Also
called the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon
has a tail which is long and plumed and carried
curled over the back. For this reason the Papillon
was once called a Squirrel Spaniel. Its long
lustrous coat is white with patches of any color,
except liver. The butterfly ears are carried
either erect or drooping. Papillon with drop
ears are called Phalene Papillon (Moth). There
is a well-defined white nose band. It has an
alert and intelligent expression. The Papillon's
muzzle is short and a bit pointed. The dog should
be white with patches of any color. A color
other than white should cover both eyes and
both ears back to front.
Temperament
The
Papillon is sometimes called the butterfly dog
- because the ears look like butterfly wings.
It is a friendly, intelligent dog that is tougher
than it looks, and loves outdoor exercise. A
gentle and affectionate dog, lively, vivacious
and charming. Playful and amusing but can also
be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. Steady
and silent. Loves to be cuddled but also likes
to romp outdoors. It may be very possessive
of its owner and resent outsiders. They are
steady, obedient and are not yappers. Papillons
can be trained to perform small tricks. Some
blood lines can be nervous, high-strung and
timid. They can also be difficult to housebreak,
but are in general easy to train otherwise.
Papillons do best with older, considerate children.
They can be a bit dog-aggressive. Good with
cats when they are raised with them from puppyhood.
Sometimes
prone to problems with the kneecaps (patella)
in the hind legs, this can sometimes be corrected
by surgery. Also fontanel (an opening at the
top of the skull similar to a baby human's "soft
spot"). It sometimes corrects itself but if
it does not, the dog needs to be protected.
Some have a difficult time under anesthesia.
Living
Conditions
Although
they can be good city dogs, they are sometimes
not good apartment dogs, because the dog has
a strong instinct to protect their property,
and many will bark excessively at nearby noises,
not making the distinction between casual noises
and those worthy of a real alarm.
Exercise
Papillon
need a daily walk. Play will take care
of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as
with all breeds, play will not fulfill their
primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get
to go on daily walks are more likely to display
behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good
romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a
large fenced in yard.
Life
Expectancy
Some
as long as 16 years.
Grooming
Daily
combing and brushing of the long, silky, single
coat is important and fairly straightforward.
These dogs are usually clean and odorless. Bathe
or dry shampoo when necessary. Keep the nails
clipped and have the teeth cleaned regularly
because they tend to accumulate tartar. They
are average shedders and do not matt or tangle.
Origin
The
Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog,
with a recorded history in Europe going back
nearly 700 years. The breed was originally called
the epagneul nain or dwarf spaniel, and sported
spaniel-type dropped ears. The dog was later
known as the Continental Toy Spaniel (or sometimes
just toy spaniel), and this tiny breed is recognizable
in 13th through 15th century Italian frescoes.
It was featured in many paintings of the Renaissance
period; in fact much of the breed's development
is known because of its depiction in paintings.
The breed was widespread in Italy during the
Renaissance and later perfected by French breeders.
Some of its talents include: watchdogging, agility,
competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
