Is A Papillon Capable Of Going Hiking?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I am looking for a small dog that I can train to stay with me on hikes, I know a couple of people who recently got papillons and they sound like really great dogs. If you have a papillon or know a lot about them do they have a decent amount of endurance? Are they capable of being trained to walk of lead or do they have a high prey drive? Any info or input on this breed would be helpful thanks!
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Papillon are extremely athletic toy dogs, within reason. For many years Papillon have excelled at both obedience and agility competitions. Some Papillon actually run times very close to some Border Collies, which are the most popular breed in Agility rings.
Smaller Papillon are not as resilient as some of the larger specimen within the breed. A larger coarser Papillon would make a wonderful hiking companion. The breed has loads of energy and a huge desire to please their owners. Papillon are the #1 toy dog when rating intelligence.
Although some may argue that the Poodle is more intelligent, there is no differentiation in size when testing for intelligence.
As far as prey drive goes, there is a huge variation within the breed. Some Papillon will chase anything that moves while others are more content napping on the couch.
Personally, I have several dogs that are regularly off lead with me in the yard every day. I do however have a couple that I would never trust off lead.
Having both Papillon (Erect Ears) and Phalène (Drop Ears), I can say that I find that my Papillon have more of an endless amount of energy. While my Phalène with same amount of stamina are more focused and level headed. My Phalène also seem to be better at problem solving and thinking for themselves.
Over the years I have had both Papillon and Phalène earn titles in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, and Tracking, something that is virtually unheard of in any other toy breed.
Yes, papillons do have a lot of endurance for their size and they would be capable of going hiking with you – using common sense, of course.
Papillons are also extremely intelligent, so yes, you can train them to be off lead. I’ve seen papillons do amazingly well in obedience trials as well as in agility. They’re really, really smart little dogs.
One small caution – puppies need a lot of socializing when they’re young because the breed has a tendency to be timid if they don’t get that vital socializing. A good breeder would be a great help to you if you get a papillon puppy.
I am a new papillon owner.
Most are rather delicate and can break bones easily if they jump from too high a place…mine is over the standard for height & weight ( it happens sometimes) so he’s a bit sturdier but I would think twice about hiking with him.
They are really inside dogs that enjoy a good walk during the day and playtime/a good romp inside…they are excellent agility course dogs and highly trainable…
however they are a velcro dog…they have been bred for hundreds of years to be the perfect companion dog so be prepared for a little shadow 24-7…mine doesn’t have to be right by me all the time, but he constantly checks to make sure where I am lol……..
I would go with a larger, sturdier breed of dog. A 6-11 pound papillon doesn’t sound like hiking material.
As far as walking off lead….that’ll work until the first bug flies by…lol they may be velcro dogs but I wouldn’t trust one off lead. But that’s just me……
Yes, they can. Paps are great little hardy dogs.
I would have to say to go with the larger pap if you want to take them hiking. My Oliveeya does amazing off lead! She actually prefers to be off. She will walk well on lead too though. A 24-7 shadow doesn’t begin to describe this breed! They are VERY co-dependant. If you do decide to get one, be prepared to never leave home with out her/him.