Papillon Dog Breed Profile

Description: The Papillon is a dwarf spaniel with a delicate bone structure. Despite its outward delicacy, the Papillon is an active dog that enjoys outdoor activities. The Papillon should be no taller at the withers than 11 inches, and the dog will weigh 8 to 10 pounds and the bitch 7 to 9 pounds. The ears are distinguishing feature on this dog, being large and fringed with long hair, giving the suggestion of butterfly wings. The body hair is of moderate length, and of a fine texture. The coat is white with patches of brown, black, lemon, red, or nearly any color. The tail is carried over the back. The Papillon can live for 16 years. This dog is also called the Butterfly Dog, the Continental Toy Spaniel, and the Phalene.

History: The Papillon made its first appearance in art during the 13th century. Italian Renaissance paintings often show this little dog sitting contentedly in the laps of noble ladies. At that time, the years were not yet erect,but looked like spaniel ears. The Papillon became popular throughout Europe and the French are responsible for bestowing the breed's name on them. By this time, the ears were obviously erect. The French word for butterfly is Papillon.

Temperament: The Papillon is an affectionate dog that delights in being close to its human family. This is a playful dog that is active and lively in the house. The Papillon is not good dog for families with very young children because while still a puppy, it can be unintentionally injured by a rough child. Once the dog has grown, it is fairly robust. The Papillon will not appreciate having other dogs in the house, as it has a jealous nature. Strangers will be viewed with some skepticism. They are lap dogs and enjoy nothing more than a cuddle on someone's lap. This breed may prove difficult to housebreak.

Health Issues: The Papillon is a healthy little dog, but does suffer from a few health problems. The dog may have a soft spot on its forehead. This will sometimes close up on its own, but the head must be protected if it does not. The Papillon can also develop problems with its kneecap. Anaesthesia can cause problems with some of these dogs, so make sure your veterinarian is aware of this.

Grooming: As the Papillon's coat does not matt easily, it only needs a daily brushing to keep it in good condition. A dry shampoo is recommended, but a bath can be given several times a month if the Papillon gets dirty. Special attention should be paid to dental hygiene and the owner should brush the teeth regularly. Make sure that the ears are dry and clean and trim excess hair from the inside.

Living Conditions: While the Papillon is such a small dog that it can live almost anywhere, the potential owner who lives in an apartment should be aware that the Papillon may present a barking problem. It is an alert little dog that has strong protective instincts, and will bark at almost any noise. As the Papillon has always been a companion dog, it should be around the people it loves.