When choosing a pet on the basis of cuteness alone, the Papillon dog breed is an obvious choice. 
Alert eyes, animated facial expressions, long fur adorning their elegant posture, and great butterfly-shaped ears add to their fun and friendly appearance. Papillon is French for "butterfly". They are small dogs with tails that curl up over their back, and come in a variety of single and combination colors.
The Papillon dog breed isn't about cuteness alone. These dogs have been AKC Toy Group competition champions for years. They are dainty, yet robust. They lead long lives and have no major breed-based health issues. They are the most obedient of all of the Toy dogs, which is not to say that they lack personality. A Papillon among other larger dogs is just as likely to be the boss of the group!
The same characteristics that make the Papillon dog breed AKC champions also make them great pets. They get along well with other dogs, as well as with children who treat them kindly. They are loyal to their owners and love to play and be held. Their temperament, in addition to their petite size (they rarely cross above nine or ten pounds), make them ideally suited for small homes and apartments.
If you choose a Papillon as a pet, you will need to brush its coat daily (or at least a few times a week). Papillon dogs have long, silky fur, and can be prone to shedding. They need regular exercise. So if you are keeping them in an apartment, you would want to get a leash to take them out for walks. They love being out in public and are quite comfortable with crowds and strangers.
Dogs from the Papillon dog breed don't need excessive bathing. However, a bath using a gentle shampoo and precautionary measures against fleas and ticks is recommended. The Papillon's playful prancing could turn to uncomfortable itching if you don't keep an eye on what's going on under his coat. A variety of products such as flea collars, spot-ons, powders, sprays, and shampoos are available to keep your dog parasite-free.
You may also want to consider some of the "special amenities" to spoil your little French friend. They won't mind being toted around in a dog carrier, as long as you start taking them around with you right from when they are young. You may want to keep some treats at hand, as well as a variety of toys and training aids. They are lively, energetic, and can be trained quite easily. Their personality shows why the Papillon dog breed is so successful at a dog show and in the family home.
