Papillon

Description: The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant Toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action. Their body is slightly longer than their tail and their heads are small with a thick tapered muzzle. They are distinguished from other breeds by their beautiful, ears. Papillons ears can be either erect like butterfly wings (hence the name Papillon, which is French for butterfly) or dropped (Phalene, meaning night moth). Papillons are very devoted to their masters, with a hearty spirit making them desirable for show or companionship. Papillons are hardy and usually long lived. They adapt to almost any climate and are comfortable in an apartment as well as the country. They make good travelers.  They love to be with their family. They are friendly, happy and eager to please. The Papillon ranks number one Toy Dog in obedience.

Other Names: Continental Toy Spanial, Epagneul Nain (dwarf spaniel), Phalene (drop eared)

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 8 – 11 inches. Weight: 3 – 9 lbs.

Colors: From pale lemon and white to rich shades of red, chestnut, deep mahogany. Tris and black and white. Coat: No undercoat. Long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture.

Temperament: Papillons are friendly, alert. They think they are big dogs in little bodies. With Children: Yes, but not small children. With Pets: Yes, cats and small dogs, may challenge bigger dogs. Special Skills: Family pet

Watch-dog: Excellent Guard-dog: Very Low

Care and Training: Weekly brushing of the Papillons coat is needed. Trimming of the pads of their feet to prevent splaying of the feet. Nail trimming and teeth cleaning should be preformed on a regular basis. Minimal bathing is required. The Papillon can obtain their exercise indoors, but loves to take walks outside. Younger Papillons have been know to participate in “Frapping” frenetic random activity periods. Learning Rate: Very high in obedience, high in problem solving.

Activity: Low -Moderate Living Environment: Papillons will adapt to any living environment including apartments, but they love the outdoors and will enjoy laying down and soaking up the sun in a back yard.

Health Issues: Usually very healthy. Some problems with inadequate tear production, progressive retinal atrophy, patella’s and liver shunt.

Life Span: 13 – 16 years Litter Size: 2 – 4

Famous Papillon Owners: Christina Aguilera owns two Papillon dogs, Chewy and Stinky George Takei (Mr. Sulu from Star Trek) owned a Papillon Renne

Country of Origin: France History: The Papillon is a very old breed that dates back to the fourteenth century where they were know as the Continental Toy Spaniel. The Continental Toy Spaniel had typical Spaniel ears, (hanging down on the sides of their head). Papillons were popular with noblewomen of Western Europe. Madame Pompadour and Marie Antoinette both had Papillons as Pets. Today in the Louvre in Paris you will find a picture of Louis XIV with his children and their Papillon. In the United States the Papillon arrived close to the 19th Century where the erect eared has became more common.

First Registered by the AKC: 1915 AKC Group: Toy Group Class: Toy Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC,(GB), UKC