Papillon Picture Gallery

Papillon Breeders

Papillon Clubs/Associations

The Full Papillon Description

Papillon means "butterfly" in French. That's the name of this little dog because his winglike ears resemble a beautiful butterfly. He prefers to cuddle with his owner, to whom he becomes affectionately attached for life. He likes to play with toys inside and is a hardy outdoor sport--perfect for city and country dwellers alike. The Papillon is highly trainable.

Did you know?

The Papillon, known in the 16th century as dwarf spaniel, is the modern development of those little dogs often seen pictured in rare old painting and tapestries.
Marie Antoinette was an ardent admirer of the Papillon.

So you want to own an Papillon?

The Papillon is a happy dog who makes a great house pet..
Papillons make a very good watch dog, alerting their owners of strangers.
The coat requires minimal grooming, but to prevent matting the coat should be groomed at least once a week.

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Dainty, well balanced little dog. An alert bearing and intelligent expression.

Characteristics

The name ‘Papillon’ is derived from the shape and  position of the ears. When erect they are carried obliquely like the spread wings of a butterfly, hence the name. When the ears are completely dropped this type is known as the ‘Phalene’ (Moth). Head markings should be symmetrical, about a narrow white, clearly defined blaze which is desirable but not essential to represent the body of a butterfly.

Temperament

Lively, intelligent, friendly, with no aggression; always alert.

Head and Skull

Skull slightly rounded between ears, muzzle finely pointed and abruptly finer than the skull, accentuating well defined stop. Length from tip of nose to stop approximately one-third of length of head. Nose black.

Eyes

Medium size, rounded, never bulging, dark with dark rims, placed rather low in skull.

Ears

Very large, mobile with rounded tips, heavily fringed; set towards back of head far enough apart to show slightly rounded shape of skull. Leathers firm but fine. When erect each ear should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees to head.

Mouth

Jaws strong, with perfect regular, and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips thin, tight and dark in colour.

Neck

Medium length.

Forequarters

Shoulders well developed and sloping. Chest rather deep. Forelegs straight, slender and fine boned. Elbows close to chest.

Body

Fairly long with level topline; well sprung ribs, loin strong, of good length, slightly arched belly.

Hindquarters

Well developed, well turned stifle. Legs when viewed from behind parallel. Dewclaws on hind legs removed.

Feet

Fine, fairly long, hare-like. Tufts of hair between toes extending far beyond them.

Tail

Long, well fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringes falling to side to form plume.

Gait/Movement

Light, free-flowing, positive and free from any restriction. Viewed from in front or behind, legs and feet moving parallel to each other, with feet turning neither in nor out. Viewed from side, dog covering ground well with no hint of hackneyed action.

Coat

Abundant, flowing but without undercoat; long fine silky, falling flat on back and sides; profuse frill on chest; short and close on skull, muzzle and front parts of legs. Rear of forelegs to pasterns, tail and thighs covered with long hair.

Colour

White with patches, which may be any colour except liver. Tricolours, black and white with tan spots over eyes, tan inside ears, on cheeks, and under root of tail.

Size

Height 20-28 cms (8-11 ins). Dog will appear slightly longer than high when properly furnished with ruff and hind fringes.