A guide to Grooming your Papillon
One of the many joys of owning a Papillon is their beautiful, flowing silky coat. Despite its elegant appearance, the Papillon is a relatively low-maintenance breed when groomed regularly. Their single, silky coat does not require clipping or trimming (except for hygiene and paw maintenance if needed), and routine grooming helps keep the coat healthy, tangle-free, and looking its best.
Whether you have a beloved companion or a successful show dog, establishing a regular grooming routine will help your Papillon feel comfortable while preserving the breed's natural beauty.
Every Few Days
A quick grooming session of 5 minutes helps prevent knots before they develop.
Pay particular attention to:
- Behind the ears
- Under the front legs
- Feathering on the legs
- Breeches (back of the thighs)
- Tail furnishings
It is best to lightly mist the coat with a grooming spray before brushing. Brushing a dry coat can cause breakage and static.
Recommended Tools
- Soft pin brush
- Quality soft slicker brush (for small tangles only)
- Stainless steel comb with both coarse and fine teeth
- Grooming spray
Weekly Grooming
Set aside 10-20 minutes each week for a thorough groom.
Brush Through the Entire Coat
Work methodically from the feet upwards, brushing in layers (line brushing) to ensure the entire coat is free from tangles.
After brushing, run a metal comb through the coat. If the comb glides through easily, you've successfully removed all knots.
Check and Clean
- Clean ears if required.
- Wipe around the eyes to remove tear staining.
- Trim nails if necessary.
- Check paw pads for debris and excessive hair.
- Check teeth
Bathing
Most Papillons benefit from a bath every 3–6 weeks, although show dogs may be bathed more frequently.
A good bathing routine includes:
- Brush thoroughly before bathing.
- Wet the coat completely.
- Shampoo twice if needed.
- Apply conditioner, concentrating on furnishings and feathering.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Blow dry while brushing to keep the coat smooth and straight.
Allowing the coat to air dry can encourage waves and tangles.
The Papillon's Hare Foot
One of the breed's distinctive features is its hare foot. Unlike breeds with compact, rounded "cat feet", the Papillon should have a longer, finer foot with elongated middle toes. This contributes to the breed's elegant appearance and free, graceful movement.
Grooming the Hare Foot
The goal is to present a neat, clean foot while preserving its natural shape.
- Keep the nails short so the foot remains tight and the dog moves correctly.
- Trim excess hair between the paw pads for cleanliness and improved grip.
- Remove only stray hairs that detract from the outline of the foot.
- Leave the feathering between the toes where it enhances the elegant appearance of the foot.
Avoid trimming around the toes to create a rounded "cat foot" or heavily sculpting the feet. Over-trimming can disguise an important breed characteristic and detract from the Papillon's correct type.
Coat Care Tips
- Never brush a completely dry coat.
- Avoid excessive brushing, which can break the fine silky coat.
- Remove small knots gently with your fingers before using a comb.
- Keep collars clean and well fitted to reduce rubbing around the neck.
- During shedding, increase brushing frequency.
Remember
A well-groomed Papillon should always look natural. The goal is not to sculpt the coat, but to maintain its clean, silky texture while showcasing the breed's beautiful feathering and elegant outline. With regular care and quality products, grooming becomes an enjoyable bonding experience that keeps your Papillon looking and feeling their very best.