Papillon Dogs
Toy Dog Breeds

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Description And Heritage:

Papillon dogs are lively, charming and very dainty small breeds of dog that are thought by some to have extra-sensory perception. They are easily recognized by their distinctive ears, which stand straight up and resemble butterfly wings - hence its French name which means Butterfly.

A variation of the Papillion dog breed is the Phalene, which has dropped ears - and whose name refers to a moth which folds its wings at rest.

Although there is some debate about its country of origin, the ancestors of the Papillon dog are thought to include several varieties of toy spaniels. Some sources claim a dwarf Spanish spaniel as the primary ancestor, while others point to the the Epagneul Nain of Belgium.

This breed was very popular with the French aristocrasy at the time of Marie Antoinette who, it is said, enjoyed owning one of them. Their likeness has also often been captured in paintings by many famous artists dating back to the 15th Century.

Appearance:

Height: 8-11 inches. Weight: 8-10 pounds
The Papillon dog is delicate in structure with slender legs, a small rounded skull with eyes appearing on the large size, and a pointed narrow face.

Coat and Care:

The coat color is predominantly white with patches of black or brown. This breed is very clean and self-grooming. Shedding is about average and although the coat is long and silky, it doesn't require a great deal of grooming - just a couple of brushings a week.

Personality and Traits:

Papillon dogs form a close bond with their human family and are very affectionate. They are often referred to as velcro dogs because they like to follow owners around the house, getting in the middle of everything. They make excellent companion dogs and are quite protective - this means they also can be barkers. Early training is needed to help them differentiate between acceptable barking and nuisance barking.

These small breeds of dog are hardy, agile and smart and are a good choice if you are interested in training them for competitive obedience, or agility in which they hold their own.

Activity Level:

The Papillon dog is an ever curious pet, very active and playful around the house. As such, it doesn't require a lot of additional exercise, but a daily walk is always enjoyed and recommended to benefit the health of mind and body.

Space Needs:

This breed is better suited to living in a house as they do tend to sound the alarm in response to unfamiliar noises, which might be unpopular in an apartment setting. Aside from giving consideration to this trait, they do not require a lot of space, although a yard is always useful for play and other obvious necessities.

Children:

This little dog does best in families with older children who are very considerate of pets and gentle with them. It is not recommended to be around small children, especially as puppies, because they are very delicate at this stage and could be easily injured during playful activities.

Elderly:

Elderly or more sedentary owners will enjoy this delightful and undemanding breed. Papillon dogs are attentive and loving and have frequently been used in therapy situations. However it should be kept in mind that while they don't require huge amounts of exercise, they should not be kept housebound and do need get out for walks.

Fun Stuff for Small dogs:

Small Dog Clothes

Dog Jewelry

Small Dog Carriers

Dog Hats

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