How Long Do Papillons Live?
Papillons live 14-16 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Papillon more good years.
Breed profile
Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.
At 5-10 pounds, the Papillon is a small breed. Small breeds age more slowly and are among the longest-lived dogs, which its 14-16 years average reflects.
Does a Papillon fit your life?
The Papillon is a tiny toy breed with an outsized brain, ranking among the easiest dogs to train and the most adaptable to new places. It's wonderful with kids and strangers alike, but it's a notably vocal breed and its featherweight size, as little as 5 pounds, calls for gentle handling. The biggest tradeoff is the barking, paired with the need to protect such a small dog during play.
A great match if you
- You'll find training remarkably easy, this breed rates at the very top for trainability.
- You'll get a dog that's wonderful with kids and welcomes strangers as friends.
- You'll appreciate a dog that adapts effortlessly to apartments, travel, or new routines.
- You'll enjoy an endlessly playful, clownish companion.
- You'll live with a deeply affectionate dog devoted to its people.
Think twice if
- You'll hear this dog loud and often, it's rated among the most vocal breeds.
- You'll want to supervise young kids closely given how small and delicate this breed is, some weigh as little as 5 pounds.
- You'll need to keep that sharp mind busy, boredom shows up fast in a dog this smart.
Health areas for the Papillon
Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Papillon are Joint and mobility and Dental and oral health (owners often watch for patellar luxation, dental).
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Papillon facts, quick answers
How long do Papillons live?
Papillons live 14-16 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.
How big do Papillons get?
A full-grown Papillon stands 8-11 inches and weighs 5-10 pounds, which puts it firmly in the small-breed range.
What kind of dog is a Papillon?
The Papillon is a toy breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 44 of 208. It is a small dog that typically lives around 14-16 years.
Are Papillons high-energy dogs?
Papillons are an energetic breed that stays happiest with a solid daily walk plus some play or training.
Are Papillons easy to train?
Papillons are very trainable and love having their brain worked, picking up commands quickly with positive, consistent training.
Do Papillons shed a lot?
They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.
Do Papillons bark a lot?
They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.
Are Papillons good with kids?
Papillons are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.
Do Papillons get along with other dogs?
Papillons are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.
Are Papillons friendly with strangers?
Papillons are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.
Are Papillons good for first-time owners?
Papillons are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.
