Papillon Dog Standards & Characteristics

 

10 Fun Facts About the Papillon Dog - Your Dog Advisor

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/Phalene Mental Development :Birth to 12 Months

8-12 Weeks:
Your Papillon puppy will still want to sleep a lot. so, keep play time short, and bring him in his little crate, or quiet corner, where he can find sleep.
Do not follow your desire to show him off hour after hour, or let your children play with him, as he is like a new toy.
12-16 Weeks:
This is the time where your Babe gets imprinted the most. It is the time where you make or break a loving, positive relationship with him. The more fun things you do at this time, the closer he will be to you. A life-long friend!!
4-6 Months:

"Fear Time". this is the time where your Papillon show lots of anxieties. He will be reluctant to do things.
Do not push him too hard. Do not expose him to very loud bangs, or noises. Let him explore in a calm manner a new situation.
6.9 Months
"Terrible Teens". This is a good time for schooling, in a positive, loving way. Take him to obedience school. teach him something. It's the perfect time.
9-12 Months.
This is the time where even small Papillons may challenge you for leadership. In different ways.
Be calm, but positive with him. This is part of their natural development, but you have to show them, that you are the leader (boss).

Papillons + Dog, Parks

Papillons have strong sporting, or chasing instincts, from their Spaniel heritage.

They may chase anything that comes in sight, from birds, squirrels, mice, bees, and other flying insects.
Papillons also do not see the difference between them and other, much bigger, dogs, and as they are very quick moving, they may become prey for any bigger dog.
Papillons are not the kind of a dog to take off- leash while at the park.

Re-Homing older Papillons

Older Papillons do adopt fairly well into a new home and into a new lifestyle.

He often is well behaved, and learns quickly what the new owner ask from him.
But, pending where he came from, and gravity of his attachment to the previous home, he may live with you for many weeks without much play, and he appears to you as a very quiet sweet dog.
Ever so slowly he will let you get to know him, and he will start to run around more, or he will pick up a ball.
From my own experience and other Papillon owner's experience as I know them, it can take a good 6 months to fully have your new friend "lived in".
So, be patient. Give him time and love, he will come around.

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.

You Ask: Papillons Sports: Agility: how to evaluate a prospect.

• You Ask:  How to evaluate a Papillon Agility prospect.

Most Papillon  dogs come with lots of energy and high spirits; despite their tiny and dainty appearance.

They are also very smart and intelligent and have the ability to tune into you, figuring out very quickly what you want. They are very graceful, can turn very quickly, jump very high and far, and they can run in high speeds.

The AKC (American Kennel club) describes the Papillon as a "free, quick, easy, graceful, not paddle footed, or stiff in hip movements. They are happy, alert and friendly. Neither shy, nor aggressive."

This kind of  friendly temperament, along with the Papillon's eagerness to please, makes the dog an ideal candidate for Agility Sports.

The sport requires mainly to run through a course of obstacles (hurdles) and other objects, where he may have to weave around. He will get points for clearing them, etc. The owner runs alongside the Papillon, guiding him by giving only vocal commands.

But not all Papillons are suited for that kind of sports. (Just like people).

If you are seeking a puppy as a possible candidate for Agility, look at his parents again, and their activities.

Are the parents "fit",already engaged in this sport, or love to run, eager to please, team-players with the other Papillons at the breeders site?

Watch the puppy and his litter-mate(s), or interactions with other Papillons: is he following a small ball, is he inquisitive, loves to run, are his eyes following a rolling, or moving object?  Does he seem to be self-confident?

It takes a lot of training and conditioning for your Papillon- and you. So, do not think to enter your Papi into agility training to serve as a "weight-loss program".
Your Papillon have to be cleared by the vet from hip, knee, elbow, and general bone structure problems before entering this high impact sport.
Go for it, it's a wonderful thing to do, for you, and your Papi.
And if you keep an "under-exercised" Papillon, don't wonder if he is high- strung, destructive, barking all the time, and in general annoying.

Papillon Temperament

The temperament is a very important factor in your puppies selection.

Avoid breeders who emphasis on physical beauty alone, and not breed for personality/temperament.

All (Papillon) puppies should have a good temperament; regardless whether they will be of show quality or  pet quality.

Training Snacks for Papillons

If it comes to training your Papillon, for show, or any other activities, you need a good snack, and only tiny bits and pieces of it.
Try "String Cheese Sticks" (low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese).
Cut a small piece of it of and put it in your pocket. when you train, let him lick the cheese most of the time, while you keep a strong grip on it!! Then, every once in a while let him bite a small piece off, or pinch off a piece for him.
Those cheese sticks last in your fridge a long time, so you will always have some of it available for your training.

Papillons: Small Dog with a big Attitude

Papillons do not recognise their small size, nor their vulnerability; they think of no difference between them and a Golden Retriever, Shepherd, or other large breed. Some of them even will be quite bossy to them, bossy to any other dog.

But if you already have a larger dog at home and you are in the process of adding a little Papillon to your family, make sure to realize your big dogs temperament first:

Is he aggressive, does he like to chase things?

If he does, be aware, he may use your little dog as a prey animal, thus endangering your small dog.

Papillon Puppy Personality

All Papillon Puppies have different personalities.

It's best not to choose a puppy only by its adorable face and looks (they all look that way as a Pap puppy), a sound temperament is a very important part of your life-long friend.

Some of those personalities in those puppies will suit your lifestyle better than others.
A adventurous puppy:
 is usually very good in "wanting to please you" later. In many occasions a certain amount of "independence" goes along with that line, but that is because of his nature of being an adventurer.
This puppy likes to investigate.

A dog with this temperament will do good on the road to go to shows, as well as in a lively home with children and other critters.

A passive puppy: (different than "shy") will let his litter mates take his food away, and he will avoid tussling.
But he is not a cowered, or run of in fear.
This type puppy is great for a regulated home with less commotion, car travel,and  not airliners, crowded airports, or train stations .Dog shows may not be his favored thing either.  (But there are always exceptions!!)
But he will thrive on extra attention, lots of extra love.
To simplify these descriptions above:
A lively, independent puppy will do well in a home with older children and adults.

The quiet (shy) puppy will do well in a home with a quiet life style, minimal noise and other distractions,and adults only.
Beware: there are plenty of hyper and nervous Papillons out there, bred by breeders who should not be in that business. They are like mini Border Collies, and do not represent the true breed of a Papillon/Phalene anymore.

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.

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 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.

What makes Papillons a high maintence Pet?

Absolutely nothing.
 Papillons do not need to go to get clipped and groomed by a groomer.  Their hair-coat is easy to maintain by brushing  a couple of times per week, with emphasis under/ around  ears, and hocks (hind legs).
Papillons adopt easily to a variety of life styles, learn well, are trained easy, but , like most dogs, or other house pets, cherish a regulated household, with regular routines.

Leisure Life @ Road's End

Papillons and other Bigger Dogs.

Bigger Dogs can be a serious threat to Papillons.

Some of the bigger dogs are bred for hunting for instance, and see the Papillons as prey; a rabbit for example.

But also a sweet, laid back larger dog is not a good playmate for Papillons. It can take only their paw landing on their back, while interacting, to break, or injure the Papillons delicate spinal cord.

If you have a bigger dog at home, introduce your Papillon very carefully, with great observation, as far as dominance establishment, feeding time, favored resting spots, toys.

It is best not to leave your Papillon together with a bigger dog alone, when everyone is gone.

Papillon Temperament

The Papillon Dog is a friendly, small dog (Toy breed) with luxurious ears, which gave him his name: the French word for Butterfly.The Papillon is:
A athletic breed as much as a house dog. He loves to go on long walks or hikes, retrieve, or chase balls, popular for Agility  sport, Obedience and other disciplines.
HardyIntelligent (The Intelligence of Dogs, rates the Papillon eighth among all breeds).
AlertPlayfulEnergetic (Papillons are built for movement, and most do not need any encouragement to apply their energy to athletic activities.)
Family- People oriented. He will be your shadow.
Easy to train.
IntuitiveCharming .
Tunes in and is adoptable for a variety of life styles.

Brave and a wonderful watchdog ( regardless of his size). He thinks big, does not feel a difference between him and other big dogs.

To put it all together:The Papillon is a small dog, but …. Oho, ola la….  The Papillon is considered to be a "wash and wear" breed and requires minimal grooming. Papillons have a fine-haired, single length coat. The coat is shed twice a year. As puppies, Papillons have short length fur and as adults, the coat is longer and silky.

(Copied from Wikipedia)

Papillon Boy or Girl?

Male or Female:

What should it be:

Marking Territory:

Not only Males may mark their territory; both sexes, when left intact equally mark their territory .If you raise, train your puppy properly, and when neutered at the appropriate time, both sexes will forget about this and make wonderful companions. A male, even if neutered, may mark his territory, if you bring in a female ; he actually marks for her!!

Better Coat:

A male typically has a better coat, although it is the genes who determine the amount of coat your puppy will have. Both sexes can have equally nice coats.

Who is more affectionate?

Both sexes can be sweet and loving, It is common though that the little guy is more inclined to be in that "loving" category. Females tend to be more moody, even when spaid. A boy is most likely more focused on it's owner, wanting to please, where the girl is more "independent".

Loyalty:

Males tend to be more loyal, since they have the greater desire to please you. They may be a bit easier to teach and train ,and therefore, the better choice for a companion as well as a show or performance dog.