Is a 400 Yuan Papillon Really a Papillon?

A Papillon puppy priced at 400 yuan is highly unlikely to be a purebred and is more likely to be a mixed breed or have underlying health issues. It's strongly advised against purchasing such a puppy. Generally, a healthy Papillon's price ranges from 1500 to 4500 yuan, with show-quality Papillons costing even more.

Why a 400 Yuan Papillon is a Red Flag

The low price of 400 yuan for a Papillon is a major red flag, strongly indicating it's either a mixed-breed or a puppy with hidden health problems. The typical market price for a Papillon ranges from 1500 to 4500 yuan. Show-quality Papillons will command an even higher price. Various factors influence a Papillon's price, including its appearance, coat quality, lineage, temperament, sex, age, and location. Papillons with superior physical traits and a pure pedigree will have a higher price tag. Location also greatly affects price, with Papillons in more developed areas generally costing more. Additionally, Papillons purchased from pet stores or breeders usually have a higher cost.

Factors Influencing Papillon Prices

Several factors significantly impact the price of a Papillon. These include the dog's overall conformation, the vibrancy and quality of its coat, the purity of its lineage, the dog's temperament, the sex of the dog, the age of the dog and also the regional market variations. A Papillon that exhibits exceptional breed characteristics and has a verifiable pure bloodline will naturally be priced higher. Geographical location is also an important consideration as in wealthier urban areas the price tag of a Papillon is significantly higher. Also purchasing a Papillon from a pet store or a reputable breeder tends to be more expensive than other options.

Identifying a Purebred Papillon

It’s important to look for key characteristics when identifying a purebred Papillon. The ears should be erect and broad, with a soft, rounded shape. In the case of Papillons with drop ears (the Phalene variation), the ears are pendant and have long feathering. The eyes should not protrude excessively, and the rims should be black, with the inner corner of the eye aligning with the line where the muzzle meets the stop. The coat of a Papillon should be long, silky, and flowing, with a plumed tail that stands out rather than laying flat. They do not have an undercoat. Looking at the coloring, the white blaze on the head should flow from between the eyes down to the muzzle, without any interruptions, narrowness or unusual colouring. The presence of a distinct white stripe down the center of the face is considered a high-quality feature, and facial markings need to be symmetrical.

It is essential to avoid being tempted by low prices to avoid being deceived. Remember, a low price often comes with hidden costs and heartache.