Papillon Breed Description

An Owner's Papillon Description
Pappy chose to be my husband's dog, although he bought him for me. I blame Richard - my husband - not the dog. He spoils Pappy and treats him like royalty. He's constantly holding Pappy in his lap when he's at home. When he's at work or on a business trip, Richard buys him toys and treats. When he returns home, he showers Pappy with more goodies than he buys for me!

Pappy is pleasantly tolerant of me, but is obviously really a one-person dog and that person is Richard. Truth be told, I couldn't be happier that it's worked out that way. Richard has been disabled since a serious car accident a couple of years ago, and at first he became so depressed that he couldn't deal with physical therapy, wouldn't take his medications, and did nothing but lie in bed. It looked as though I was going to have to choose between working and caring for him, since he needed full-time attention in that condition.

I had been pestering Richard for a dog for years, and he always said no. Finally, one day, (and this was after the accident), I told him I wanted him to buy me a companion because I didn't feel like he was being a very good one. We were both in pretty poor mental straits. The next day, when I got home from work, there was Pappy. What a tiny little puppy he was! (Fully grown he's only about seven pounds.) Richard just looked at me and said, "Well, there's your new companion." I felt bad that I'd hurt him with my comment, and that I'd hurt him enough to drag himself out of bed, find a reputable breeder on line, and have a puppy delivered... but as the days passed, there was a remarkable change in Richard. I believe we owe it all to Pappy.

Richard came out of his depression, really committed himself to physical and psychiatric therapy. Today, he is once again the man I knew and loved before the accident, the man I will always love. Funny to think I owe it all to that little Papillon and it's instant devotion to a very sick and injured man. Richard's working again, sometimes from home with Pappy, and sometimes giving lectures around the country. We are a very happy family and I know we will never, ever live without a Papillon in our house!

Introduction

This breed was developed in Italy where it has survived for the past seven centuries. It stands an average of 10 inches at the shoulder. The breed has a fine, silky coat that is usually white with chestnut or lemon markings. This dog is great for those people who stay around the house. The Papillon adapts well to small and large living spaces and is a protective watchdog.

History

The Papillon is among the oldest dog breeds with a traceable ancestry going back roughly 700 years in Europe. Originally known as the dwarf spaniel or epagneul nain, this breed of dog has ears resembling those of spaniels. According to Italian frescoes, this dog is traceable to the 13th Century through to the 15th century when it was featured in numerous paintings of the Renaissance period. The knowledge regarding its development is actually attributed to the breed's depiction through these historic artworks. French breeders later perfected the Papillon thereby developing a dog with erect ears resembling butterflies.

General Description

The Papillon or Continental Toy Spaniel has a long, plumed tail that is constantly curled over its back while in motion. Its long and white lustrous coat has patches of all colors in exception of liver. Its butterfly-like ears are either carried drooping or erect. Phalene Papillon or Moth is the variety of Papillon dogs with dropping ears. They have a white, well defined nose band, as well as an intelligent and alert expression while its muzzle is slightly pointed and short. The dominant color of Papillons is white and the other colors simply integrate as patches and these are the colors that cover the ears and eyes front to back.

Temperament

Papillons are friendly, intelligent dogs that are tougher than their appearance dictates. Affectionate and gentle, they are also charming, vivacious, amusing and playful but similarly dignified, calm, gentle, and patient. This breed of dog is usually silent and steady with a love for being cuddled as well as for romping outside. Their obedient nature enables them to be easily trained and they are capable of performing small tricks. Housebreaking Papillons is generally complex once certain adverse traits in the dogs are allowed to establish themselves. This leads to certain behavioral complications such as dog aggression, obsessive barking, snapping, biting and growling. These traits are not inborn, but attributed to the manner in which the dog is treated.

Health and Care

Papillons are sometimes susceptible to kneecap complications (patella) on their hind legs and this may require surgery for correction. Fontanel is another condition that affects this breed; it typically involves an opening on the skull’s upper part with a similarity to the soft spot found in human babies. Although the condition can sometimes correct itself, in instances where it does not do so, the affected dog may require protection. Some Papillons have difficulty with anesthesia. Papillons require daily exercises to ensure that their primal instincts of walking are fulfilled while equally releasing boredom and the consequent behavioral problems.

Other Important Information

The major reason why these dogs are generally not recommended for kids is because in relation to their size, owners unknowingly permit them to be in control. These dogs require pack leaders who are consistent and capable of providing rules to be followed as well as differentiating right and wrong. Papillons are not ideal city dogs because their strong protective instincts constantly leads to excessive barking prompted by nearby noises.

Colors

white with patches of any color except liver

Living Area

Papillons can live anywhere, but apartments may cause problems as the little dog communicates in a vocal manner, which may upset the neighbors. They require steady runs or playing in the park, and enjoy their owners company at all times. Good city dogs, the only problem is they cannot tell the difference between casually barking at a shadow or serious barking at a burglar. So--they do both. If kept busy, with adequate exercise, the little dog will not have the time for idle barking. Not a breed to be raise with small children, the best owners are families with older children or single individuals. The dog is fragile, dainty boned, and is rather fragile. If dropped or accidentally stepped on--broken bones will occur.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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