The Papillon is one of my favorite breeds to talk grooming with, because owners are often pleasantly surprised by how manageable the coat really is. Unlike double-coated breeds or curly doodles, the Papillon has a single-layer, silky coat with no dense undercoat. That means no mandatory clipping, no shave-downs, and far less matting than people expect from a dog with such elegant feathering on the ears, chest, and legs.
That said, the long furnishings do need consistent attention, and the small details (nails, ears, teeth, and the delicate skin around the eyes) are where a tidy routine pays off. In this guide I will walk you through a practical at-home grooming plan, the tools that actually help, the mistakes I see most often, and when it is worth getting professional or veterinary help.
What You Will Need
Good grooming starts with the right kit. You do not need a salon’s worth of equipment for a Papillon, but a few quality tools make the job faster and safer.
- A pin brush or slicker brush for the feathering and body coat
- A fine-tooth metal comb to check for hidden tangles near the skin
- A gentle dog shampoo (never human shampoo, which disrupts skin pH)
- Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder, plus styptic powder for accidents
- A dog-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton pads
- A dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste (human toothpaste is toxic to dogs)
- A soft towel and, optionally, a low-heat dryer on a quiet setting
- Small rounded-tip scissors for tidying paw and sanitary areas
Step by Step: How to Groom a Papillon
Here is the routine I recommend. Spread these tasks across the week so grooming stays low-stress for both of you.
Brush the coat two to three times a week
Work in sections, starting at the ear and leg feathering where tangles form. Use the pin or slicker brush, then run the metal comb through to catch any mats close to the skin. Gentle, regular brushing prevents painful matting.
Bathe every three to four weeks
Wet the coat with lukewarm water, lather a gentle dog shampoo, and rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. Leftover shampoo is a common cause of itching. Keep water and suds out of the eyes and ears.
Dry and re-brush
Towel dry, then use a low-heat dryer if your dog tolerates it, brushing as you go to keep the feathering smooth. Make sure the coat is fully dry near the skin to prevent damp spots that can irritate.
Trim nails every three to four weeks
Clip or grind a little at a time, stopping before the quick. Long nails change how a small dog stands and can cause discomfort. If you hear nails clicking on the floor, they are due for a trim.
Clean ears, wipe eyes, and brush teeth
Check the large upright ears weekly and clean visible debris with a dog ear solution and cotton pad. Wipe tear-stained areas daily with a damp cloth. Brush teeth several times a week with dog toothpaste to protect this small breed’s crowded teeth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few habits do more harm than good. These are the grooming missteps I correct most often with Papillon owners.
Do not use human shampoo or toothpaste, as both can harm a dog’s skin or be toxic if swallowed. Avoid bathing too frequently, which strips protective oils and dries the skin. Never cut nails into the quick on purpose, and do not push cotton swabs deep into the ear canal, since that can cause injury. Finally, skipping brushing for weeks lets the fine feathering mat down to the skin, which is uncomfortable and sometimes has to be cut out.
Tips for Success
Grooming a Papillon should be calm and routine, not a battle. These small adjustments make a big difference.
Start grooming habits early and keep sessions short and positive, rewarding your dog for tolerating feet and ear handling. Brush before bathing rather than after, since wet mats tighten and become harder to remove. Work on a non-slip surface at a comfortable height so your dog feels secure. Keep the coat slightly damp with a light mist of water while brushing feathering to reduce breakage. Consistency beats intensity, so a few minutes several times a week works better than one long, stressful session.
When to Get Professional Help
Most Papillon grooming is easy to manage at home, but certain situations call for a groomer or your veterinarian.
See a professional if your dog has tight mats you cannot safely brush out, or if nail trims are too stressful to do at home. Contact your veterinarian for red, smelly, or itchy ears (signs of infection), persistent or sudden tear staining, skin redness, sores, hair loss, or any lump you find while grooming. If a nail bleeds and will not stop after applying styptic powder, call your vet. When in doubt, a quick check is always safer than waiting.
Safety note: Always use products formulated for dogs and keep shampoo, water, and grooming tools away from your Papillon’s eyes and ear canals to prevent irritation and injury.