The breed of Papillons is well known for being engaging, charming, noble and pleasant, which has accounted for its popularity in its home country of France, particularly among royals and celebrities.

A Papillon is perhaps most noted for its appearance in portraits alongside royalty and wealthy families in France, as early as the 15th century. Prior to the discovery of these French paintings by such artists as Mignard, Gragonard, Watteau and Cowes, toy spaniels that close resembles the present day Papillons were first witness in paintings by Italian artist Tiziano Vicelli. The best known of these being the "Venus of Urbino." A portrait of King Louis XIV can also be seen with a Papillon, and is also famous.

One of the most popular examples of a noted royal keeping a Papillon is Marie Antoinette, her dog was called Thisbe. The story of Thisbe entails him being brought over from Spain upon the back of a pack mule, and serves as a testimony to the breed being a companion. Marie Antoinette is also said to have carried Thisbe as she walked to the guillotine. Fortunately, her dog was spared the blade and taken care of in a building called, "The Papillon House," which is still standing today and goes by the same name.

Another royal who loved Papillons was King Henry II, who it is said spent an unbelievable amount of money on the care of his dogs.

It is interesting to note that while the term "Papillon," is the French word for butterfly, the dogs are not actually known by that name in France. In France and other countries, they do not use English as a primary language,so the breed is known as the Epagneul Nain Continental or ENC.

Because Canada contains a large percentage of French natives and ancestry, it is not surprising to note that Papillons are quite popular there as well, especially in French Qubec.

The prevalence of Papillons in France and in French cultures, the breeds influence on the rest of the world began during the 16th century. The Papillon dog breed was first imported to France from Spain and named in the classification of Epagnuel Nain Continental. Though the Papillon long been a changing breed, different qualities have emerged from the different bloodlines.

For a period of time, Papillons were referred to as "Squirrel Spaniels," because of the way the tail stuck out, stood up and curled towards the body, which of coarse resembles that of a squirrel. As a matter of fact, it was not until the 19th century that a Papillon developed the appearance that it is known for today.

The unique charm of a Papillon has helped in its immense popularity around the world, since the dog breed first came into existence in France more than four-hundred years age. Even today, it is France where they remain ever-adored, and are still extremely popular. Their popularity is rising among Americans too. Women especially love them because they require lots of grooming and love pampering.