Papillon Overview
Origin: France/Belgium
Named for its butterfly-like ears ("papillon" is French for butterfly), this breed descends from the Continental Toy Spaniel found in paintings by Rubens and Titian. A favourite of Marie Antoinette.
The Papillon is a small, elegant toy spaniel named for its distinctive butterfly-shaped ears (‘papillon’ means butterfly in French). These delightful dogs are among the most intelligent toy breeds, displaying surprising problem-solving ability and trainability. They combine the refined elegance of a lap dog with the spirit and athleticism of a working spaniel. Papillons are affectionate, responsive, and eager to please, making them excellent family companions and exceptional dog sports competitors.
Despite their tiny size, Papillons are not fragile accessories; they are sturdy, athletic dogs with moderate exercise needs and strong, intelligent personalities. They are equally at home in apartments, family homes, or competing in agility competitions. Their silky coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but shedding is minimal. Papillons suit Australia’s climate well, thriving in warm conditions and requiring minimal climate adjustment.
These dogs are remarkable for their ability to excel in obedience and agility trials, often competing successfully against much larger breeds. They are suitable for first-time owners, seniors, and busy professionals—providing they receive adequate mental and physical stimulation. They form strong bonds with their families and are notably affectionate and responsive.
Papillon Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Papillon temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Intelligent, affectionate, and responsive, Papillons are delightful companions who thrive on mental engagement and human interaction. They are eager to please and love learning new commands and tricks. These dogs are alert and curious but not aggressive or suspicious. They are playful and energetic but also comfortable being lap dogs when appropriate. Papillons form strong bonds with their families and enjoy varied activities.
With kids: Excellent; patient and playful with children; suitable for families.
With pets: Good with other animals when socialised early; non-aggressive and tolerant.
Key traits
Intelligent, affectionate, responsive, energetic, eager to please
Barking
Low to moderate; alert bark but not excessive vocalisers; responsive to training.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Papillon scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Papillon Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Ideal; small, quiet, moderate exercise needs
✅
House with yard
Excellent; small yard more than sufficient
✅
First-time owner
Perfect; intelligent, trainable, responsive
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; ideal for rental properties
✅
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Good; light coat and small size suit hot climates
✅
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Suitable; coat provides adequate insulation
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Ideal; low exercise, affectionate, companionable
✅
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Good; low separation anxiety; comfortable alone
✅
Rural/acreage
Suitable but not necessary; equally content in various settings
✅
Active lifestyle
Very suitable; excel in dog sports and active pursuits
Separation Anxiety: Low to Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Papillon Size & Appearance
Size
Toy
Weight M
3–4 kg
Weight F
2.5–3.5 kg
Height
20–28 cm
Coat
Long, silky, feathered
Colours
White with red, sable, black markings
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Papillon Health & Lifespan
15 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Knee joint dislocation causing lameness
Est. treatment: $1000–$2000
Degenerative eye disease
Est. treatment: $800–$1500
High prevalence in toy breeds
Est. treatment: $300–$1000
Seizure disorder in some lines
Est. treatment: $500–$1500/year
Low thyroid hormone
Est. treatment: $150–$400/year
Recommended Health Tests:
Patella evaluation, PRA DNA test, ophthalmologist evaluation
Pet Insurance for Papillon
Avg Annual Insurance: $600
Monthly Estimate: $25–$40/month; readily available; no breed restrictions.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Papillon
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Papillon Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,100 |
| Vet |
$450 |
| Grooming |
$300 |
| Insurance |
$600 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,820 |
| Monthly |
$85 |
| LIFETIME (15 yrs) |
$27,300 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$27,300
Estimated lifetime cost (15 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Papillon Grooming Guide
Frequency
2–3 times weekly brushing, monthly bath
Brushing
Slicker brush, metal comb
Professional Cost
$50–$70
Coat
Long, silky, feathered
Shedding
★★★☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Papillon Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
40 minutes
Type
Walks, fetch, play, dog sports, agility
Energy
★★★★☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Low to Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Papillon
Trainability: ★★★★★/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★★/5
Exceptionally intelligent; ranked among the smartest toy breeds. Respond enthusiastically to training and thrive on mental stimulation. Excel in obedience, agility, and dog sports. Require consistent, positive reinforcement. Love learning and working with their owners.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Papillon Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,100
0.25–0.5 cup quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Prone to dental disease; regular brushing essential. Maintain stable feeding schedule to prevent hypoglycaemia.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Papillon Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Papillon in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Papillon Rescue Australia (limited activity)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Papillon — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Papillons good apartment dogs?
Yes, excellent. Small size, moderate exercise, and quiet nature make them ideal apartment companions.
How much grooming do Papillons need?
2–3 times weekly brushing to prevent matting; monthly baths. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($50–$70).
Can Papillons be left alone during work hours?
Yes, generally better than many small breeds. Low separation anxiety; comfortable alone 8+ hours with proper setup.
What's the annual cost to own a Papillon in Australia?
Approximately $1300–$1900/year including food ($50–$80/month), grooming ($50–$70/visit, 6 visits/year), insurance ($25–$40/month), and veterinary care.
How much exercise do they need?
40–60 minutes daily including walks, play, and mental stimulation. Highly intelligent; thrive on varied activities.
Do Papillons get along with other pets?
Yes, generally excellent with other animals when socialised early; non-aggressive and friendly.
How long do Papillons live?
13–16 years, often reaching 15+ years with good care; among the longest-lived toy breeds.
Are they good for first-time owners?
Yes, excellent. Intelligent, trainable, and responsive; perfect for owners willing to invest in training and enrichment.
What health issues should I watch for?
Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease, and epilepsy. Buy from health-tested parents; regular dental care essential.
Are Papillons suitable for dog sports?
Excellent for agility, obedience, flyball, and dock diving. Among the top performers in agility trials nationwide.
