Your guide to finding and caring for a Papillon in Dothan
Adopt a Papillon today
While we don't have enough dogs near Dothan, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 6 miles
Papillon, Chihuahua
M, 1 y., 97 miles
Papillon, Chihuahua
F, 2 y., 165 miles
Papillon, Chihuahua
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 202 miles
Papillon
F, 6 y., 235 miles
Papillon
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 320 miles
Rat Terrier, Papillon
M, 4 y., 361 miles
Shetland Sheepdog / Sheltie, Papillon
M, 3 y., 273 miles
Shih Tzu, Papillon
M, 8 mo., 274 miles
Papillon
F, 3-7 y., 298 miles
Papillon
Papillons are small spaniels whose name is French for butterfly, after their large, fringed, upright ears. Toy spaniels of this kind appear in European paintings from the 1500s onward, and the breed developed in France and Belgium. Dogs with drooping ears are called Phalènes, French for moth, and belong to the same breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the Papillon in 1935 and places it in the Toy Group.
A Papillon weighs only about 5 to 10 pounds but is sturdier and more athletic than it looks, with a long, silky white coat marked with patches of color. Many are bright, curious and friendly, and the breed excels at agility and trick training. They are energetic, often vocal and fond of their people, and need gentle handling because of their small size.
Having a Papillon in Dothan
Papillons pack a sharp mind, an athletic body and a sociable nature into a very small frame. Their trainability, energy, alert barking and fragility around rough play are the traits most likely to shape daily life with one.
Papillons tend to be friendly, curious and eager to join in whatever their people are doing. They are quick learners and often love training. Many are alert barkers, and some become possessive or snappy if handled roughly, so gentle children and calm introductions matter. They can be bold around larger dogs without realizing their own size.
A Papillon needs more activity than its size suggests: daily walks plus play, such as fetching small toys indoors or chasing a ball in a fenced yard. Mental work matters as much, and many thrive in agility, obedience or trick training. A bored Papillon may invent its own entertainment, often by barking.
Papillons often live long lives, though patellar luxation, dental disease, progressive retinal atrophy and some heart conditions occur in the breed. Some puppies have an open fontanel, a soft spot on the skull. Their fine bones can break in falls or jumps from furniture. Regular dental care and veterinary checkups help, especially in senior years.
Papillons adapt well to apartments and small homes, since much of their exercise can happen indoors. Their barking can matter with shared walls. Owners should watch for falls from furniture, gaps in fencing and larger dogs at parks. Homes with very young children need close supervision, because a tiny dog is easily injured.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $15 to $35 per month | $180 to $420 |
| Pet insurance | $30 to $60 per month | $360 to $720 |
| Routine vet care | $200 to $400 per year | $200 to $400 |
| Other* | $490 to $1,240 per year | $490 to $1,240 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $1,230 to $2,780 | |
Other costs are national averages for Papillons; we don't have costs specific to Dothan yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a higher dental care allowance for a toy breed, a dog license, toys and bedding, and light home grooming for a coat without an undercoat; license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below currently have Papillons available.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Dothan area where you can find Papillons and other dogs available for adoption.
Papillon means butterfly in English. The French name refers to the breed's large, upright ears, which are fringed with long hair and spread out from the head like a butterfly's wings. Papillons born with drooping ears are called Phalènes, the French word for moth. Both ear types appear in the same litters and belong to the same breed.
We have 1 rescue with Papillons available: Wiregrass Humane Society. You can see every rescue with Papillons available in the list above these questions, or scroll to the top to see the Papillons near Dothan.
Expand your search to find Papillons available for adoption near Dothan.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Dothan.
