Papillon
Sometimes known as “Butterfly Dogs” due to their fringed ears’ resemblance to butterfly’s wings, early Papillon enjoyed life in the courts of European royalty. A friendly companion, the Papillon is lively and one of the most obedient of toy breeds.
Appearance
Papillon are praised for their beautiful ears which can naturally be erect or drooping. They have a fine-boned structure which contributes to their light, dainty action. They stand 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulders and weight around 8 to 10 pounds. They have a silky, medium-length coat that always contains white mixed with black, lemon, red, tan, brown, sable, or silver. They are heavy shedders, so frequent brushing will help to reduce hair in the home.
Personality
Properly trained and socialized Papillon can be loving companions to owners, children, and other pets. This breed is known as one of the most loyal and responsive of Toys. Today, they are ranked amongst the top breeds in obedience competitions. While some Papillons may be timid, others are known to be possessive and bossy despite their small size.
History
Papillons were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and often depicted in the company of French and Spanish noblewomen. These dogs originally had only drooping ears. It is through some unknown factor that Papillons developed erect ear variations, creating the resemblance to butterflies and giving rise to the name Papillon: the French word for “butterfly”.
Care
The breed’s natural intelligence demands proper mental stimulation in the form of challenging games, indoors and out. Papillons are alert and eager to learn – they are easy to train and love the company of people. They also enjoy daily walks, although they cannot live outdoors and should be protected from the elements. While generally easy to care for, special attention should be paid to their silky coats lest they become matted and tangled. Ideally, a Papillon should be brushed 10 to 15 minutes several times a week.
Health
A relatively healthy breed, Papillons may encounter minor health concerns in the form of patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. It is recommended that they have their knees and eyes checked to ensure health. The expected lifespan of the Papillon is 12 to 15 years.
Conditions Summary
- Patellar Luxation: a condition where the knee cap moves out of position momentarily, can lead to lameness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: a degeneration of the canine retina which can lead to blindness.
References
The Complete Dog Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2006. Print.
"Papillons: A Guide to Dogs and Puppies of the Papillon Breed." The Dog Guide: Helping You Find Your Perfect Dog.
"Animal Planet :: Dog Breed Profile :: Papillon." Animal Planet : Pets, Wild Animals, Dog Breeds, Cat Breeds.
"American Kennel Club - Papillon." American Kennel Club - Akc.org.
"Choosing a Papillon." Pet Place:Pet Care Information - Pet Information - Pet Health Information.
"Luxating Patella: A Knee Problem in Dogs." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.
"Progressive Retinal Atrophy/Degeneration in Dogs." Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians.
