<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Papillon is believed to be a descendant of the 16th century Dwarf Spaniel. The Papillon was popular with royal courts and aristocrats; in fact, Marie Antoinette is said to have carried her pet Papillon with her to the guillotine. Madame de Pompadour had two, and many were sold to the court of Louis XIV. The Papillon appears in paintings of Watteau and Rubens. Today's Papillon is primarily a companion dog, but also excels at obedience trials.
<b>Description:</> The Papillon is a dainty, fine-boned toy spaniel, usually strong and healthy, with an alert and intelligent expression. The name, French for "butterfly", describes the ears which resemble butterfly wings. The ears may be either erect or drooping (Phalene). The abundant coat is silky and glossy with a frill on the chest. The plumed tail is arched over the back. The ears are well-fringed and the backs of legs feathered. The Papillon's muzzle is short and a bit pointed. The dog should be white with patches of any other color. A color other than white should cover both eyes and both ears back to front.
<b>Notes:</> The Papillon is sometimes possessive of his owners, resents visitors, and may even get jealous. Daily grooming needed. Some bloodlines can be nervous, high- strung and timid. A fairly fragile little dog; some lines are prone to slipped stifle and fractures. Can be difficult to housebreak. Teeth should receive regular care to remove tartar deposits. Very clean and odorless.
<b>Personality:</> A gentle and affectionate dog, trainable for competitive obedience. Lively, vivacious and charming. Playful and amusing, but can also be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. Steady and silent. Loves to be cuddled, but also likes to romp outdoors.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Very easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Daily grooming is best.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> Some trimming or stripping (little skill required).
<C>Coat:</C> Feathered coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Little exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A fair jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Fairly active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> PAPILLON
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
