How big do Papillon dogs get?

A full grown Papillon stands 8 to 11 inches at the withers under the AKC breed standard, and AKC lists the breed at 5 to 10 pounds.

What does the breed standard say about size?

The Papillon standard sets size by height. It calls for 8 to 11 inches at the withers, counts a dog over 11 inches as a fault, and disqualifies one over 12. It gives no weight figure and says only that weight is in proportion to height, so the 5 to 10 pound range comes from AKC's breed profile rather than the written standard.

The body should be slightly longer than the dog is tall at the withers, and the standard describes a fine-boned dog that is not cobby. It sets no minimum height.

Is there a mini Papillon?

The standard has one size for the breed, so mini, miniature and teacup are words a breeder chooses. It does describe two ear types, the erect ear that gives the breed its butterfly look and the drop ear of the Phalene, and both are judged under the same standard with the same height limits. If a listing says mini, ask how tall the parents stand and what they weigh.

How can you estimate a Papillon puppy's adult size?

Ask the breeder for both parents' heights at the withers and their adult weights. A puppy from two parents near 8 inches is likely to stay at the small end of the breed, and one from parents near 11 inches is likely to finish larger. An earlier litter from the same pair is worth asking about as well.

A photo is a poor guide to size with this breed, because the standard describes an abundant, long, flowing coat with a frill on the chest, fringed ears, breeches on the hind legs and a plumed tail. Heights and weights give you figures to compare.

When does a Papillon stop growing?

Small breeds usually finish growing between 6 and 12 months of age, VCA Animal Hospitals says, and really small dogs tend toward the early end of that range.

What health checks matter for a Papillon?

AKC gives the Papillon a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. It says responsible breeders screen for a fontanel, an opening in the top of the skull like a baby's soft spot, and for patellar luxation, where the kneecaps slip out of place. The Papillon Club of America's list for breeding dogs names a patella evaluation, a cardiac exam and an ophthalmologist's eye evaluation. Those three results are the ones to request for both parents.

AKC also warns that a dog this small needs care around stairs, furniture and larger animals, especially as a puppy, and that a small child can hurt one by accident.

See Papillon puppies

Papillon breeders post their own puppies on Puppy Connection. Choose a puppy and send its breeder a note asking how tall both parents stand and what they weigh.