The Papillon has won the affection of a great many people because of its beautiful appearance and gentle personality. Today we will briefly explain how to judge a Papillon's quality and how to tell whether it is purebred.
1. Coat Color
The Papillon's coat color is usually based on white with black, white with gray, or white with red, and sometimes white with brown can also appear.
In general, the head should be mostly solid in color, while the center of the face should have a white blaze. A dog that is completely white or has no white at all is considered outside the acceptable standard.
2. Coat Quality
A purebred Papillon should have very abundant coat. The chest hair is relatively long, while the hair on the head, muzzle, and the lower parts of the hind legs is shorter but still dense.
If the coat is too short or sparse, it does not meet the standard expected of a purebred Papillon.
3. Head Structure
The upper part of the head should be slightly rounded, but not excessively so, and should resemble a gentle arch rather than a dome. The muzzle is pointed, the face slightly rounded, the nose black, and the eyes almond-shaped rather than protruding. The eye color should be dark. The ears are large, carried upright to the side, and decorated with feathering. By about three months of age, the ears should usually stand. If they do not, or if the ear leather is unusually thick, that may suggest the dog is not purebred.
4. Bone Structure
Purebred Papillons generally have relatively good bone substance and a solid frame. When choosing a puppy, you can gently feel the paws and lower legs to judge bone density and leg strength. If the frame is too fine and the bone is weak, the dog is usually not considered a strong example of the breed, and its physical condition may also be more ordinary.
5. Overall Condition
When selecting a Papillon puppy, owners should prefer one that looks light in posture and very lively in spirit. It is also worth checking the teeth carefully for yellowing or bad breath. If these problems are absent, the dog is more likely to be healthy.
In daily feeding, owners can pay attention to calcium supplementation. On good-weather days, taking the dog outside for some sunshine can help with disinfection and also support bone growth and development. During interaction or training, healthy dog treats with added calcium can also be used as rewards.