The Papillon
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The Papillon (also known as Continental Toy Spaniel) was known in the 16th century as the Dwarf Spaniel. Noble ladies of that time did not consider a portrait complete unless one of these elegant little dogs was pictured with them.
As time went on, a change developed in the dwarf spaniel which gave rise to the present-day name, Papillon. The dwarf of that time possessed large, drooping ears. Gradually there came into being an erect eared type-the ears being set obliquely on the head and fringed as to resemble wings of a butterfly. Papillon is the French word for butterfly.
They are 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.
The body type and coat are still the same as the original dwarf spaniel, but now there are some whose ears may be either erect or drooping. Both types often appear in the same litters. The Papillon is the American Kennel Club recognized name for both varieties, but the Papillon (butterfly) is the erect ears, and the Phalene (moth) is the drop ears variety.
Papillons should be between 8-11 inches tall. Their coats are long, fine and silky. 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.
Both parents should have yearly CERF certificates (eyes) and be screened for luxating patella. Papillons are sensitive to anesthetics, vaccines, and chemicals and should never be casually medicated or sedated. 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.
