Appearance of the Papitese
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| A good mix of its two parents, the pretty Papitese has a long, silky coat and a slim, lean body. While the Papillon is very fine with a delicate bone structure, the Papitese is a little more robust and muscular. With their brown eyes and smiling expression, these attractive dogs always seem happy. Their hairy ears flop down, although not all of them have the butterfly-shaped ears of their Papillon parent. Although small, they are not a brachycephalic breed and should have a medium-sized muzzle and a good-sized black nose with wide-open nostrils. Papiteses' long, silky coat is one of their most attractive features and can be made up of a multitude of colors, including white, black and brown. In fact, most dogs are essentially white with brown or black patches. Tiny dogs, most reach heights of between 20 and 25 cm at adulthood. With a weight of just 3 kg to 4.5 kg, they are one of the smallest dogs around. |
Temperament of the Papitese
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| A sensitive, gentle soul, the Papitese needs a wise owner who will meet its needs without spoiling or anthropomorphizing it. Papitese rely on human companionship for their happiness and enjoy being with people as much as possible. Gentle and affectionate, they are a rewarding pet to own and will show great loyalty. Always alert and a little nervous, Papitese will make sure you know when a new person or pet arrives at home. They have a high-pitched voice that's hard to ignore. Because of their small size, they don't make effective watchdogs, although they don't seem to realize it. Very social, Papitese get on well with most other animals, even cats. The sooner they are socialized with other pets, the more they will accept it. They're happiest when they're part of a pack, whether it's made up solely of humans, or both humans and animals. Small dog syndrome should be avoided at all costs, as it not only terrorizes the dog, but is also a sign of an unhappy dog lacking in self-confidence. Dogs suffering from small dog syndrome can be nervous and lively, and may displease certain family members or strangers. Early signs of aggression or disobedience should be treated in the same way as with a larger dog, and not encouraged or ridiculed. Although small, the Papitese should be treated like any other large dog, not rotten or like a baby. |
Needs and activities of the Papitese
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| The Papitese has a lot of energy for a dog the size of a toy, but unlike other Papillon mixes, the intensity of this hybrid's activities doesn't have to be very high. The Papitese is able to do most of its daily exercise indoors, following its inhabitants around the house and occasionally playing ball. Outdoor adventures for Papiteses should always be supervised, and this dog should not be left outside. Its activity levels and activity needs make the Papitese an ideal companion for apartment and city living. In addition, the Papitese does not tolerate cold well, and winter sweaters or jackets may be appropriate if the hybrid lives in cold winter climates. |
Maintenance of the Papitese
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| Papitese may have hypoallergenic qualities thanks to the Maltese, but this hybrid still sheds from time to time and requires daily brushing to help remove loose, dead hairs that get caught in the double coat. Regular brushing with a brush also helps to remove dirt from the coat and preserve it from tangles and braids. Dirt is very easy to remove, as it doesn't adhere to the silky bristles as easily as other porous coats. There's no need to bathe regularly, as most dirt can be brushed off. Excessive bathing is not recommended, as excess water and shampoos can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to skin problems and dermatitis. As with all white-haired dogs, Papitese can develop tear stains in the corners of the eyes. Owners can avoid tear stains by frequently cleaning the face and eyes with a pet-safe wipe or washcloth. Tear staining, once it occurs, is permanent. |
English (United Kingdom)