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Toy · Belgium

Papillon

A walker's guide to the Papillon: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Toy, 3 to 5 kgActiveVery trainableFragile frameAlert barkerCold sensitive
Exercise a day45 min
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleLight, quick, attentive
With other dogsFriendly, easily hurt

Overview

The Papillon takes its name from the French for butterfly, after the fringed, upright ears that look like wings. It is a very old European toy spaniel, painted at the courts of France and Spain for centuries, and remains one of the lightest breeds on the books at three to five kilos.

Do not let the size fool you. Papillons are among the brightest of the toy breeds, with real stamina for their weight and an eagerness to work that makes them stars in agility and obedience. They are alert and will bark to tell you something has happened, but most are friendly and confident.

Exercise and walking needs

Forty-five minutes a day across two walks is comfortable for an adult, and many will happily take more. They enjoy trotting at a brisk human pace and are quick enough to play recall games and fetch with a small toy.

Cold and wet bother them more than most. The fine coat has no undercoat, so a jumper in winter and a towel afterwards are not fussy, just sensible.

Daily minimum45 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeYes, with care

On the walk

  • Recall: Often very good, because the breed loves to work with people. Build it anyway with treats, and remember a small dog is hard to spot in long grass.
  • Other dogs: Sociable and confident, which is the danger. A friendly bounce from a large dog can break a Papillon's leg. Choose company by size and manners.
  • Birds of prey: In open country a dog this small is a target for large birds. It is rare, but stay close in moorland and open fields.
  • Picking up: If you need to lift the dog, support the chest and the back legs. Never scoop it by the front legs or the collar.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Use a soft harness; a collar on a neck this small is a risk to the windpipe.
  2. Carry a towel and, in winter, a coat the owner has supplied.
  3. Teach a couple of tricks on walks; the dog enjoys it and it builds your bond fast.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Does the dog have a slipping kneecap or any other joint problem that limits jumping?
  • How does it behave around large dogs, and does the owner want it kept apart from them?
  • Is the dog comfortable being picked up by someone new?
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