Grooming Info

Papillons may have a long coat but grooming them is simple. Only four grooming tools are needed to keep you pap looking beautiful; pin brush, greyhound comb (course/fine) and a quality pair of scissors and toe nail clippers.

Toenails and Pad Care

The feet require the most care. Toenails should be clipped every one to two weeks depending if the dog wears them down naturally. When clipping nails you should avoid hitting the quick, a bundle of nerves and blood vessels inside the nail. The quick is visible as a pink line in a white or light-colored nail, but cannot be easily seen in a dark nail. When the quick is cut it is painful and will bleed. Bleeding can be stopped using a styptic powder. With a white nail the quick is easily seen, but cannot be seen with a dark nail.

The hair between the pads is next. The size of scissors you use depends on what is comfortable to you; a 5 to 7 inch straight shear works well. You just need to trim the hair even with the base of the pad. By gently separating the pads you can trim more hair and you will be able to go longer between trimmings. You can also trim the hair on the outside of the foot. This will give a nice clean look and your Papillon will not look like he is wearing snowshoes. Both toenail clipping and trimming the hair between the pads will prevent you dog from developing a splay foot.

Optional trimming on the rear legs is the hair from the pad to the hock. Comb the hair up towards the hock. Cut the hair parallel to the leg. On the front leg the hair can be trimmed from the pad to the pastern. Again this just gives the dog a cleaner look and it does not harm the dog if not done.

Brushing the Coat

The coat of the Papillon should be brushed using a pin brush. A slicker brush can cause split hairs. When brushing it helps to mist the coat with water or a coat conditioner. This will help with any small mats that may be present. After brushing the coat run the comb through it first with the course side then the fine. Combing will find any knots or mats the brush may have missed.

The ear fringe is slow growing and care should be taken in brushing or combing. You may want to use your finger to separate any small mats before combing. Also use your fingers to check carefully with your fingers directly behind the ears. If mats begin to form here they quickly develop into larger mats that may have to be cut out. Some owners use a boar bristle brush to finish grooming the fringe.

Ear Cleaning

Routine cleaning of the ears is not required. A small amount of wax is normal. If the inside of the ears become dirty use a solution specifically made for the ears. Tipping the dog’s head to the side, squirt enough solution in the ear to fill the canal. Close the flap and gently rub behind the ear. You will hear a squishing noise. The dog will shake their head to remove the excess solution. Use a cotton ball and/or swab to dry the earflap. Only clean what you can see. Do not shove the swab deep into the ear because you can push wax and debris down into the ear, which can cause infection. If at any time a foul odor is coming from the ear canal your dog needs to see your vet.

Tear Stains

Papillons eyes do tear which can cause staining on lighter coats. Using a cotton swab moistened with contact lens solution to help keep staining to a minimum. There are many products marketed to remove tearstains but most do not work. Check too that tears are not crusted under the eye. Use a moistened cotton ball to remove the crusting. Trying to pull it off can cause pain because you will also be pulling out bits of hair.

Bathing and Drying

Paps at Sandridge are bathed according to their activity. In the summer when walks and swimming are almost daily events, baths are given at least once a week and sometimes twice. Baths at times have been given twice a day when one of the dogs decides to “perfume” himself in fragrance of dead mouse. If a dog is going to a dog show they are always bathed before the show. On a three or four show weekend that may mean two bathes. Even during the winter the paps usually receive baths twice a month. The longest one has ever gone without bathing is one month.

With the high quality of dog shampoos and conditioners on the market today you need not worry about drying out skin or coat. Unless there is a medical condition that prevents bathing there is no time limit between baths.

After bathing and towel drying you can decide whether or not to blow-dry your dog. Blow-drying helps to fluff the coat and help it to lie properly. If you dog has never been blow dried start by turning the dryer on the lowest setting and allowing the dog to hear it before actually feeling the warm air. Keep the dryer far away and bring it closer which allows the dog to adjust. Start with the rear, as it is not as sensitive as around the ears. Using a pin brush you can brush the section you are drying. If you find the dog doesn’t hold still or you find it awkward, dry a little and then brush. Your dog does not have to be 100% dry.

When you are done drying and you put your dog down he will ZOOM, which is running around like a nut. Some people let the dog ZOOM first and then blow dry or they don’t blow-dry at all. It is important though to brush the dog while he is still damp. Not only are small tangles and mats easier to remove but also the brush will glide better through the coat.

When the coat is completely dry I like to run a comb through it. First use the course side and then the fine. Any mats the brush missed will be found by combing. Very important to make sure there are no mats behind the ears. These will just get bigger which may force you to cut them out. Remember ear fringe grows slow.

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