Characteristics of the Papillon

The Papillon is most probably descended from the Continental Toy Spaniel. Throughout most of their history, Papillons had drop ears, making their Spaniel ancestry more obvious. The name Papillon (French for "butterfly") is reserved for this erect-eared dog, while the earlier variety is the drop-eared Phalene ("night moth").

France, Belgium and Spain all claim to be its country of origin, as this dainty dog consorted with royal families of many countries. Since the name Papillon is of French derivation, most canine historians agree with the popular belief that maintains the breed originated in that country.

The Papillon was the favorite lap dog of the royal class, with centuries of kings, queens and other nobility who were known to favor pocket-sized dogs they could cuddle and carry about with ease.

Given the Papillon's role as the treasured companion of royalty and high courtesans, it is not surprising that during the Renaissance period this charming creature frequently appeared in religious fescoes and in famous paintings throughout Europe.

Characteristics of the Papillon

Papillon means "butterfly" in French - a name likely given due to its ears, which, when erect resemble the butterfly. The white blaze that runs down the top of this dog's head adds to the butterfly appearance.

This small, fined boned dog is described a very dainty, lively, clean and affectionate pet. It's fine, soft and silky coat is white with patches of any color or tri-color (black and white with tan markings). The nose, eyes and lips are black, and the gorgeous tail is thickly plumed and carried proudly over the body. To watch a Papillon move, one gets the impression of a proud little dog that literally prances.

The Papillon makes an excellent family pet for any size accommodation and is ideally suited to the stay-at-home. Their soft, glossy coats require little grooming. As they are not double-coated, there is no big seasonal shed. While they are indoor dogs without substantial exercise requirements, Paps enjoy the outdoors, and fancy themselves great hunters of birds, squirrels, spiders, even butterflies! Because of the breed's diminutive size and stature, the Papillon is not suited to households with children under 6 years of age. Loyal, loving and protective, Papillons make good watch dogs, too!

Characteristics of the Papillon

They are a constant motion-machine that would prefer to "swallow" life in big gulps rather than tiny sips. You'll find them running frantically around for no reason, except for the thrill of an escapade. This is their life, one filled with remarkable adventures: real or imaginary.

These dogs learn by thinking and are able to figure out complicated situations while at the same time, creating a way to outwit you. They also invent games to play with each other and by themselves; they acquire knowledge through a thought process. Papillons are ranked in the top 10% of all dogs for intelligence. Papillons are athletic and thrive on the mental challenges that agility competitions provide. They are the number one Toy Breed for Agility.

The Papillon is constantly happy and loves to meet people, sit in laps and give "kisses". They do not have a reputation for being high-strung, nervous or fearful.

Papillons should never demonstrate unprovoked aggression or exaggerated mistrust towards people or other animals. Papillons are far to busy being active participants in life to be bothered with anger or bashfulness.

Breed Standard of the Papillon

Debbie (Ch Bergundtal Double Delight) bred and owned by Elizabeth Schweizer of Bergundtal Kennels

• 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.
• Head and Skull
  Skull slightly rounded between ears, muzzle finely pointed and abruptly finer than the skull, accentuating well defined stop. Length from tip of nose to stop approximately one-third of length of head. Nose black.
• Eyes
  Medium size, rounded, never bulging, dark with dark rims, placed rather low in skull.
• Ears
  Very large, mobile with rounded tips, heavily fringed; set towards back of head far enough apart to show slightly rounded shape of skull. Leathers firm but fine. When erect each ear should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees to head.
• 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 color.
• 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 top line; 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
  Light, free flowing, positive and free from any restriction. Viewed from in front or behind, legs and feet moving parallel to each other, with feet turning neither in nor out. Viewed from side, dog covering ground well with no
  hint of hackneyed action.
• 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 color except liver. Tricolors 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.
• Faults
  Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
• NOTE
  Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

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