| Height | 8-11 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5-10 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 14–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Friendly / Happy [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | France [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 42 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Thanks to their small size, Papillons make wonderful indoor pets, but that doesn't mean they don't need exercise. They are active, smart dogs, and they will want their people to play with them. Indoors, they enjoy retrieving a small ball or toy'¿a Papillon will quickly learn to bring it back so you can throw it again. [1]
Grooming
For a breed with long, silky hair, Papillons needs surprisingly little grooming, mostly because they do not have an undercoat. Grooming every month or so is fine. Between full grooming sessions, you might want to spend a few minutes running a comb or soft slicker brush through the hair inside the hind legs, behind the ears, and on the "culottes," or thigh hair, as mats tend to form there. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Papillons are tough and gutsy, but they are very small. Owners need to be careful with them, especially when they are puppies, around stairs, furniture, and other, larger animals. A small child can accidentally hurt his puppy friend very easily. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as a fontanel in the top of the skull, similar to a human baby's soft spot; and patellar luxation, or kneecaps that can "slip" or dislocate, sometimes briefly, sometimes completely. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Papillon in 1915. [1]
- It ranked No. 42 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 48 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “The Butterfly Dog, Pap.” [1]
- The AKC lists France as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 5/5
Common questions
How long do Papillons live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14-16 years.
How big does a Papillon get?
AKC breed information lists height 8-11 inches and weight 5-10 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Papillon?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Papillon, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.