The Papillon originated in France and is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe. It is known for its beautiful long coat, and many people worry that such long hair must shed badly. In fact, that idea is mistaken. Long-haired dogs do not always shed a lot, and the Papillon is one of the breeds that shed the least.
Does a Papillon Shed Heavily?
Although the Papillon has a long coat, its shedding is actually relatively mild. Usually the breed has only two seasonal coat changes each year. Under normal circumstances, almost all dogs experience some degree of shedding, and many shed more in spring and autumn. If a Papillon shows heavier shedding during those periods, the owner usually does not need to worry and only needs to handle cleaning properly. During most of the year, Papillons shed very little, and even when they do shed, the long hairs are easier to notice and clean up.
What Should You Do if a Papillon Sheds?
If you notice severe shedding outside the normal coat-changing season, then it is something to take seriously, because it may indicate a health problem. One possible cause is bathing too often or bathing incorrectly. Under normal circumstances, bathing about once a week is sufficient, and the shampoo used should always be one designed specifically for dogs. Skin disease can also cause shedding, so owners should part the coat and check whether there are abnormal red spots, black spots, cysts, or other changes on the skin. If a skin disease is present, it should be treated as early as possible.
Overall, the Papillon is a very easy breed to keep. It is small, has little body odor, does not shed much, is intelligent, and is easy to train. It lacks many of the common drawbacks people worry about in dogs, so for owners who are not very confident in their dog-raising skills or who have limited time, a Papillon can be an excellent choice.