Papillon (dog)

Papillon

A lemon and white papillon.
Other names	Phalène (drop ear type) Continental Toy Spaniel Epagneul Nain Continental
Common nicknames	Butterfly Dog Squirrel Dog (due to tail carriage)
Origin	Spain
Traits Weight Male 8–10 pounds (3.6–4.5 kg) Female 7–9 pounds (3.2–4.1 kg) Height Male 8–11 inches (20–28 cm) Female 8–11 inches (20–28 cm) Coat Straight, long, fine, single layered Color White with patches of anything but liver Life span Up to 17 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 9, Section 9 Continental Toy Spaniel and Russian Toy #77 standard AKC Toy standard ANKC Group 1 (Toys) standard CKC Group 2- Toys standard KC (UK) Toy standard NZKC Toy standard UKC Companion Breeds standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Papillon (French pronunciation: ​[papijɔ̃], "butterfly[-eared]"), also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of dog of the Spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy spaniels, it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears, the French word for "butterfly" being papillon. A Papillon with dropped ears is called a Phalène (French for moth). The small head is slightly rounded between the ears with a well defined stop. The muzzle is somewhat short, thin tapering to the nose. The dark, medium-sized, round eyes have thin black rims, often extending at the junction of the eyelids towards the ears. The large ears can either be erect or dropped with rounded tips. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The long tail is set high carried over the body, and covered with long, fine 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. A mask of a color other than white covers both ears and eyes from back to front.

The Papillon is a very intelligent and self-assured dog that has a very easy time learning new tricks. This dog can be sociable with children and strangers, but is generally reserved around new people. They can also be socialized to get along well with other pets, but care should be taken with rambunctious pets or cats with claws as they may injure it. If not properly socialized, Papillons can be distrustful and exhibit aggressive tendencies toward other dogs and people. Papillons may also be very playful and affectionate. Widely known as great companion dogs, they have the spirit and energy to keep up with active families, but can also be calm enough to be happy with sleeping in the arms of an equally affectionate owner. Due to their high energy level, they demand an augmented exercise routine, relative to the average companion breed. Papillons are known as excellent watchdogs as they will alert their owner to changes in their environment. They may be considered garrulous like many other toy dogs. The Papillon can withstand heat but is more sensitive to cold temperatures because of their single-coated fur, and should not be left outside unattended in cold weather.