Breed Health
Papillon Health Issues
A generally healthy, long-lived toy breed, though a few conditions common to small dogs are worth watching for.
Common Hereditary Conditions
Patellar Luxation
A kneecap that slips out of place, common in toy breeds; mild cases may need no treatment, severe cases occasionally require surgery.
Dental Disease
The breed’s small jaw often crowds teeth, raising periodontal disease risk; daily brushing and regular dental checkups matter.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
A gradual, inherited deterioration of the retina; a DNA test can identify carriers before breeding.
Open Fontanel
Some Papillon puppies are born with a soft spot in the skull that takes longer than usual to close, calling for gentle head handling in puppyhood.
Preventive Care
Daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings meaningfully reduce this breed’s elevated periodontal disease risk. Handling puppies gently around the head until any soft spot closes is an important early precaution. Eye clearances from a breeder help reduce the odds of inherited retinal conditions in puppies.
Did You Know?
Despite its delicate appearance, the Papillon is one of the more physically robust toy breeds, with fewer joint issues on average than many similarly sized dogs.
Papillon Gifts
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