Country of OriginBelgium
France
Nicknames and Other NamesPhalene
Epagneul Nain Continental
Continental Toy Spaniel
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupToy Group
Spaniel Group
Bred ForLap Dog
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByAKC, FCI, ANKC, NZKC, UKC, CKC, KC
Life Span14-16 years
Ideal Weight5-10 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height8-11 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeLong, silky, flowing, straight,
lying flat on the back
Common ColorsWhite and Red, White and Sable,
White and Lemon, White Black and Tan
MarkingsBlack Markings
Red Markings
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsFeatured in works of classic arts
Suitable for Apartmentsno
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToJapanese Chin

The Papillon, which is also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel is one of the oldest of the toy spaniels. This breed got its name “Papillon” which means ‘Butterfly’ in French due to its large, winged shaped ears. Some Papillon has erected ears while others ears are down, known as a Phalene type.

The Papillon Is tiny dog measuring 8-11 inches at the shoulders while weighing 4-9 pounds. It falls under companion dogs breed. Due to its size, we may see the Papillon as a lap dog but he is a active dog who does not like to sit in one place and laze around.

History And Origin Of The Papillon

The origin of the Papillon is French, Spain, and Belgium. They were originally bred for royal court Europe and for ladies of noble homes. While the famous artists painted the portraits of queens and princesses, the Papillons were always by their sides being part of the painting as much as anyone else.

The Papillon is a high-status dog admired by Marie Antoinette, painted by Titian, Goya, Rubens, Fragonard, Watteau, Van Dyke, Velasquez, and Boucher.

Are Papillons child friendly?

Papillons love children. They are fun, playful and easy going but sometime with older children, it may be unpleasant since Papillons are tiny and may hurt itself while of playing. Parents should supervise the child and teach them how to approach to a dog. If a child mistreats him, he might defend himself and may injure the child.

Papillons are a friendly dogs and can get along with kids well. Parents should keep one thing in mind that the child do not pull its ears, tails and hair as it may leads to biting, so strong supervision is needed.

Behaviors, Temperament, And Personality

Papillons are affectionate, friendly, playful and intelligent dog. They can socialize with strangers but are generally reserved around new people. They can get along well with other cats and dogs but should be taken care as they are small and big dogs can injure them.

Papillons are great companion and are very energetic. They keeps you entertain and are very fun to play with. Papillons are friendly temperament and energetic personality dog.

Papillon training Human

Trainability

Papillons are intelligent and highly trainable dogs. They quickly pick up commands, therefore, are easy to train. All dogs are little stubborn, so is Papillon but some treats can help him stay focused. His training should include how to socialize with people and other pets, respecting the trainer.

Facts

  • Papillons can be recognized from a block away due to its large, wing-shaped ears.
  • The Queen of French, Marie Antoinette had a Papillon named Coco who was her favorite.
  • There are two ear-shaped Papillon. One has erect and other has dropped ear known as Phalene.
  • French was the original developer of Papillons but Italy and Spain made them popular by transporting the dogs to the court of Louis XIV.
  • One of the many Papillon dogs is relatively rich. When Lauren Bacall passed away in 2014, she left the sum of $10,000 in the name of her dog, Sophie.

Health

Papillons are generally healthy but like any breed, they are also prone to few health problems. It’s not that all Papillon can get this diseases but awareness is important.

In Papillons, one can expect the following problems; Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for hip dysplasia (with a score of fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease. Time to time health check-up is necessary to prevent Papillons from getting these diseases.

Puppies

The Papillon can give birth to 2-4 puppies at a time. The cost of Papillon’s puppies is about 800-3000 USD.

Papillon’s Puppies Playing Together.

Colors

Papillon comes in five different colors –

  • White & Black
  • White & Lemon
  • White & Red
  • White & Stable
  • White Black & Tan

Which Dog Breed are They Similar To?

Pomeranian looks a lot like Papillon. They both are somewhat similar in size and weight.

The big difference they have is that Pomeranian have dense double coat, large stand-up ears while Papillon have single thin and silky coat.

Visit Dog Lime for More Information of Different Dog Breeds.

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