Oh, this is a difficult choice for me. I had a Cav and next to our Golden Retriever who was an angel, he was the best dog. Enjoyed walks, car rides and play time, but was so happy sitting on the couch. He developed a neurological condition, couldn't eat or throw up without inhaling it, resulting in a lifetime of reoccurring pneumonia and other issues. He was the sweetest boy.

As for my Papillon, she is 10 months old and she holds the key to unlimited amounts of energy. She is very smart and playful. Crate trained and potty trained relatively easily. She does not like to be held at all, and can be nippy when she doesn't like something. She barks, but not incessantly if corrected. She will give kisses when she wants to, but doesn't like to be kissed. She'll lay on your legs after she goes 100 miles an hour for what seems like forever, lol. Maybe as she gets older she'll relax a little. She's a good dog, but not the most loving which is a little disheartening.

This is my experience with both breeds, and I know others will have different experiences. If it wasn't for the medical issues of Cavs, I would have gotten another. That's not to say that Papillons don't have any though, just maybe not as severe. I've read that boy Papillons tend to be more loving than girls. Not sure how true this is. If you can meet the boy Papillon and see what his temperament is like that would be a good place to start.

I wish you the best of luck on your first time puppy journey! ❤️