Papillon
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Introduction
The Papillon, also known as the Epagneul Nain, the Epagneul Nain Continental, the Chien Ecureuil, the Squirrel Dog, the Butterfly Spaniel, the Squirrel Spaniel, the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Dwarf Spaniel and the Pap, is a graceful yet hardy little dog that has been prized as a lapdog in continental Europe for over 200 years. Despite their delicate appearance, Papillons do not require coddling in cold weather, nor do they particularly suffer in hot climates. Papillons can have erect up-ears or dropped down-ears. They enjoy both rural and urban environments and are equally content in a city apartment as on a country farm. Papillons are known for their distinctive appearance, diminutive size and delightful disposition. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915, and was accepted for full registration as a member of the Toy Group in the mid-1930s.
Mature Papillons stand 8 to 11 inches at the withers; height over 11 inches is a fault, and height over 12 inches is a disqualification. Weight should be in proportion to height. This breed has an abundant, long, fine and flowing straight coat with profuse frill on the chest. There is no undercoat. Both the ears and the back of the legs are covered with feather and fringe. The tail appears as a long, flowing plume. Acceptable colors are white with patches of any color(s), called “parti-colored.” Solid colors are not permitted in the American show ring.
The ancestry of the Papillon is still a mystery. Some people argue that the Papillon descends from Asian toy breeds such as the Japanese Chin, while others believe that the miniaturization of European spaniels occurred simply from crossing smaller and smaller breed specimens, without introducing blood from the Far East. Whatever their exact origin, tiny spaniels (called Continental Toy Spaniels and Dwarf Spaniels) were well established in Europe by the 1200s. The Papillon is the
The name “Papillon” is french for “butterfly” and this breed got that name from their butterfly shaped ears. Papillons are spirited little dogs with energy to spare. They love to chase balls and run around the house, though they are happy to take a break to soak up a little love and attention whenever they can get it. They learn things quickly, and are often at the top of their class in obedience and agility.
The Papillon, a member of the toy group is a tiny, fine-boned spaniel with a friendly, alert, and intelligent expression. The ears are described as butterfly-like, and the name “Papillon” is French for butterfly. These distinctive ears are either erect or drooping. The droopy-eared Papillons are known as Phalene, and in Europe these dogs are considered a separate breed from the Papillon. The coat is shiny, silky, long and straight. The tail is plumed and
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