Group 9 · Companion dogs
Papillon
The Papillon, named after its butterfly-shaped ears, is a small but remarkably clever and sporty companion dog. It learns quickly, enjoys dog sports and is livelier than its dainty looks suggest.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Kontinentale Dwergspaniel - Nachtvlinderhondje Kontinentale Dwergspaniel - Vlinderhondje by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 7 examinations:
- 6 DNA tests
- 1 kneecap examination
The breeding programme also recommends 4 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (7)
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Factor VII deficiency (F7def)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- F7: c.407G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SLC13A1: c.99+3353_*56671del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Progressive retinal atrophy CNGB1 (PRA CNGB1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- CNGB1: c.2387_2389delinsCTAGCTAC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (4)
-
Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PLA2G6: c.1579G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc)
Heart examination Valid for 1 year at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Kontinentale Dwergspaniel - Nachtvlinderhondje Kontinentale Dwergspaniel - Vlinderhondje, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 17/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Factor VII deficiency (F7def), Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD), Patellar luxation (PT), Progressive retinal atrophy CNGB1 (PRA CNGB1), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Mitral valve disease (MVD) (auscultation) (MVD Ausc) and Eye disorders. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Papillon needs daily walks and play and enjoys dog sports such as agility. Its silky coat without undercoat needs brushing a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Papillon is clever, lively and very people-oriented. It learns quickly with rewards. Children need to learn how to handle such a small dog gently.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
