Papillon Guide
Papillon Colors and Markings: What to Know
Quick Answer
Papillons are parti-colored: white with patches of any color. Common combinations include black and white, red and white, sable and white, lemon and white, and tricolor. Many have a symmetrical face mask with a white blaze.
Why This Matters
Color is fun to choose, but it says nothing about health or temperament. Understanding markings helps you focus on what matters.
Key Things to Know
Common Papillon colors
- Black and white
- Red and white
- Sable and white
- Lemon and white
- Tricolor (black, white, and tan)
Papillon vs. Phalène
Papillon means butterfly in French, for the breed's upright, fringed ears. The Phalène, meaning moth, is the same breed with dropped ears.
Do colors change?
Puppy colors can deepen or lighten as the coat matures, especially sable and red.
What This Means for a Puppy Buyer
Keep color as a preference, not a requirement. Temperament and health matter more for a happy life together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest Papillon color?
Availability varies by breeder and line. Be cautious of anyone charging much more for a "rare" color.
Can a Papillon be all one color?
The breed standard calls for white with patches of color; solid colors are not standard.
Will my puppy's ears stand up?
Most Papillon puppy ears stand up as they grow. A puppy with dropped ears may be a Phalène.
Related Papillon Resources
Available Papillon Puppies
See our current availability and planned litters, or meet the Papillons in our program.