*NS- back to editorial*18 Papillon Mixes: History, Pictures & Info

Toy breeds are most loved for their spunky personalities, cuddliness, and happy-go-lucky demeanor. The Papillon has been a favorite for centuries, from the Renaissance when they were favored by royals like Marie Antoinette to the family dogs that they are today.

They’re adored for their butterfly-like ears, small stature, and watchdog instincts, but they’ve also been crossed with many other popular breeds. Whether you’re looking for a Papillon mix of your own or just want to check out adorably big-eared crossbreeds, here are 18 Papillon mixes.

The 18 Papillon Mixes

1. Austi-Pap (Australian Shepherd x Papillon)

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Also known as the Aussie Pap, the Austi-Pap is an Australian Shepherd Papillon cross. Both breeds can be traced back to the other countries, however: The Papillon was developed in Spain, and the Australian Shepherd was first introduced in California.

The Miniature and Toy varieties of the Australian Shepherd were introduced later as companion dogs, but the Standard started as a herding breed and became known for their appearance in rodeos. Since all three varieties of Australian Shepherd can be bred with the Papillon to make the Austi-Pap, there’s a great deal of variation in how big or small this cross can be.

With the Australian Shepherd’s hard-working and energetic temperament and the Papillon’s regal, polite, and friendly demeanor, the cross is highly intelligent and playful. They suit active families and love to take part in all sorts of events.

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2. Bostillon (Boston Terrier x Papillon)

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When it comes to breed histories, the Boston Terrier and the Papillon are two examples of incredibly different ancestry. While the Papillon was favored by noblewomen in Europe, the Boston Terrier is descended from the Bulldog, one of the original pit-fighting dogs in the U.K.

After a Bulldog was crossed with a white English Terrier—a breed that is now extinct—the resulting puppy was eventually sold to Robert C. Hooper, a man who lived in Boston, U.S.A. The Boston Terrier was developed from this initial mixed breed and has since become a popular, small, and attractive companion.

Both the Papillon and the Boston Terrier have similar temperaments, and their mixed puppies show these traits the most. The Bostillon is friendly and cheerful and loves to spend time with their owners.

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3. Carillon (Cairn Terrier x Papillon)

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One of the oldest terrier breeds originating in Scotland is the Cairn Terrier. In the 1600s, they protected gravesites, which were marked by stone cairns, in the Western Highlands from rodents.

They’re the smallest terrier breed but are full of energy and courage. Compared to the Papillon, they’re rugged and hard-working, but they’re also incredibly loyal and get along with people and other dogs.

The Carillon, a mix of the Cairn Terrier and the Papillon, has a similar ruggedness to their temperament and appearance. They can be independent, fearless, and watchful, with plenty of energy to spare for playtime and agility trials. These dogs are best suited for active and experienced dog owners.

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4. Chion (Chihuahua x Papillon)

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When it comes to tiny dogs with plenty of personality, the Chihuahua is one of the most expressive. Although they’re the smallest toy breed around, their size means the Chion is one of the mixes that makes the most sense. 

Both the Chihuahua and the Papillon were bred as companion dogs. While the Papillon dwelled in royal halls, though, the Chihuahua resided alongside the Aztecs in remote villages.

As with most hybrid breeds, it’s difficult to say when and where the Chion first came about, but they’re hardy and dedicated to their owners. They dislike being left to themselves for long and have plenty of character packed into their tiny body.

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5. Japillon (Japanese Chin x Papillon)

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A mix of two beloved toy breeds is the Japillon, a cross of the Papillon and the Japanese Chin. Compared to the Papillon, the Japanese Chin has a bit of a mysterious past. While they were held in high regard by the nobility and owe their development to the Japanese, it’s difficult to say whether their roots lie in Japan, Korea, or China.

The Japanese Chin was known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977, and they’re incredibly intelligent. They have a similar temperament to the Papillon, and their noble bearing is paired with their loyalty and sociable nature. As a result, the Japillon is a regal companion descended from two of the most royal breeds.

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6. Papa-Inu (Shiba Inu x Papillon)

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Compared to the tiny Papillon, the Papa-Inu can range from tiny to large. As a cross between the Shiba Inu and the Papillon, the Papa-Inu is energetic, affectionate, loyal, and occasionally territorial.

Although the Shiba Inu was bred to be a hunter rather than a companion like the Papillon, they are still incredibly loyal to their owners. Today, they’re the most popular dog in Japan and are adored for their attentive and alert nature.

Their loyalty, combined with the Papillon’s friendliness, makes the Papa-Inu an active, cheerful, and dedicated breed. They dislike being alone and excel in various activities, from obedience to agility.

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7. Papastzu (Shih Tzu x Papillon)

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Descended from two “royal lap warmer” dogs, the Papastzu is one of the most regal mixed breeds that you can find. The Shih Tzu and the Papillon might have different styles and origin countries, but they share a history of pampered lifestyles as companions to royalty, with the Shih Tzu favored by the Chinese imperial family and the Papillon a beloved companion of French monarchs.

Both the Shih Tzu and the Papillon have similar temperaments and are affectionate, friendly, and elegant. These combined traits show even more strongly in the Papastzu, and they’re a toy breed filled with character.

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8. Papeagle (Beagle x Papillon)

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There are two types of Beagle. The larger variety can weigh up to 30 pounds, and the smaller type weighs under 20 pounds. Both can be bred with the Papillon to create the Papeagle, and their size determines how big this offspring will be.

It’s the combined traits of the Papillon and the Beagle that make the Papeagle shine, though. Both the Papillon and the Beagle are fiercely loyal and happy-go-lucky. They adore being around people, and both are excellent companions.

The Papeagle also benefits from the Beagle’s tenacity and willingness to work in a pack. They’re incredibly friendly toward other dogs and children, but they do need a great deal of playtime and socialization to help manage their hunting instincts.

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9. Paperanian (Pomeranian x Papillon)

A toy breed cross with plenty of character is the Paperanian. They’re an intriguing mix of the Papillon’s athleticism and the Pomeranian’s big-dog demeanor. The Pomeranian was also favored by royalty, though their sled dog ancestors gave them more energy and a fluffier coat than most other toy breeds.

Overall, the Paperanian is inquisitive and feisty. They’ll be just as likely to befriend everyone as they are to stand up against dogs bigger than they are.

Interestingly, both the Pomeranian and the Papillon were owned by Marie Antoinette and other notable figures in history. While it’s difficult to know exactly when the Paperanian was introduced, they could be one of the older hybrid breeds.

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10. Papipoo (Poodle x Papillon)

The Poodle has three size varieties to choose from when you want to cross them with the Papillon. As a result, Papipoos can be anywhere between a toy breed and something much larger. No matter what size your Papipoo is, though, they’ll be a quirky mix of the Papillon and the Poodle.

While the Papillon is playful and likes to cuddle on the couch, remember that the Poodle was originally bred to be a water retrieval dog, which means they have plenty of energy to spare and a large amount of hair to keep them warm. The Papipoo is likely to adore water just as much as their Poodle parent.

Both parent breeds share a similar level of intelligence, so you can expect your Papipoo to need plenty of exercise but be eager to please and quick to pick up new tricks.

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11. Papitese (Maltese x Papillon)

The Papitese, a mix of the Maltese and the Papillon, has an intriguing history. While both parent breeds were adored by the European royalty, the Maltese has a much broader heritage.

While the Papillon was mostly favored by the French before Spanish and Italian breeders drew attention to the breed, the Maltese made a mark everywhere from the Mediterranean to China. They were favored by the people of Malta and aristocrats in the Roman Empire and then were saved from extinction by Chinese breeders.

Both the Papillon and the Maltese are similar in size, so if you’re looking for a toy breed, the Papitese is an excellent choice.

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12. Papshund (Dachshund x Papillon)

When it comes to icons of the dog world, the Papillon and the Dachshund both have places of honor. The iconic butterfly ears of the Papillon and the long back of the Dachshund are combined in the Papshund, giving them a uniquely iconic appearance.

Despite the Dachshund’s badger hunting days, the Papshund doesn’t need an excessive amount of exercise, though they do well with regular activity to stop them from getting bored. They get along well with other dogs but can also have a high prey drive, so make sure you socialize them with other animals and people.

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13. Pugion (Pug x Papillon)

The Pugion is the cross between everyone’s favorite flat-faced Pug and the refined Papillon. This is a mixed breed descended from two royal companions with similar histories.

Pugs were first introduced in China as pets of the imperial court. When they were introduced to Europe by Dutch traders, they also found a home alongside the European monarchy. A Pug was also considered a hero for saving the life of the Prince of Orange when Spanish troops attacked his camp.

Together, the Papillon and the Pug create an affectionate, people-pleasing mixed breed. They can range from adorably ugly like the Pug to just adorably fluffy like the Papillon. Either way, the Pugion is a treasured and friendly companion breed whose small size suits apartments and large homes.

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14. Rat-A-Pap (Rat Terrier x Papillon)

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It’s not just the name that makes the Rat-A-Pap a unique and adorable companion; the parent breeds do too. As a cross between the Rat Terrier and the Papillon, this seems like an unlikely mix simply because the two breeds are so different.

Compared to the Papillon, which is used to a life of leisure, the Rat Terrier has always been favored by farmers as a rat hunter, guardian of the house and chicken coop, and friend of children. They’re a hardworking, all-purpose hunting breed with the fiery temperament that terriers are loved for.

The Rat-A-Pap can vary in size depending on whether the Papillon is crossed with the Standard or Miniature Rat Terrier. They’re alert, full of energy, eager to work, and easy to train.

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15. Shelillon (Shetland Sheepdog x Papillon)

Developed as a herding dog on the Shetland Islands in the U.K., the Shetland Sheepdog is frequently confused with their close cousin, the Rough Collie. They were first known as Shetland Collies before their name was changed in 1909, and they share many of the same traits, such as a protective nature, intelligence, and high work ethic.

It’s hard to say when they were first bred with the Papillon to create the Shelillon. With the combination of the Sheltie’s fluffy coat and the Papillon’s large ears, though, they’re bound to win your heart through cuteness alone. They do have a great deal of energy to manage, so this mixed breed needs a job to do and an active family to call their own.

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16. Tibetan Pap (Tibetan Spaniel x Papillon)

A cross between the Tibetan Spaniel and the Papillon, the Tibetan Pap is a breed with Asian roots. Bred to protect Tibetan monasteries, the Tibetan Spaniel was developed by Buddhist monks and worked alongside the much larger Tibetan Mastiff. Unlike their brawnier cousins, though, the Tibetan Spaniel was mostly kept as a companion, and like the Papillon, they build strong bonds with humans.

The Tibetan Pap can be difficult to train due to their Tibetan Spaniel heritage, but they also don’t need much exercise. They adapt well to all sorts of living spaces and activity levels. Tibetan Paps are naturally friendly and are happy to meet new people, though they can be wary around other dogs when not socialized properly.

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17. Toy Foxillon (Toy Fox Terrier x Papillon)

If you’re looking for a toy breed with the fiery temperament of a terrier and the gentleness of companion breeds, look no further than the Toy Foxillon. Descended from the Papillon and the Toy Fox Terrier, the Toy Foxillon is small in size but contains all the heart of a big dog.

Small enough to be the perfect apartment dog, the Toy Foxillon has plenty of energy from the Toy Fox Terrier’s rat-hunting days and their distant Smooth Fox Terrier ancestor. Combined with the Papillon’s athleticism, the Toy Foxillon is playful and easy to train and excels in agility competitions.

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18. Yorkillon (Yorkshire Terrier x Papillon)

The Yorkillon is just as good a lap warmer as their Papillon and Yorkshire Terrier parents. They would likely have found themselves highly regarded by noblewomen if they had been around centuries ago, but they also have a high work ethic befitting a terrier-type breed.

Like the Papillon, the Yorkshire Terrier was adored by noblewomen as a regal-looking companion with silken fur. They weren’t always upper-class pets, though; their early days were spent in the coal mines in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where they spent the mid-1800s hunting rats.

This tenacity, prey drive, and energy might be at odds with the calm demeanor of the Papillon, but it makes for an intriguing mix in the Yorkillon.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of Papillon mixes, but we hope that this list has introduced you to the most popular ones. Whether they have the distinguished fluffy ears of the Papillon or take after their other parent more, you can be sure your Papillon mix will be a friendly and cheerful companion.

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Featured Image Credit: Steve Bruckmann, Shutterstock