Is a Papillon Right for You?
Despite their small size, Papillons are surprisingly confident and outgoing, often approaching new people and situations with curiosity and enthusiasm. They are intelligent and eager to please and excel in agility and obedience training due to their quick learning abilities and love for mental stimulation.
Papillon Origin & History
The Papillon dog breed has its roots in France, with historical records dating back to the 16th century. Renowned artists like Titian and Rubens immortalized these dogs in their paintings during that era. These artistic representations highlighted the unique butterfly-like ears that have come to define the breed, hence the name “Papillon,” which is French for “butterfly.” Interestingly, they were also once referred to as “dwarf spaniels.” Legend has it that even Marie Antoinette had a Papillon dog by her side until her final moments at the guillotine, showcasing the loyalty and companionship that this breed is known for.
Papillon Historical Uses and Development
Papillon dogs were initially bred as companions, rather than for tasks like hunting or ratting. Their small stature, agility, and attentive disposition made them great partners for their human companions. It was even believed by some doctors at the time that these dogs had healing properties. Despite not being trained for hunting duties, Papillons shine in various activities such as obedience training, agility courses, and even therapy work. This is thanks to their friendly nature and remarkable intelligence.
Papillon Dog Breed Standard
The Papillon dog breed’s first official standard was documented in the late 19th century, though the precise date may differ across references. This guideline detailed the preferred physical attributes and temperament for the breed, establishing criteria for breeding and showcasing Papillons in competitions. The American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledged the Papillon as a distinct breed in 1915. Furthermore, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has recognized this breed as the Continental Toy Spaniel since 1954.
Dog Breeds Most Closely Related to the Papillon
In landmark research on modern dog breed development, the Papillon has been shown to share the most DNA with a common ancestor of the following 2 breeds:
Pug
Brussels Griffon
Papillon vs. Phalene
The Papillon and Phalene represent two variations of the Continental Toy Spaniel breed, primarily set apart by their distinct ears. Papillons showcase perky, butterfly-shaped ears, reflecting their French name meaning “butterfly,” whereas Phalenes display charmingly floppy, droopy ears. The Phalene, which translates to “moth” in French, is the original version of the breed. Interestingly, litters can produce puppies with both ear types. Beyond their ear differences, both variations share the same temperament.
Papillon Physical Characteristics
Papillon dogs typically stand between 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 4 to 9 pounds. Their coat features a white background that is parti-colored with another hue. Dogs that are entirely white or lack any white coloring are considered a disqualification by breed standards. Their ears can be either erect or dropped and must display coloration other than white. The Papillon’s long, flowing coat possesses a fine texture that needs consistent grooming to prevent tangling and preserve its smooth, glossy appearance.
How Fast Can a Papillon Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Papillons is about 18.02 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named Witchinghour Broom Racer at 23.53 mph!
Papillon Personality & Temperament
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Papillon ranks 29 out of 124 breeds in their fear of strangers. They tend to crouch, tremble or run away when approached by a stranger.
In this Same Research
the Papillon ranks very low (101 out of 124 breeds) in prey drive. They are generally not prone to chasing other small animals such as cats, squirrels, birds, etc. This is no surprise as these dogs were not bred as ratters or hunters.
Papillon Humor!
Papillon Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Papillon ranks 8th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in less than 5 repetitions and obey first commands 95% of the time or better. This puts them in the “brightest working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
Papillon Health & Lifespan
Papillon dogs are generally healthy and long-lived, with an average lifespan of around 12 to 16 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health concerns. Three major health conditions for Papillon dogs include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and a Collapsing Trachea. Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, leading to lameness and discomfort. Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited condition that causes gradual vision loss and can eventually lead to blindness. Due to their small size, Papillons are also susceptible to a Collapsing Trachea which can cause coughing and severe breathing problems.
Check Your Papillon Facts and take a fun Papillon Quiz!
Facts About Papillon Dogs-Final Thoughts
The Papillon dog breed, known for their butterfly ears (although they also come with “drop”ears), is a spunky toy breed that packs a big personality in a small dog. While these pups may be petite, they have high energy levels and require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Owners should be mindful of separation anxiety in Papillons and use positive reinforcement techniques to address any behavioral issues. Care should also be taken around small children, as these small pups can be easily injured with rough play. Despite their small stature, Papillons excel in dog sports due to their agility and intelligence. They also make excellent therapy dogs and love spending time with humans. With proper socialization at an early age, a Papillon puppy makes a great addition to almost any home.
