Description: The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant Toy dog of fine-boned structure, light, dainty and of lively action. He is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful butterfly-like ears. Paps are very devoted to their masters, with a hearty spirit making them desirable for show or companionship. Papillons are hardy and usually long lived. They adapt to almost any climate and are comfortable in an apartment as well as the country. They are good travelers. They love to be with their family. They are friendly, happy and eager to please. They rank the number one Toy Dog in obedience.

Other Names: Epagneul Nain (Phalene is also known as Continental Toy Spaniel)

Height: 8 - 11 inches.
Weight: 3 - 9 lbs.

Colors: From pale lemon and white to rich shades of red, chestnut, deep mahogany. Tri's and black and white.
Coat: No undercoat. Long, abundant, flowing and silky in texture.

Temperament: Friendly, alert
With Children: Yes, but not small children.
With Pets: Yes, cats and small dogs, may challenge bigger dogs.
Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Excellent Guard-dog: Very Low

Care and Training: Weekly brushing of the coat. Trimming of the pads of their feet. Minimal bathing. Can obtain his exercise indoor, but loves to take walks outdoors.
Learning Rate: Very high in obedience, high in problem solving.

Activity: Moderate
Living Environment: Apartments - Yes, but loves outdoors.

Health Issues: Usually very healthy. Some problems with inadequate tear production, progressive retinal atrophy and patella's .

Life Span: 13 - 16 years
Litter Size: 2 - 4

Country of Origin: France
History: A very old breed dating back to the fourteenth century where he was know as the Continental Toy Spaniel. The CTS had typical Spaniel ears, (hanging down on the sides of his head). Today the drop eared Papillon is known as the Phalene (meaning night moth). Appeared in the United States close to the 19th Century where the erect eared became more common.

First Registered by the AKC: 1915
AKC Group: Toy Group
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC,(GB), UKC

The Papillon has the appearance of a dainty toy breed, but many owners will claim that their dogs are "big dogs in little dog suits". Some people find that their Papillon is very capable of handling a good five-mile walk. One aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the "big dog" assertion is this breed's surprising athletic ability. In contrast to its staid and stately representation in the Old Master portraits, the Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent. The breed is far older than any other represented by the AKC and is more notable for its psychological abilities than its athletic parlor tricks; the Papillon's true strength lies in its ability to perceive the emotional needs of its owner and to translate them into a healthy psychological environment. In other words, the animal becomes what the owner needs at the time, depending on circumstances. Provided their genetic structure is sound, and they are not the product of "puppy mill" inbreeding, they are generally healthy animals. Papillons are built for movement, and most do not need any encouragement to apply their energy to AKC performance events.

In recent years, the Papillon has become a small dog star in the sport of dog agility. This sport consists of an obstacle course with tunnels, jumps, A-frames, and narrow bridges that a dog completes at top speed aided only by verbal and body-language commands from a handler. Agility requires the dog to spring, scramble, weave, and turn on a dime. The breed is considered naturally agile, and Papillons compete at both national and international trials. Because many Papillons have intense drive and natural speed, their tiny turning radius gives them an edge over larger dogs, and some Papillons are capable of beating Border Collie speeds on some courses. At the same time, Papillons excel in companionship and lap dog sweepstakes, and take it very seriously.

Others have experienced Papillons as highly companionable—yet physically active—dogs requiring appropriate socialization, consistent and monitored exercise, continued training (which also serves to stimulate their active minds), and daily, proactive human-to-canine interaction.