The Papillon or Butterfly Dog

The Small Dog with Big Butterfly Ears and a Big Dog's Heart

Nov 4, 2009 Mary Beth Miller

The Papillon is an AKC recognized toy breed that was bred as a lap dog in the Middle Ages. "Papillon" is French and refers to the dog's large, butterfly-shaped ears.

Papillons were first bred in Medieval Europe, and the development of their breed has been documented in paintings since the 13th century. Originally called the Continental Toy Spaniel, the breed was bred as a lap dog for royalty and their courts throughout the middle ages and later centuries. The development of the breed, therefore, is well-documented in paintings from this time. It is said that King Henri of France used to suspend small buckets from his neck for his papillons to ride in. One dog tried to warn him of the treachery of the monk Jacques Clement, but the king did not listen to her incessant barking, and he was stabbed. He died, but the monk was caught thanks to the noise the dogs made.

The breed is jealously guarded by its breeders, which has led to the preservation of breed characteristics and the breed's overall health.

Physical Traits

The breed's most distinctive feature is their ears, which spread out from their heads like butterfly wings. A second variety of the breed is the phalene, or moth in french. These dogs, which can be born in the same litter as papillons, have ears that rest against their heads like a typical spaniel breed. It is generally thought that the phalene was developed first.

The average papillon male weighs between 8 and 10 pounds and stands 8 to 11 inches tall. Bitches weigh between 7 and 9 pounds and are of a similar height. They have an alert face, that is rounded between the ears and have a tapering snout. They are fine-boned, with silky hair, and a tail that curls up over their back. Most are longer than they are tall.

They generally are white with brown or black spots, although tricolor papillons are increasing in popularity. Facial markings must encircle both eyes and ears, but a solid colored face is acceptable. Dogs that are solid white or solid colored are disqualified from shows.

Grooming is not as demanding as their long coat suggests, nor do they shed more than average. A daily brushing and occasional the bath and nail clipping are all that are required. In hot climates, a short cut for the summer is advisable.

Papillons as a breed are quite healthy and long lived. They can live for as long as 16 years.

The breed has few health problems. These include patellar luxation (loose kneecaps), a few eye problems, the early loss of teeth, and occasionally a soft spot or fontanel on the head. While sometimes difficult to house break, more frequent walks can help solve the problem. Some papillons are even litter trained.

Personality and Temperment

Papillons are wonderful companions. They are eager to please, lively, and intelligent. They have won agility competitions and scent trials. They love to go for walks and thrive with outdoor time in an area where it is safe to romp and play. They love to hunt and dig like much larger dogs. While they can live in apartments, their protectiveness toward their territory can lead to frequent barking. The breed as a whole are not known for being yappy. They make great therapy dogs since they thrive on human companionship. They do not, like most small dogs, do well with small children. Their size and relative delicateness make them susceptible to injury if handled roughly. If socialized properly and the children advised about the dog's delicacy, the breed does fine with children over the age of six. They also accept cats if socialized with them.

Sources

Dog Breed Info: Papillon

Dog Owner's Guide: Papillon

Forevr Paps

The copyright of the article The Papillon or Butterfly Dog in Dogs is owned by Mary Beth Miller. Permission to republish The Papillon or Butterfly Dog in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A black and white papillon.