Papillon

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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.

Height:: 8-11 inches average
Weight:: 7-16 pounds
Color(s):: 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
Description:: 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.
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 & 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.
Lifespan:: 13–16 years
Litter Size:: 2–4 puppies

Crosses that include the Papillon

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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