Papillons are otherwise called the Continental Toy Spaniel. They are one of the oldest toy spaniels. The Papillon dog breed is a descendant of the toy spaniels.
Papillons are very active, agile, and obedient. The listed characteristics accord the breed a bright personality.
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So, are Papillons hypoallergenic?
Anyone considering keeping a Papillon may like to know how safe it is. Also, you may have some misgivings if a member of the family is allergic to dogs. Papillons, like most dogs, are not hypoallergenic. However, some things trigger many of the allergies. The allergens include urine, pet hair, and saliva. These allergens tend to irritate people who have overly sensitive immune systems.
History
We traced the Papillon’s history to some ancient artworks. Some old toy spaniels resembling the Papillon emerged in Italy.
Vicelli made some paintings of this dog breed. He produced one of such pictures, ‘Venus of Urbino,’ in 1542.
Other famous painters also featured the toy spaniels. These painters include Mignard, Watteau, and Fragonard.
Also, Papillons featured in paintings of some royal families in Europe. The dog breed was as well common in Belgium and France.
Famous artists like Mignard involved dog breeds with drooping ears. These breeds had the characteristic feature of today’s Phalene.
In ancient times, the Titan Spaniels had red and white colors. However, Papillon breeds have different colorations.
Papillons originated through cross-breeding. The act of crossing pre-existing toy breeds with spaniels birthed Papillons. The breed’s earliest forbears earned the name, ‘dwarf spaniels.’
These canines were initially known to accompany women of high ranks. For years, they remain favorites in Europe’s royal courts. They mostly lounge on their owners’ laps.
Papillons are an excellent keep for novices as pets. Also, they have a high level of sensitivity.
These canines are tolerant of both cold and hot weather conditions. Furthermore, they quickly adapt to apartment living. Papillons can enjoy being alone too.
Papillons are friendly to children, strangers, and other dogs. They are also easy to groom. Generally, they enjoy excellent health conditions. They are not readily susceptible to ailments.
The Papillon dog breed is quite easy to train. They possess a high level of intelligence. Also, they do not have much tendency to bark or howl. Another characteristic of these canines is that they hardly wander off.
Origin
‘Pappilon’ originates from the French. In French, the name means ‘butterfly.’ Papillons; ears, which stand upright. Its ears are similar in shape to a butterfly’s wings when spread.
One of the breeds of Papillon is named ‘Phalene,’ which means ‘moth.’ The moth is a bit related in characteristics to the butterfly.
The moth, unlike the butterfly, folds its wings when at rest. However, the Papillon is more renowned than the Phalene.
Are Papillons Hypoallergenic?
All dog breeds shed some of their hair at some point. Hypoallergenic breeds do as well.
However, there is presently no fully hypoallergenic dog in existence. Dogs usually have dandered and shed hair.
A hypoallergenic animal will not trigger allergies around owners. This feature helps owners to maintain pets easily.
Hypoallergenic breeds are prone to shedding hair when poorly groomed. It could happen due to inadequate dietary intake too.
Papillons also shed more hair based on seasonal changes. They drop more hair during summer to keep their bodies fresh.
During autumn, they as well shed their fur to allow them to grow new hair. The thicker coat helps in keeping them warm. So, the shedding of hair helps to regulate their body temperature.
Papillons shed hair, so they are not hypoallergenic. They may as well leave some danders. The danders may irritate allergies in people. On the whole, Paps are excellent companions and have lesser allergies.
How To Control Papillon Allergens
Individuals with over-sensitive immune systems may be wary around Papillons. Also, it might be challenging to control existing allergies around Paps. It is a severe concern for non-hypoallergenic people.
Below are some guidelines on ensuring safety around Papillons.
The first thing to note is adequate grooming. Regular grooming of Papillons will significantly reduce the risks of allergies.
Also, routine brushing of the Papillon’s coat is highly effective. Brushing a Papillon’s coat releases natural oil to other parts of its body.
The oils moisturize its body. The act also prevents your Pap’s skin from becoming dry. Dry skin increases dander formation.
Use a suitable quality brush to groom your dog. Slicker brushes are great for use. The brushes have soft bristles that give your dog a ticklish feeling.
You also need to desist from feeding your dog cheap food. Proper nutrition prevents allergens.
Besides all these, wash your hands after spending time with your dog. Also, never allow your dog on your bed or couch.
You will as well need to vacuum your home regularly. Also, do away with carpets. Carpets are difficult to clean. Besides, danders easily stick to carpets.
Furthermore, ensure that your dog pees in a specified area. Besides, train your Papillon to keep its tongue to itself.
Appearance
A Papillon is a tiny canine. It measures between 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder. Also, they have a structure of delicate bones.
Although Papillons are quite small, you can easily spot them from afar. It’s all thanks to their large, butterfly-wing-shaped ears. However, some have raised ears. Phalenes are those with droopy ears.
Papillons appear elegant and dainty. They come with a plumed tail and long silky fur. Their coat’s base color is white.
Papillons are excellently agile and enjoy robust health, despite their size. During sports activities, they are all-around winners.
The most striking feature of Papillons is their ears. Their ears are fringed and expansive. This part of their body gives them a butterfly appearance. Papillons can be multi-colored. Also, they come in white fur with patches of other colors.
They do not appear as ‘all-white.’ The canine’s eye rims, nose, and lips are black. Besides these, their paw pads come in varying colors. Depending on the dog’s coloring, its paw pad could range from pink to black.
Behavior
Papillons are highly smart and self-confident. They learn new tricks and tactics quickly. With children, adults, and strangers, they are quite friendly. Nonetheless, they are usually a bit reserved when around unknown people.
Also, they get along with other dogs. However, when they are around other pets with claws, owners need to be cautious.
Other animals could injure them with their claws. Papillons may become distrustful or aggressive if they are not well socialized.
The Papillon dog breed tends to be exceptionally playful. Also, they are affectionate creatures. People keep them mostly as companions due to their energy.
Sometimes, they can be very calm. During their peaceful moments, they may curl up in your arms and sleep.
Owners need to work out an exercise routine. The exercise helps to keep up with their activeness.
Papillons are also great keeps as watchdogs. They warn their owners whenever they notice changes in their environment.
As typical of toy dogs, Papillons can as well be effusive. They adapt well to high temperatures. However, they react to falling temperatures.
They are sensitive to the cold due to their fur. Their fur is single-coated. So, do not leave Papillons in the cold unattended.
Temperament
Generally, Papillons are adventurous, cheerful land eave Pociable dogs. They are neither skittish nor aggressive. Although they are suitable as family pets, owners must be watchful when around children.
Caution is needed because children mostly do not understand how dogs behave. So, they may get the dog upset innocently.
Papillons are highly intelligent. Therefore, owners need to engage them in rigorous training.
Regular exercise stimulates them and prevents them from boredom. When bored, Papillons tend to misbehave. Papillons are among the top ten smartest dogs.
Health
Papillons are very tough canines, although they are small. As puppies, owners must be careful while handling them. Give them special care when around stairs and furniture.
Papillons only suffer minor health issues. They encounter dental challenges and patellar luxation seizures. They are also at risk of intervertebral disk ailments and allergies.
Averagely, a Papillon can live for a period of 13 to 15 years. However, some enjoy a lifespan of 17 years.
Recommended health tests for the Papillon include patella evaluation. Others are cardiac exams and ophthalmologist evaluations.
Exercise
Papillons are highly active, so they play a lot. However, play is in no wise sufficient for them. They need to exercise regularly.
One of the routines that could help is daily walks or runs. These are a great source of exercise for dog breeds.
While indoors, they can engage in retrieving toys. So, you can involve them in a game of ‘Fetch.’ Asides from these, Papillons relish a lovely romp off-leash.
This activity may occur in a vast fenced yard. You must, however, watch out when they dash after cats or larger dogs.
Owners can engage in training on rally obedience with the canines. Also, they enjoy training in agility and obedience.
Training
The Papillons are willing to please people. It is usually evident once they bond with an individual. It usually takes a long time to train smaller dog breeds. However, in the case of Papillons, the process is made more accessible.
For starters, you can engage them in early socializing. Also, obedience training is welcome. These acts enable your canine to perform given tasks when instructed. Besides, you will be able to overcome the issue of overindulgence.
Diet
Papillons need to eat top-quality dog feed. Owners can get their food commercially. You may prepare their feed at home.
However, meal preparations should be on a veterinarian’s recommendations. Generally, Papillons can eat any diet – whether a puppy or adult.
For dogs prone to getting overweight, watch their calorie intake. Owners should also take note of the Papillon’s weight levels.
While training is going on, treats can come in handy. However, giving too many treats may lead to obesity.
Also, there are some human foods considered unsafe for dogs. This aspect needs attention.
To be doubly sure, it is best to contact a veterinarian. Besides, fresh, clean water is ideal for the Papillon.
Grooming
Papillons come with long silky fur. However, they do not need much grooming. You do not have to groom them much as they do not have an undercoat.
You can groom them once or twice monthly. Owners can comb through the fur inside the Papillon’s hind legs. You can use a slicker brush on the thigh ears too.
Bathing the Papillon can be a monthly affair. You can also clean them up when muddy. Regular trimming of the dog’s nails is necessary.
Their nails grow fast, and this may injure their legs. Another essential point to note is routine tooth brushing. Weekly brushing of teeth increases their dental health.
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Conclusion
The athletic and curious Papillon is a tiny canine of great beauty. Although it appears refined, it has a resilient nature. Owners tend to describe Paps as alert, friendly, and happy.
Papillons are non-allergenic. So, if you wish to keep one, follow some guidelines.
Groom them properly. Feed them well and ensure proper hygienic conditions in the home.