Papillon owners, please provide your feedback as to these little ones with regards to size, personality, temperament, etc.

My papillon, King Louie, is such a joy. He weighs just under 8lbs and is of the sable variety. He is the typical lap dog although sometimes to a fault. He tends to be a momma's boy and this creates difficulties sometimes. He follows me everywhere-the bathroom, the shower, doing the dishes, getting the mail. He is very well behaved and was pretty much a breeze to train. The only problem he has is with barking but that is only when someone knocks on the door or he sees someone he doesn't know. But once he approaches them-prepare to be licked to death! I could go on for days about him-he really was a wonderful addition to our family. If anyone has any questions feel free to ask me!

Erin

My Papillon's name is Royal. THere is a wide veriety of colors this breed can come in, and she is a black and white. She is a little 5lb girl. She is very out-going and always full of love and energy. She LOVES to cuddle and give kisses. She can be a pill about this though, when you stop petting her , she will paw at you until you continue giving her loves. She's got us wrapped around her little paws thats for sure! We got her from the breeder as an adult(Puppies of this breed are VERY small and we have a toddler, so we didnt want to risk her getting hurt) so I'm not sure on how the housebreaking was, but she is very reliable. We have a doggie door that her and our Cocker Spaniel use. She learned to use it the first day we had her. She loves to play fetch, go on car rides, and wrestle with our Kitten. There becoming best buds. She does bark everytime someone comes to the door, which I dont mind, but it gets annoying when you have a napping toddler that wakes up because of it. What I like best about the breed, is that its like getting a Golden Retriever in a small package. She is always so happy, loving, and outgoing, but I dont need much room for her, and she doesnt eat very much, and her poops are small! The everyday expenses are not very much. I was thrilled to learn that just a small tube of advantage for 15 bucks would last her 4 months! Not bad at all...
A papillon does need regular grooming. Some Paps have more fur, and ear fringe than others, and Royal has a good amount. I try and brush her every other day, or else her ear fringe will knott. I bathe her about once a week, sometimes more, depending on how messy she gets from playing outside. But she is so small, she just fits right into the kitchen sink, and it doesnt take very much shampoo at all to get her all lathered up.It makes bathing her a breeze. LOL, I must say, she looks like an oversized rodent of some sort when she is all wet. I always tease her when she is wet and ask "are you sure you're really a dog??" hehe.. she just looks at me with those big brown eyes like she is asking me " why do you always do this to me?"
I can go on and on about her.. Ill close this with just a few last pointers for anyone considering gettig a Papillon.
First, this is not a dog that should be left alone all hours of the day. (and are INSIDE dogs) It will break there spirits if they are left alone. I am a stay at home mom, so she is with me most of the time, and I often take her with me when I am out and about. I would advise that if you do work full time, to make sure your Papillon has another canine friend to spend the day with, so they can keep each other company.
Secondly, if you want a Papillon that is true to its standards, look for a reputable breeder. THere are a lot of websites online that will help you know what to look for. A good breeder breeds for QUALITY, NOT QUANITY. And it will show in their dogs. =)

Where did all the Papillon owners go? lol I never see you guys posting anymore. Come back!

Anyway, as for owning a Papillon... What a joy it really is! They are smart, loving, patient and adore learning. I agree with PuppyLuv8100 said, these dogs need companionship and would not do well with being alone for long periods of time.

I've heard many can be difficult to housebreak or are incessant barkers. While we're about 70% on the housebreaking (Colby's only 12 weeks old), I have never had a problem with barking. When he does bark we say "That's enough." after a few barks, and he's quiet.

He is however a "whiner". Does not like being alone what-so-ever!

They are a rather healthy breed of dog. As long as you find a reputable breeder. Not many health related problems.

Grooming is needed. Once a week would be minimal to keep the mats out and to prevent the delicate ear fringe from tangling. While I brush Colby daily, I would think 3-4 times a week would be average.

Bathing is simple and somewhat important. While they aren't a "stinky" dog, Colby seems to have a little smell. lol It also keeps their coat clean and helps to maintain a "mat-free" appearance. I bathe him once a week or more, but probably once a month would suffice. They are sort of wash-and-wear as long as you aren't grooming them for the show ring. After the bath, I use a handheld hair dryer to dry his coat properly. He adapted well to the noise and heat of the dryer!

The size of Papillons varies. They are usually somewhere between 8-11 inches tall, and 3-9 pounds. Although some can be smaller and some can be larger. Anything larger than 12 inches is disqualified in the showring, and anything over 11 is considered fault. Carrying too much weight puts quite a bit of stress on their tiny legs and joints.

Exercising is important, but luckily they can work off most of their energy in the home or apartment. They love the outside though! And have no problem keeping up with a few mile walk with their owners.

As for their eating habits, Papillons obviously don't eat much! A bag of food or can of food lasts a long time! Most breeders and owners recommend kibble or dry food to keep their teeth healthy and clean. They tend to suffer from teeth problems and it's not uncommon for Paps only several years old to start losing some of their adult teeth. They may need yearly dental work or care from the vet. Back to food though, I feed my Papillon wet food and some cooked chicken, eggs etc. He does very well on it and I give him toys and hard treats to keep his teeth nice.

Remember, because they are such a small dog people food should be fed carefully! A little dab of chocolate, or a bite of an onion can do some serious damage. Remind this to your visitors who may not know about the dangers in some people foods.

Since they are so small I would not recommend having very young children around them. They break! They have such delicate little bones and can be easily dropped by a small child. Or even stepped on, and that can happen by any adult. While we have a large Lab/Pit mix with our Papillon, I would not recommend it. You have to CONSTANTLY supervise their playing in case things get too rough. Speaking of large dogs, make sure you are completely aware of your Papillon at all times when around strange dogs. Paps are so friendly and approach most dogs, you never know when one of those dogs will take a bite out of your Pap. Imagine the horror when your dog becomes paralyzed or worse. I am so protective with my Papillon that the ONLY large dog allowed around him is his big sister, Annie.

Acquiring a Papillon seems difficult. And it is. And it should be! Do not purchase the Papillon in the Pet Store, no matter HOW cute and sweet and friendly he/she is. Buying the puppy will only make his/her parents suffer more so in a puppy mill as it continues the cycle. You also do not know the health of the dog, and the dog was probably taken from his Mom way too soon. Generally, you will NOT get a nice Papillon from the Pet Store.

To find a reputable breeder, the best place to go for Papillons is the PCA. (Papillon Club of America). Here's A LinkAlso going to local dog shows so you can see the dog in person and meet the breeders.

The cost of a Papillon ranges. Depending on the area and the quality of your dog it can go anywhere from $750-$2,000+. Definitely not a cheap dog. But I think it's worth EVERY penny! The reason they are so expensive is because the birthing is usually expensive! And the number of puppies in a litter is usually 1-4 on average. With 2-3 being the most common.

There is also a Papillon rescue, which is linked from the Papillon Club page I wrote above. These dogs are all ages and desperately need loving homes. So, you should check that out first!

Papillons are incredibly intelligent, like I stated before. They succeed in agility and even therapy or assitance work. They thrive on learning and love. (And the occasional food bribe.) They also do well as the companion pet and while they aren't always "lap dogs", many are. Paps are a family dog, and unlike some toy dogs, they love the whole family and not just one person. Though if you asked Colby, he'd tell you I was his favorite.

If anyone has any questions about acquiring a Pap or whatever, please contact me! I'd love to talk to other Pap owners also!

Take care everyone!

[This message was edited by Colleen on June 11, 2003 at 11:23 PM.]

i dunno where the other 2 papillon owners went either. maybe theyll read ur post ~n~ return 2 talk 'bout theirs some more. papillons sound very much like long-hair chihuahuas very similar in their personality ~n~ temperament.

its good that u wrote this

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Do not purchase the Papillon in the Pet Store, no matter HOW cute and sweet and friendly he/she is. Buying the puppy will only make his/her parents suffer more so in a puppy mill as it continues the cycle. You also do not know the health of the dog, and the dog was probably taken from his Mom way too soon. Generally, you will NOT get a nice Papillon from the Pet Store.

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Sitting by the computer waiting to see more Papillon photographs
It would be great to see more photographs of your Papillon. What a pretty breed.

1 member waits 4 the next member to post a pic first. u should all post pics of ur papi at the same time.

My Paps =)

How adorable

Oh, Kealey...I am in love!!! They are sooo adorable....

Proudly owned by Honey, Licky & Mee Mee

How adorable they are!!! What are their names?

Awww Kealey! What adorable paps!! How old are they?? 9 weeks? I can't wait to hear about them. I own a pap too. His name is Colby. He's going on 16 weeks.

Do you breed? Or own the 3? More power to you if you can keep up with those little guys! lol!



Colleen and Colby

Hi,

The top is Sadie, the next two are with their breeder (long story) So I only live with one at the moment. They are Tex and Maddie
In the two bottom pictures they are 10/11 weeks

They are beautiful!!!!

You have beautiful pups Kealey. The photo of the puppy sleeping is tender and sweet.

i just gotta have a papi someday. they are just 2 cute!

quote:

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Originally posted by Maggie:
i just gotta have a papi someday. they are just 2 cute!

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LOL Maggie... They ARE cute! Colby is going through his teenage years (okay months) and he's being a real brat. *GASP* lol But I love every inch of his bratty self.

WHERE'D THE PAP PEOPLE GO!!?

Comeeee backkkkk.

Okay enough begging from me!


Colleen and Colby (I'm not bratty! I'm just spoiled!)

awww what cute Puppies Kealey!! There just adorable!!

It is nice that you returned Puppyluv. I would love to see more photographs of Royal and of your Cocker Spaniel.

All these Papillons are so cute.

I think Papillons are sooo adorable and smart also (per what I saw on the Breed All About It on Animal Planet). I looked into getting a Pap b4 I got Bailey also, but in all my research I found they were 8-12lbs full grown on average. Also breeders in S. Cal are hard to come by and Paps can be around $1500-2000 if you do find one. However, I met one lady with a Pap from a Breeder ~9lbs, and a RESCUED Pap which is hard to come by, was only 5.5lbs! My cousin got a Pap and paid $750 I think, but they think he was not really purebred now as the dog doesn't have much hair (like a Pap) and is ~14lbs now at around 8months old. I'm gonna try to attach a Pip. His name is Majerle "Mar-lee" and lives in N. Carolin. I think Papillons are soo cute!
Vivian, Bailey and Chloe's mommy

Majerle2_copy.jpg (50 Kb, 49 downloads)