Little Pawz -- Papillon -- Butterfly Dog -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Papillon is a toy spaniel that takes its name from the French word for butterfly. The breed is often refered to as the 'Butterfly Dog' because of the manner in which its ears are set on the head, fringed like a butterfly's wings. The Phalene is identical except that the ears are dropped, and this variety is known as the 'moth'.

The Papillon is an affectionate, lively little dog. It is resilient, whelps easily, is a good walker, and can adapt to extremes of climate. Its attractive appearance and friendly nature make it the ideal family pet. But, like many toy breeds, it has a tendency to be possessive of its owners and often resents visitors to the home.

Size
Height: 8 – 11 inches (20 – 28 cm) at the withers
The Papillon will appear slightly longer than high.

Coat
Abundant, long, fine, silky, flowing, straight with resilient quality, flat on back and sides of body. A profuse frill on chest. There is no undercoat. Hair short and close on skull, muzzle, front of forelegs and from hind feet to hocks. Ears well fringed with the inside covered with silken hair of medium length. Backs of the forelegs are covered with feathers diminishing to the pasterns. Hind legs are covered to the hocks with abundant breeches (culottes). Tail is covered with a long flowing plume. Hair on feet is short but fine, tufts may appear over toes and grow beyond them forming a point.

Colour
Particolour — white with patches of any colour. Tri-colour — black and white with tan spots over eyes, inside the ears, on cheeks, and may have tan under root of tail. On the head, colour other than white must cover both ears, back and front, and extend without interruption from the ears over both eyes. A clearly defined white blaze and nose band are preferred to a solidly marked head. Symmetry of facial markings is desirable. The size, shape, placement, or absence of patches on the body are without importance. Papillons may be any particolour, provided nose, eye rims and lips are well-pigmented black. Among the colours there is no preference.

The following faults shall be severely penalized:
(a) Nose not black.
(b) Colour other than white not covering both ears, back and front, or not extending from the ears over both eyes. A slight extension of the white collar onto the base of the ears or a few white hairs interspersed among the colour shall not be penalized provided the butterfly appearance is not sacrificed.

Exercise
Like quite a number of toy breeds, the Papillon will happily walk its owner off its feet, or be content with a walk around the park. One thing is sure: you won't tire it.

Grooming
Daily grooming is required to keep the Papillon in good condition.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1/3 – 1/2 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food, with a biscuit, or 1 1/2 cups dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Papillon.

Origin and History
Believed to be a descendant of the Dwarf Spaniel of the 16th century and to have originated in Spain, the dainty, little Papillon has been included in many paintings including some by Rubens and Van Dyke. The Phalene, or Continental Toy Spaniel, is identical except for its drop ears. In Canada, the United States and in the United Kingdom they are judged as one breed with almost identical standards. However, the FCI (France) separates the breeds by standards and weight variations. Papillons have done well in obedience training and agility trials.