Papillon Hair Colors

Re-posted this from Nov 2009!!

Always parti-color or white with patches of any color(s). On the head, color(s) other than white
must cover both ears, back and front, and extend without interruption from the ears over both eyes. A clearly defined white blaze and noseband are preferred to a solidly marked head. Symmetry of facial markings is desirable. The size, shape, placement, and presence or absence of patches of color on the body are without importance. Among the colors there is no preference, provided nose, eye rims and lips are well pigmented black.

Choosing a Puppy to match your Lifestyle, the right Puppy for you.

Each litter of puppies has a selection of different personalities. As puppies are starting to explore their environment, at the age of 2-3 weeks, they are starting to show their personalities. At 8 weeks their personalities show up quite strongly, and they seem to represent the miniature version of their adult life.One can determine the type of personalities they have. The personalities and their expressions can run an entire spectrum of types.
Here are the common types one can find in an average litter of puppies.

• Type1: The Leader of the pack.

This little guy is the dominant one. He always will be the first in everything. If he does not get there first, he will elbow, bully his way to the destined spot. His self-confidence is abundant.
The leader type puppy needs a leader type owner!! This dogs is great for an active family, as well as for agility, other dog sports and for performance activities.

• Type 2: The Adventurer .

The adventurer is not intimidated by the leader, he learns quickly to put up with him, and he will quietly go alone to explore, and investigate this world of his.
This little guy is much more interested in pleasing you, therefore he is easy to train. He could be a little "independent" to some degree, he may want to be near you, but not necessarily on your lap. He could share his love with the entire family, and not single you out. He would be a good candidate for the show ring, either with you, or with a handler.

• Type 3: The Passive puppy.

The passive puppy is not to be mixed up with a shy puppy. He does not cower, he observes, and waits, by letting his litter mates getting first to the food source, and everything else. He avoids confrontations.
This pup will be a great home- dog, with less activities, not constant air, and car travel, loads of strangers coming to the house, or been shown off to multiple friends. He is a home-body, and will thrive with a lot of attention, love and support. Best suited for retired, or stay-home families.

• Type 4: The Shy puppy.

A shy puppy can be born in a litter, where all mates have delightful personality types.
Shy puppies show their temperament right from the beginning, when they open up their eyes, and when they are starting to crawl around their whelping box. They get the same treatment like the others, and they experience the same things.
The shy puppy has unfounded fears. They fear everything: litter mates that play too rough, loud noises, people.

This pup is best suited for a mature person, who understands the differences in these personalities, and knows how to deal with them. Under the proper circumstances, he may grow up to be a quiet, happy, laid -back, and devoted dog.

• Type 5: The Suspicious  (highly aggressive)Puppy:

This pup is to be of concern to you. If this puppy is socialized , along with his mates, but still shows an aggressive behavior, it could lead to dangerous behavior to the entire family, other pets and people.

*Type 4 & 5  puppies do rarely show up in puppy litters. Every once in a while you may see a shy puppy, but type 5, the aggressive pup is a absolute rarity.  Most likely you find a older, rescued dog, or a mistreated dog to be an aggressive, or suspicious dog.
*Do keep in mind, that each puppy brings his own little agenda, and has a unique personality trait. He may bring more than one of the above type personalities in this world.
 After he has received his first set of shots, he should be given the opportunity to be introduced to as many smells, sounds, people, places, strange sights, as possible.

Papillon Hair Growth

Papillons will start to grow their adult hair coat at about 7-8 months of age.

At about 15 months they will make another slight change to get their final look.

It takes quite some time to grow all their beautiful hair coat, especially those ear fringes.So, be patient and don't assume your dog is not getting that nice desired long coat!

The length of the Papillons hair is developed mostly depending on his genes, but  also on his food, health,  environment, grooming.

If you live in a warm climate, your Papillon will have a little less of a hair coat, than if you live in a cold climate.

Look at his pedigree to evaluate the length of hair coat his parents, grandparents have.

Genes do not "blend" or mingle.  If mom is short coated, dad is long coated, then  your puppy may get the short coat from mom. (or long coat from dad).

Papillons, Phalenes: Is this Breed for You?

Is this Breed for you?

A Papillon or Phalene, since they are the same breed , needs a lot of attention and affection.

It is recommended not to get this breed, if you already know, that you do not have enough time for him.

To say it in other words, you might want to look into another breed, if you have a full time job, and are gone most of the day.

Unless you find him a compatible playmate (perhaps 2 Papis, or a Phalene and a Papillon).

But if you leave him all day by himself, alone, the outcome will not be good. This little dog will not thrive in loneliness. He may withdraw, and even remain shy around his owner,  in his entire life time.

You Ask: Fearful Papillon Puppy

The fearful, or shy Papillon puppy can be born in a litter, where all other litter mates may have wonderful, outgoing temperaments.He can be noticed right away in early development stage. He will react in fear in just about everything:  rough playing litter mates, barks, loud noises, strange people,- you name it.
The puppy had the same experience, and treatment like all the others, but most likely the shyness will remain for the rest of his life.

So, rather overcoming the impossible, mold your life a little around his temperament.
A shy Papillon puppy does best in a quiet home with mature people, no children, and a regulated schedule.
If you picked up such a puppy from somewhere, have the house full of kids, constantly folks running in and out of the house, taking trips..... find a stable life-style for him somewhere else, where one is mostly home, has little guests and lives a quiet life. And get yourself a new puppy, from a reputable breeder, and look at the parents of the Papillon puppy.

If you do not deal with the shy and fearful puppy, he may  become a "fear-biter", but
under the proper circumstances a shy Papi turns out to be a devoted, sweet little guy.

Papillon Breed Standard

The AKC Breed Standard for Papillons calls for a heights between 8 -11 inches.

http://www.roadsendpapillons.com/BreedStandard.html

That is in this little breed quite a difference.

Her is a sample of Quarter Man, my biggest Papillon @ 10+1/2 inches, (29 cm) (the red/white Papi),

and the second of my smallest Papillons, the 8 Months old Stenley @ 9+1/2 inches,(24 cm) (.(black/white) At 8 Months, Stenley is full grown.

Those highly valued Ear Fringes

Ear Fringes are another story:

It is 90% genetics in how long those ear fringes will get. The other 10 %  consists of:

• Red & white Papillons have a tendency to grow lesser fringe than dark colored Papillons.
• If your Papi gets to play a lot with other dogs, he may gets his fringes pulled out by them.
• Improper combing.

Matti (left) @ 3 years is still growing fringes.

Tiger Man (right) is also 3 years and still growing fringes, but he gets chewed up a little by those other guys, and I have to watch it.

Quarter Man @ 3 years, I hope, but I don't think, that he will get a little more fringe.

Vroni, @ 2 years may still grow a little more fringe.

Mickey's fringes took a long time, and may still grow. He is now 3.75 years old.

It can take a long time, up to 3-5 years to grow fringes, and it can take quite some time before they even start to grow fringes. Once pulled out, they may not come back!!

Look at your puppy's parents, and beyond. Do they have fringes? Does only one of them has fringes? The chances  diminish dramatically with the amount of parents/grandparents not having fringes. 

Praline is now 3 years old; this might be it!!

@ 15 months, these fringes on Brolle are not full grown yet.

Nanu @ 3.5 years is still growing fringes. Her hair is very fine, and I have to brush those fringes often, to avoid tangled mats behind those ears and matted fringes . A spritz of water mixed with a tiny bit of conditioner applied right before brushing fringes and overall body works well .

The Adaptable Papillon

The Papillon can adapt very well  to a apartment living, or general to close indoor conditions. Provided a 30 minute brisk walk out side in a park, and/or a good play with a ball tossed  through a couple of your rooms, hallway, etc, your Papi will maintain a healthy physical condition.

All in all, the Papillon does love the outdoors, and when the opportunity given, he may chase all kinds of critters, like squirrels, birds, bunnies......don't forget, they are a Spaniel Breed, and Spaniels are hunting dogs.

The Papillon

The Papillon /pæpijɑn/ (French for "butterfly") is a small, friendly, elegant breed of dog of the Spaniel type, distinguished from other breeds by its large butterfly-like ears.[1] The Papillon is one of the oldest of the toy Spaniels.

Papillon from 1915

Papillons were bred for companionship, and make excellent watch dogs.


(reprinted from Wikipedia)

 

Tha Agile Papillon

Papillons are very agile little creatures. Their jumping abilities can put them at risk. They have little fear and may jump from relative great heights.
The back of a couch is a favored thing to do. You may want to consider to rearrange your furniture, where your couch sits along a wall.
They can also easily wiggle them self out of young children's arms and hands,while standing. From that heights, a Papillon can break a leg or more easily.
Especially Papillon puppies are most fragile, and you should be very selective, who is going to handle your Papillon.
Make everybody sit on the floor, while handling your dog.

The Matter of Ears:

Papillons with a "soft ear", or "broken ear" may be sometimes shown as a "Phalene".

The too soft tissue on a Papillons is a serious fault in the breed, and it should not be confused with a true Phalene, the drop ear variety of a Papillon.
The photos show a true Papillon (Walzing Mathilda vom Cavalierchen, owned by Road's End),  and a true Phalene(Pixidust Independence Day-owned by Angie Hindeman)

The Papillon's Personality & Temperament

• 
  
  The Papillon is a extroverted dog, outgoing and people oriented.
• The Papillon is like a little guy in a tuxedo: he carries himself with a great amount of confidence.
• He is gifted with a keen intelligence combined with a great desire to please.
• He can figure out all kinds of problems, and how to solve them; and also be one step ahead and out-think you as a master, if you don't pay attention.
• 
  
  The Papillon wants, and needs to learn the basic house rules, and beyond. But beware: rewards only, no punishment. He is a sensitive little sole, and you can easily ruin your relationship with him.
• He can also read your feelings and moods very well.
• You are obligated to have a positive attitude when you train him.
• He is outgoing and friendly, enjoys other house pets, especially if raised with him before you got him.
• He is happiest with human companionship at all time, and expects to become a member of the family.
• He loves to travel, no matter what distance.
• 
  
  

  You will never go to the bathroom alone anymore, and when he hears your car keys jingling, he is full of excitement, ready to go.
• He will smell your shoes, or clothes, and he will be able to tell you, what you are going to do next, and act accordingly.
• The papillon is a lap dog. He loves to sit on, or next to a welcoming lap. He loves to cuddle, or be very close by.

Papillon Growth Stages

4.5 Months6 Months8 Months1 Year1.5 Years2.5 Years

When does a Papillon, Phalene reach adult size? Papillon - Phalene- Physical Development

• 12-16 weeks:

Your  puppies motor skills and senses are well developed at this age. He is full of energy and mischief, but to relieve you, he needs still a lot of naps within between. His bladder control is also improving.

Make sure to check his bite often. His adult teeth  are coming in, the puppy teeth may not always fall out, and they should.

Best: have your vet check it out.

• 4-6 Months:

This is the major growth period of your Papillon. He will have lost all his puppy hair, he will look somewhat out of proportions, he is clumsy, with a short attention span...you will worry if this is the right dog you bought.

Be patient, it will be all over soon, and your puppy will grow up to be a wonderful little guy, with a lots of beauty!!

• 
  
  6-12 Months:

Consider him as a teenager!

His hormones are kicking in, he will still grow a little, and he wants to be very active.

It is very important to exercise him at this age. It is the period of final development.

• 9-12 Months:

He is full grown now, but still may act a lot like a puppy. His hormones are at peak, males will lift their legs urinating by now, if not castrated.

Papillon Characteristics

The Papillon is a problem solving dog.

• Loves to learn- and enjoy a challenge.
• Has been competing in obedience trials nearly 50 years in the US.
• Makes a good Service Dog (helps wheel chair users by picking up a variety of things of the floor, by pulling the laundry out of the dryer, bring the phone, opening and closing cabinets, doors….)
• May leap up to 4 feet straight from the ground into the air (be aware how tall your yard fence is!)
• May reflect a laid-back personality, a few minute chase of a toy in your living room is sufficient, then will cuddle with you for a long period.Or!
•  Is more likely a miniature Border Collie, demanding a couple of hours of interactive play every day.
• Small Dog; can thrive in a small place.. (15 minutes of a living room fetch can be a real good aerobic workout for him.
•  (Excellent condo, or apartment dog)

• Thrive in country living, loves to romp out side, do farm chores.
• A sensitive soul. Consider that this breed had a thousand years of a developing relationship to humans; they have been bred to be companion dogs.
• Maybe is a high- strung dog, or a shy dog. (If shy: ask if you can provide him with a more quiet, calm, structured household to thrive and be happy in.Keep these two tendencies in mind, when you make your selection.
• May  cuddle, may  not. (Many Papis love to sit on your lap to cuddle, but there are more out there who would prefer to lie nearby you napping peacefully, or look at you in adoration)

Whether you have one Papillon or a whole flock of Butterfly dogs; it will change your life. These intelligent, thinking active little dogs are so unique and a source of constant joy.

The Size of the Adult Papillon.

Most people, interested to purchase a Papillon , want to know the approximate size as an adult of their potential prospect. Many people vision this in pounds, not realizing, that it is best to strive to obtain a Papillon bred within the breed standards. The standard goes by heights on the shoulders, not by weight measurement.There is a good bit of a difference in a 8 inch Papillon and a 11 inch one; but the 11 inch is perhaps an under eater, with small bones, and therefore weighs only little. The 8 inch Papillon may be bigger boned, eats very well and therefore weighs more. A too fine boned and a frail, low weight Papillon is susceptible to all kinds of problem: including Hyperglycemia, (low Blood Sugar), bone fractures.The standard of the American Papillon is between 8 and 11 inches; other nations, like Europe, do breed a somewhat larger Papillon, but only slightly, and not all imported Papillons from Europe fall in that category of being large.

See AKC Breed Standard.

Papillon puppies will reach their adult heights around 6-8 months, but they do not reach full maturity till about 2-2.5 years, that includes their full developed ,potential prized ear fringes.

A fully matured coat makes the Papillons look often larger than they are, and if they are of show quality, then even more so. All that fluffy hair, big ears plus abundant fringes hides the fact, that Papillons are tiny dogs with a big attitude!!

The Papillons average heights here at Road's End is about 9-10 inches and weighs between 5-7.5 LBS, but occasionally there are some a little smaller or taller, or weigh differently; but none of them in our breeding program fall outside of the AKC standards.