ADDITIONAL PAPILLON PICTURES
Family:
Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Toy
Origin: France
Date of Origin: 16th century
Originally used for: Ratter, companion
Used today: Companion, agility competitions
Other Name(s): Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog. Phalène.
History of the Breed: The exact origin of the Papillon is unknown however several theories exist. Papillon is the French word for
butterfly and owes its name and much of its breed development to the French. It is thought that these dwarf spaniels were brought to France
from Italy in the mid 15th century. It is likely that these dogs were transported through Spain to France on the backs of mules. King Louis XIV,
of France 1643 through 1715 owned many of these dogs and they were very fashionable in the French court. The European royalty took a great
liking to the Papillon because they were easy to train, easy to carry, and they had a unique personality. One theory believes the breed originated
in Asia and was brought to Italy as a result of trading with China. Marco Polo opened up the overland trade routes to China.
The A.K.C. recognized the Papillon breed in 1915 and the Papillon Club of America was formed in 1935.
General Appearance: A toy dog breed with beautiful large butterfly wing appointed ears. The head is small and slightly rounded
between the ears. The muzzle is fine, abruptly thinner than the head, tapering to the nose. The nose is small rounded and black. The eyes are
round and dark and of medium size. The ears are either erect or drop type and are large with rounded tips, and set on the sides and toward
the back of the head. The ears on the erect type are carried obliquely and move like the spread wings of a butterfly. The ears on the drop type,
known as the Phalene, are similar to the erect type, but are carried drooping and must be completely down. The chest is of medium depth with
ribs well sprung. The tail is long and set high and carried well arched over the body. The tail is covered with a long, flowing plume.
Height & Weight:
Height 8-11 Inches
Weight 9-10 Pounds
Coat: No undercoat, long fine straight hair on the back and sides of the body. Considerable hair on the chest.
Ears well fringed. Tail is covered with a long, flowing plume.
Color: Parti-color or white with patches of any color.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: Friendly and affectionate a very intelligent dog.
Friendly with children: Yes, better with older children
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, with proper socialization beginning at an early age.
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: Medium, this dog loves exercise and excels in agility competitions.
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Mitral valve dysplasia, PRA - progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patella, von Willebrand's disease
Minor:
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
2006 AKC Rank: 35
First Registered by the AKC: 1915
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Papillon Club of America