Papillon

Papillon
Size: Small
Other Names: Phal ène (drop ear type), Continental Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain Continental, Butterfly Dog, Squirrel Dog (due to tail carriage)
Country of Origin: Spain and Belgium
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant breed of dog of the Spaniel type.  The Papillon is known for its large, butterfly-like ears (Papillon is French for "butterfly"), which are well fringed with colored (not white) silky fur.  The color covers both eyes and the front and back of the ears, to give the ideal butterfly look.  Paw pads vary in color from black or pink, depending on the coloring of the dog.  As puppies, Papillons have short length fur, and as adults, the coat is long and silky.  There are two ear variations of this breed; the completely upright ears of the more common Papillon, and the dropped, Spaniel-like ears of the Plalene.  The Papillon’s tail is long, well-fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringes falling to side to form plume.  The head is slightly rounded between the ears, and the muzzle is fine, tapering, and narrower than the skull with an abrupt stop.

A tiny companion who fits an apartment; a silky coat that needs brushing, a bright hallway voice, and more spark than his size suggests.

The Papillon is one of the oldest of the toy Spaniels.  Papillons were bred for companionship, and make excellent watch dogs.  The Papillon has the appearance of a dainty toy breed, but many owners will claim that their dogs are "big dogs in little dogs suits".  Some people find that their Papillon is very capable of handling a good five-mile walk.  One aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the "big dog" assertion, is this breed’s surprising athletic ability.  The breed is considered naturally agile.
Height
8-11 inches average
Weight
7-16 pounds
Color
Parti-colored, which is white with markings of any color (black, lemon, red, sable, tan, brown, fawn, liver, silver)
Coat
Fine fur, single length; abundant, long, silky; plush and soft to touch
Lifespan
13–16 years
Litter size
2–4 puppies

Temperament

The Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent.  Papillons excel in companionship and lap dog sweepstakes, and take it very seriously.

Training

Papillons require continued training, which also serves to stimulate their active minds.  Papillons are easily litter-box trained.

Care and grooming

The Papillon is considered to be a "wash and wear" breed, and does not require excessive grooming.  Papillons require consistent and monitored exercise, and daily proactive human-to-canine interaction.

Shedding

Low to moderate; the silky coat mats behind the ears if ignored.

Health

Papillons may develop patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and dental crowding.  Regular dental care is important in this fine-boned toy breed.

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