Butterflies Are Gentle, Friendly Little Dogs That Make Ideal Pets For Families With Children

Butterflies are kind and friendly little dogs who love to be around children and other animals. They do well in obedience school, are quick learners, and love to please.

The Papillon is an ideal dog for families living in apartments or small houses and perfect for people with sedentary lifestyles such as the elderly or disabled.

Appearance of the Papillon

Butterflies have a thick, loose coat of long, fine, silky, straight hair. It is usually mostly white with patterned patches of almost every other color. The most common are black, red or tan.

The typical butterfly is 8 to 10 inches tall and weighs 8 to 10 pounds. You can expect them to live a fun and active life for about 12 to 15 years.

Grooming and Exercise Needs of Butterflies

Butterflies need to be brushed and groomed 2-3 times a week and their fur trimmed every 2-3 months.

They do not require much exercise. A long, brisk walk a day and a good game of fetch will do just fine. Most butterflies love to walk, especially in parks and forests.

Origins of the Papillon

The Papillon gets its unusual name from its unusually shaped ears. His ears are shaped like a butterfly, and “papillon” means “butterfly” in French.

The Papillon appeared at the end of the 17th century as companions of European royalty. Both Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour (yes, the hairstyle is named after her) were said to have Papillons.

butterflies appear in numerous Italian frescoes and paintings of the period, including those by such famous artists as Rubens, Titian, and Rembrandt.

A health note: butterflies are prone to deafness.