Papillons

Appearance:

Body: Small, fine-boned, longer than the height at the withers, straight, level topline, well-developed shoulders and deep chest. (I know it's hard to imagine a 10 pound dog with a deep chest and well-developed shoulders but, of course, it's all relative!)

Coat: Long, thick, straight, fine, silky and flowing; no undercoat.

Color: Parti-colored or white with markings of any other color. Most commonly found in black and white, sable and white, red and white.

Ears: Large, set back, erect or dropped with round tips, heavily fringed and characteristically shaped like the wings of a butterfly.

Eyes: Medium size, round, dark with black rims, low set, not bulging; expressively alert and intelligent.

Feet: Long, fine and hare-footed (elongated) with strong pads and toes. Toes are tufted with fine hair.

Head: Small and dainty, slightly rounded between the ears, moderately wide, somewhat flat on top, well-defined stop, tapered muzzle, small black nose, and white narrow blaze.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, thin and fine-boned with elbows held close to chest. Hindquarters are well-developed and well-angulated with thin, fine-boned legs and good turn of stifle.

Neck: Moderately long and slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 9 - 10 pounds
Height: 8 - 11 inches

Tail: Long, high set, arched, well-fringed and carried upward over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Can be difficult to house train
Clean and odorless
Good with children

One of the most delightful and brightest of the toy breeds, the Papillon is small and dainty, easily trainable, eager to learn and very entertaining with his comical antics. He's a happy-go-lucky bundle of joy that loves to play and excels in obedience and agility competition.

AKC Standard says, "The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action; distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears."

The Papillon is a little package of elegance with a happy, friendly, intelligent personality. He's an excellent watch dog with tireless energy and a passion for playing. He can also be bossy and territorial with his toys and his bond with his owner is sometimes so strong that he is unwilling to share him with anyone else.

Though good with children, he can be easily injured by being stepped on or unintentionally dropped. Young children should be supervised until they learn to be gentle and to respect the fragility of the Pap. Many are injured by jumping off of high furniture, off of beds, running down stairs or being rolled on while sleeping next to his owner.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Bred for companionship and adorned by royalty.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise with lots of playful games.

Grooming: The Papillon is a clean and odorless dog. Brush two to three times weekly to maintain his silky coat; daily during shedding season. Keep ear canals clean and dry, and brush teeth to prevent tarter buildup.

Health

Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 Years

Possible Problems:
A very hardy breed

Luxating Patella - slipped knee caps

Injuries are often caused by being stepped on, jumping off of high furniture, being unintentionally dropped, or from children roughhousing with him.

Some Papillons react badly to drugs such as anesthetics and vaccinations. Check with your veterinarian before administering flea and tick control products or other drug related chemicals.

Unlike most tiny dogs the Pap is capable of enduring both cold and hot weather conditions.

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes

Country of Origin

France/Italy - 1600s