Is a papillon capable of going hiking?

C

Crystal J

New member
I am looking for a small dog that I can train to stay with me on hikes, I know a couple of people who recently got papillons and they sound like really great dogs. If you have a papillon or know a lot about them do they have a decent amount of endurance? Are they capable of being trained to walk of lead or do they have a high prey drive? Any info or input on this breed would be helpful thanks!
 
I am a new papillon owner.

Most are rather delicate and can break bones easily if they jump from too high a place...mine is over the standard for height & weight ( it happens sometimes) so he's a bit sturdier but I would think twice about hiking with him.

They are really inside dogs that enjoy a good walk during the day and playtime/a good romp inside...they are excellent agility course dogs and highly trainable...

however they are a velcro dog...they have been bred for hundreds of years to be the perfect companion dog so be prepared for a little shadow 24-7...mine doesn't have to be right by me all the time, but he constantly checks to make sure where I am lol........

I would go with a larger, sturdier breed of dog. A 6-11 pound papillon doesn't sound like hiking material.

As far as walking off lead....that'll work until the first bug flies by...lol they may be velcro dogs but I wouldn't trust one off lead.
 
Yes, papillons do have a lot of endurance for their size and they would be capable of going hiking with you - using common sense, of course.

Papillons are also extremely intelligent, so yes, you can train them to be off lead. I've seen papillons do amazingly well in obedience trials as well as in agility. They're really, really smart little dogs.

One small caution - puppies need a lot of socializing when they're young because the breed has a tendency to be timid if they don't get that vital socializing. A good breeder would be a great help to you if you get a papillon puppy.
 
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