Papillon
Toy spaniel with butterfly ears, very intelligent, lively and playful. Size Very small, life expectancy 13–16 years, energy High. Expect CHF 1'400 – 2'600 to buy and CHF 70–120 / month upkeep.
See available Papillon
The profile at a glance
- Butterfly ears
- Very intelligent and lively
- Excellent at agility
- Can bark
- Fragile teeth / patella
- Light grooming
Temperament
Toy spaniel with butterfly ears, very intelligent, lively and playful.
Daily needs
Exercise and stimulation, light grooming, teeth.
Health & care
Patella, teeth. Very long-lived.
Ideal for
Families, agility, apartment.
Origin & history
The Papillon is the prick-eared variety of the Continental Toy Spaniel, a small companion dog with ancient origins in Europe. Its ancestors, small spaniels, appear in many court paintings from the Renaissance onward, where they accompanied ladies of the nobility. Its name comes from its wide-open, fringed ears, which evoke the spread wings of a butterfly. Elegant, with a silky coat, it is a lively and remarkably intelligent dog, often cited among the most trainable. Playful and attached to its owners, it makes an affectionate and alert companion.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Papillon?
Because its erect, wide-open and fringed ears evoke the spread wings of a butterfly. The drop-eared variety is called the Phalène.
Is it intelligent and easy to train?
Yes, the Continental Toy Spaniel is reputed to be very intelligent and lively, and often ranks among the small breeds most gifted for learning.
What is the difference from the Phalène?
It is the same breed: the Papillon has erect ears, the Phalène has drop ears. Both varieties can be born in the same litter.
Similar breeds
Maybe a Papillon
is waiting near you.
Verified listings, canton by canton. Take the time to meet before you commit.