The Papillon is a small and delicate dog whose ancestors have been kept by royalty and other affluent families in Europe for at least half a millennium. The earliest toy spaniels that resemble the modern Papillon can be seen in Italian paintings, such as the Venus of Urbino painting created by Tiziano Vicelli (Titian) in 1542. In this article, you will find a lot of interesting Papillon dog information. Did you for instance know that Papillon means butterfly in French?
Papillon dog care
Regular brushing and combing is an important part of proper Papillon dog care, otherwise the coat will turn into a mess of mats and tangles. Occasional trimming is also recommended. Papillon dogs shed quite a lot and you must be prepared to vacuum clean a lot if you own a Papillon.
Another essential aspect of Papillon dog care is to protect your dog from injury. The Papillon loves to run around and is very agile, but it is also a very fragile dog. A Papillon that jumps from your arms down to the floor can actually break a bone. The Papillon must also be protect from humans – adults and children alike – that might accidentally sit on this small breed or trip over it. Keep in mind that Papillon dogs often hide themselves under pillows and blankets when napping.
Papillon dog puppy
The Papillon dog puppy is an adorable little fellow, but before you decide to bring one home you must remember that this is a living creature. Can you provide this dog with sufficient amounts of time and care during the next 13-16 years? You should also ask yourself if the Papillon is the perfect breed for you. Getting a Papillon dog puppy is an excellent choice if you want a small dog that is easy to carry and can live in a small apartment (if provided with regular walks of course). Getting a Papillon dog puppy is however a bad idea if you want a sturdy dog, since this is a fairly fragile breed. It is also a poor idea if you do not like dogs that shed a lot.
Papillon dog training
Papillon dog training should start at an early age. Just like any other toy breed, the Papillon can be somewhat difficult to housebreak. Early Papillon dog training should also focus on controlling when and why your dog barks, because the natural instinct for this breed is to bark at virtually every new sight and sound. Once you have gotten the hang of basic obedience Papillon dog training, there are a wide range of activities that you and your dog can explore. The Papillon dogs are for instance known to love agility since it gives them the opportunity to use their active, agile bodies as well as their clever minds.
Papillon dog breeding
According to the American Kennel Club, the aim of Papillon dog breeding is the creation of small, friendly and elegant dogs with butterfly-like ears. The ideal Papillon is light, dainty and lively. Papillon dog breeding should strive to create dogs that are from 8 to 11 inches tall at withers. Over 11 inches is considered a fault, and Papillons over 12 inches are disqualified from dog shows arranged by the American Kennel Club.
Papillon dog breeders
The Papillon dog is small, charming and extremely cute and this has unfortunately turned it into a prime candidate for puppy mills. At puppy mills, Papillon dog breeders strive to produce as many puppies as possible with no or little regard to the welfare of the breed, the bitches and the puppies. This increases the risk for hereditary disease and behavioural problems. When buying a Papillon, it is extremely important to stick to knowledgeable and reputable Papillon dog breeders that only use vet-checked dogs for breeding. Examples of hereditary health problems linked to this breed are Von Willebrand’s disease (a blood coagulation problem), luxating patella (dislocated kneecap), progressive retinal atrophy (eye problem), and mitral valve disease (heart defect).
Papillon dog price
The Papillon dog price varies a lot from breeder to breeder, and the important thing is to investigate what you actually get for your money. Is the Papillon dog price high because the parents of the puppy are vet-checked, well cared for and of high quality, or is the Papillon dog price high simply because the seller is the greedy owners of a puppy mill? Is the breeder a responsible one that only uses healthy parents of good ancestry, or is it a non-skilled breeder that uses its own pet dog without any regard to possible hereditary disease? Has the breeder paid to have the puppy vet-checked, vaccinated and de-wormed?