Papillon

Papillon means "butterfly" in French. That's the name of this little dog because his winglike ears resemble a beautiful butterfly. He prefers to cuddle with his owner, to whom he becomes affectionately attached for life. He likes to play with toys inside and is a hardy outdoor sport--perfect for city and country dwellers alike. The Papillon is highly trainable.

Papillon breed facts

The Papillon, known in the 16th century as dwarf spaniel, is the modern development of those little dogs often seen pictured in rare old painting and tapestries.

Marie Antoinette was an ardent admirer of the Papillon.

Information you should know before owning a Papillon

The Papillon is a happy dog who makes a great house pet..

Papillons make a very good watch dog, alerting their owners of strangers.

The coat requires minimal grooming, but to prevent matting the coat should be groomed at least once a week.

The dwarf spaniel of the 16th century, depicted in many paintings by the Masters of that era, is the dog that became known as the Papillon. Although the Papillon owes its name and much of its breed development to the French, it was Spain and Italy that gave rise to its popularity. The Bologna region of Italy probably developed the largest trade, selling many dogs to the court of Louis XIV, transporting the dogs through Spain on the backs of mules.

This little hardy dog acquired it name as the breed developed the distinctive erect-ear type, the ears being set obliquely on the head and so fringed as to resemble the wings of a butterfly. Papillon is the French word for butterfly. This breed-type is said to have developed during the days of Louis the Great but the cause of the change remains largely theoretical. It is noteworthy that both drop-eared and erect-ears occur in the same litter and are judged together in AKC shows.

First represented in the American Kennel Club in 1935, this delightful little dog enjoys great popularity in both conformation and performance competitions. As ratters, they are extremely useful. Too small to kill a rat outright, they will worry it until it is exhausted then dispatch it quickly.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Small
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	30 mins a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	More than once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Flat
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	No garden

	General Appearance Dainty, well balanced little dog. An alert bearing and intelligent expression.
	Characteristics The name ‘Papillon’ is derived from the shape and position of the ears. When erect they are carried obliquely like the spread wings of a butterfly, hence the name. When the ears are completely dropped this type is known as the ‘Phalene’ (Moth). Head markings should be symmetrical, about a narrow white, clearly defined blaze which is desirable but not essential to represent the body of a butterfly.
	Temperament Lively, intelligent, friendly, with no aggression; always alert.
	Eyes Medium size, rounded, never bulging, dark with dark rims, placed rather low in skull.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with perfect regular, and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips thin, tight and dark in colour.
	Neck Medium length.
	Forequarters Shoulders well developed and sloping. Chest rather deep. Forelegs straight, slender and fine boned. Elbows close to chest.
	Body Fairly long with level topline; well sprung ribs, loin strong, of good length, slightly arched belly.
	Hindquarters Well developed, well turned stifle. Legs when viewed from behind parallel. Dewclaws on hind legs removed.
	Feet Fine, fairly long, hare-like. Tufts of hair between toes extending far beyond them.
	Tail Long, well fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringes falling to side to form plume.
	Gait / Movement Dainty, well balanced little dog. An alert bearing and intelligent expression.
	Coat Abundant, flowing but without undercoat; long fine silky, falling flat on back and sides; profuse frill on chest; short and close on skull, muzzle and front parts of legs. Rear of forelegs to pasterns, tail and thighs covered with long hair.
	Colour White with patches, which may be any colour except liver. Tricolours, black and white with tan spots over eyes, tan inside ears, on cheeks, and under root of tail.
	Size Height 20-28 cms (8-11 ins). Dog will appear slightly longer than high when properly furnished with ruff and hind fringes.