Description: The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant Toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action. Their body is slightly longer than their tail and their heads are small with a tapered muzzle. The papillons’ ears can be either erect like butterfly wings (hence the name Papillon, which is French for butterfly) or dropped (Phalene, meaning night moth). Papillons are very devoted to their owners, with a hearty spirit, making them desirable for show or companionship and adapt to almost any climate. They are comfortable in an apartment as well as the country. They make good travelers. The Papillon ranks number one among Toy Dogs in obedience.

Other Names: Butterfly Dog, Continental Toy Spaniel, Dwarf Spaniel, Phalene (drop eared), Squirrel Dog.

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 8 - 11 inches.

Colors: From pale lemon and white to rich shades of red, chestnut, and deep mahogany over a white background, tricolors, and black and white.

Coat: No undercoat. Long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture. The coat is soft and single.

Temperament: Papillons are friendly and alert, with a keen sense of hearing. They act like they are big dogs, but in a little body. They are cheerful, enthusiastic, intelligent and obedient. Papillons are hardy, confident, energetic, and outgoing. Papillons are adaptable to many situations and easy to travel with. They get along well with other pets and children, but are not afraid to challenge bigger dogs. Due to their size, they are not well suited for families with toddler age or younger children.

Care and Training: Weekly bathing and brushing of the Papillon's coat is needed and trimming of the hair on the pads of their feet should be performed. Nail trimming and teeth cleaning should be preformed on a regular basis. Papillons have high energy at different times of the day and should be allowed to exercise daily.  

Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Very high. Problem Solving - High.

Health Issues: Usually very healthy. Some problems with inadequate tear production, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), luxating patellas, liver shunt and are susceptible to hypoglycemia.

Life Span: 13 - 16 years.

Litter Size: 2 - 4 puppies.

History: The Papillon is a very old breed that dates back to the fourteenth century where they were know as the Continental Toy Spaniel in Europe. The Continental Toy Spaniel had typical Spaniel ears, (hanging down on the sides of their head). Papillons were popular with noblewomen of Western Europe. Madame Pompadour had two Papillons named "Inez" and "Mimi". Marie Antoinette had Papillons as pets as well. Many painters included this elegant breed in their artwork as well, including works from Rubens, Van Dyke, Rembrandt, Fragonard and more. Today in the Louvre in Paris you will find a picture of Louis XIV with his children and their Papillon. In the United States the Papillon arrived close to the 19th Century where the erect eared type has became more common. In France, the breed is sometimes called Le Chien Ecureuil, or Squirrel Dog. The Papillon was first exhibited in Britain under the title "Foreign Dogs" in 1923, and was officially recognized in the U.S. in 1935. First Registered by the AKC: 1935

Registries: AKC, UKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC (GB)