Papillon

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The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with a recorded history in Europe going back nearly 700 years. The breed originally only had dropped ears and was called the "epagneul nain" or "dwarf spaniel."

Much of the breed's development is known because of its depiction in paintings. This tiny breed is recognizable in 13th through 15th century Italian paintings in the Renaissance period. They were often painted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. The dog was later known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, which is the official name the FCI standard goes by.

Also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is a small, fine-boned dog. The small head is slightly rounded between the ears with a well-defined stop. The muzzle is somewhat short and thin, tapering to the nose. The dark, medium-sized, round eyes have black rims. The large ears can either be erect or dropped with rounded tips. Papillons with drop ears are called Phalene Papillons (Moth). The hair on the ears is long and fringed, giving it a butterfly-like look.

The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The long tail is set high, carried over the body and covered with long hair. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The straight, long, fine, single coat has extra frill on the chest, ears, back of the legs and the tail. Coat color is white with patches of any color except for liver. A mask of a color other than white covers both ears and eyes from back to front.

Temperament: Intelligent, Happy, Alert, Friendly, Energetic, Hardy

Health Problems: Papillons have only minor health concerns although patellar luxation, seizures, and dental problems can be issues. Additionally they can be at risk for PRA, intervertebral disk disease, and allergies.