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The Papillon is considered to be one of the oldest
toy breeds in continental Europe and was a favorite at the French
court. Their famous owners include Henry III, Marie Antoinette and
Madame de Pompadour.
There is evidence that these small dogs were favorites
of the Old Masters, as Phalenes & Papillons were portrayed by many
of them from as early as the
sixteenth century.
The are many stories about the Papillon, the
following story of Marie Antoinette is one of our favorite stories
about the breed history of the aristocratic butterfly dog. We have
enjoyed sharing this bit of history for many years and wanted to
share it with you. The story goes that when Marie was taken to the
guillotine to be beheaded, she carried her favorite pet with her
to her death. This pet was a Papillon, a small spaniel type
dog that was a court favorite. Supposedly the dog was not
killed with her mistress and was cared in a Parisian building
still named the Papillon House.
Early images of the breed are found in paintings
and wall murals as early as the 13th century. Epagneul
Nain Continental, or Continental Toy Spaniel, is the name given
this little dog. The name Squirrel
Spaniel has also been used.
Near the end of the 1800's, the breed fanciers bred a version of the
spaniel whose ears stood up. This dog was named
Papillon based on their erect ears that resembled
the wings of a butterfly. The drop eared variety of
the breed came to be called the Phalène, or moth in French.. Both types are still bred
today and can show up in the same litter although the Papillon is
much more common.
The Papillon today has a straight silky coat,
that almost drapes and is not to appear puffy or double coated. The large
 erect
ears and fringe on the ears is the most notable physical
attribute of the erect eared breed today. The Phalene of today is
the same as the erect eared Papillon excluding its dropped spaniel
ears. Judging the two breeds together are to be considered
equal.
Papillons are an amazingly versatile dog. They compete
and perform in Agility, Obedience, Conformation and Tracking. They
may look like a dainty toy but many times Paps act like a small
dog in a big dog's body. This can be amusing and unnerving
at the same time. Papillons are a tough little breed and are
capable of making multiple mile trips, though at the same time can
refuse to go out on wet lawns or in the rain. Paps are well
suited to work in agility, as they are an athletic small dog that
can be well trained and some of the Paps have hunting &
herding instincts as well. They have become a favorite of agility
trainers as they run through the tunnels, jumps, weave poles and
a-frames with ease. You will see Papillons compete at the
top levels of competition agility trials
Papillons are a wonderful family dog and want very much to
please. Although many breeders are of the opinion that it is
best not place a very small Papillon in a home with toddler
aged children. They are well suited for an apartment
lifestyle and can be lap dogs that just want to be near their
owners.
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