlled way can help them learn to share and get along with others.
Teaching them commands like ‘leave it’ and ‘drop it’ can also help diffuse any potential tense situations.
8. They need adequate grooming & exercise
Papillons are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming and exercise. But even though each task might not take much time, it can all add up to a decent chunk of your week.
They need regular brushing to keep their silky coats tangle-free, and they need those daily walks to burn off energy.
Plus, if they don’t get enough attention and mental stimulation, they can get bored and might start chewing on things they shouldn’t.
9. Papillons are less sporty
Papillons are energetic and love to play, but they’re not exactly canine marathon runners or tough agility champions.
They don’t have the stamina for super long runs or intense activities like some of the bigger, more athletic breeds do.
10. Papillons can be anxious
Papillons are very social creatures and get super attached to their families. Because of this, they can become anxious when left alone for too long, especially if they develop separation anxiety.
This anxiety can show up in different ways, like excessive barking, destructive behavior, pacing, or accidents in the house.
If you have a Papillon, you can try increasing the time they’re alone, with lots of toys and activities to keep them occupied, and even talking to a vet or animal behaviorist for professional advice.
Conclusion
Papillon dogs are precious, tiny, adorable, and full of love. But like any breed, there are both good and challenging aspects to having one as a pet.
They’ve got tons of energy, but they’re also quite fragile if you’re not careful with them. While they’re super affectionate, they can also be quite vocal barkers.
And even though they’re small and easy to carry, their energetic nature means they’re not the best fit for being purse dogs.
If you’re thinking about adopting a Papillon, it’s a good idea to weigh these 10 pros and 10 cons carefully to see if they’re the right dog to fit your lifestyle.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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