by Elle Kim

Created on: July 01, 2007   Last Updated: August 13, 2008

BACKGROUND
Papillons, distinguishable by its large, ears that resemble a butterfly which are fringed with silky colored hair, are a toy breed with elegant features. They are from Spain, Belgium, England, and France, and are one of the first and oldest toy breeds. They make excellent watch dogs, and are very intelligent and energetic.
Papillons are hardy, and can tolerate 5-mile walks easily. That, and some other reasons regarding the temperament results in many people saying that Papillons are large dogs inside a small dog's body. This makes is easy to train and keep, although it is difficult to house train them. However, like many other small dogs, Papillons usually faint when they are hungry due to low blood glucose.

These agile dogs are capable of competing and international agility courses and trials. Companionable, they like to learn with their owners and spend time with them.

THE LOOK
Papillons are usually white and another color, such as black or tan, or both. A completely white Papillon or one with no white at all is disqualified from show rings. They can be registered in a variety of following colors with AKC, which are:

-White and Black
-White and Lemon
-White and Red
-White and Sable
-White, Black, and Tan
-Black, Brown, and White
-Black, Red, and White
-Brown and White
-Fawn and White
-Red
-Red, White, and Sable
-Tan

Papillons have a fine, single-length coat with no undercoat, which is silky and usually long when fully matured. Their ears can usually upright, but can have ears similar to those of a spaniel, which are called Phalene. (The Phalene is considered the same breed as the Papillon)
Papillons have narrow muzzles are round heads with long tails. The usually grow to about 8-12 inches in height. (over 12 inches is a disqualification in the conformation show ring.) Papillons' tails are heavily plumed, and curl over their backs.
They way from 7-10 pounds on average, 13-15 pounds being at the heaviest.

THE HISTORY
Papillons trace back to around the 16th century. They appeared in works of art such as the Venus of Urbino, and a family portrait of Louis XIV. Papillons are referred to as Epagneul Nain Continental in countries that do not speak English (ENC). They have been nicknamed the Squirrel Spaniel, and Butterfly Dog (Papillon translates to Butterfly in French and Phalene means Moth)

A LAST OVERVIEW
Overall, the Papillon is a wonderful, attractive dog. They have been ranked number 35 on the 154 dog breeds in AKC registrations in 2004 and 2005. They are affectionate and loving. They are outgoing and go well with strangers and children. They don't need too much exercise , besides moving around indoors, much they enjoy walks. Grooming requirements are minimal.
These dogs live from about 14-16 years old and usually have no serious health risks. Uncommon diseases include mitral valve disease (heart disease) cataracts and other eye diseases, and luxating patella.
If you're looking for a dog that will stick by your side, always keep the Papillon in mind.

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