This flyer is designed to give Shelters and Volunteers information to enable them to properly identify Papillons.  Our organization is available to assist any Papillon in need, or to assist other organizations committed to responsible placement practices that might have dogs of our breed in their care.

Papillons generally are 8-11 inches in height and weigh 3-9 pounds. Purebreds above and below  those weight/height limits are not unusual.

Papillons are typically parti-color (white with patches of any other color), including: black, black and tan, sable, red, lemon and liver.  Papillons with very little white and Papillons that are almost all white all occur occasionally.

The ears of the Papillon are its trademark – large, fringed, and shaped like butterfly wings.  Papillons naturally occur in both an erect-ear and drop-ear variety (known as the Phalene).  Since both varieties can occur in the same litter, dogs with one ear up and one down are not unheard of. Other distinguishing characteristics include a medium to long silky coat, and a tail that curls over the back of the dog when happy or alert.

Papillons are generally happy and responsive to humans, but they are very sensitive to stress.  Stress-related behaviors including depression and withdrawal and even fear-biting are not uncommon in shelter situations.  PCA Rescue will accept Papillons of any disposition into foster care.