PAPILLON

Care

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The Papillon is a toy spaniel that takes its name from the French word for 'butterfly' because of the manner in which the ears are set on the head, fringed like a butterfly's wings. The Phalene is identical except that the ears are dropped, and this variety is known as the 'moth'.

The Papillon is an affectionate, lively little dog. It is resilient, whelps easily, is a good walker, and can adapt to extremes of climate. Its attractive appearance and friendly nature make it the ideal family pet. But, like some other toy breeds, it has a tendency to be possessive towards its owners and often resents visitors to the home.

Origin and history

Believed to be a descendant of the Dwarf Spaniel of the sixteenth century and to have originated in Spain, the dainty little Papillon has been included in many paintings, including some by Rubens and Van Dyke. The Phalene, or Continental

Toy Spaniel, is identical except for its drop ears. In the United States and the United Kingdom they are judged as one breed with almost identical standards except for colour variations, but specimens over 12in (30cm) cannot be shown in America.

The French Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) separates the breeds by both type and weight variations, those over 5V21b (2.5kg) in weight entering a separate class. Papillons have done well in obedience classes.

Good points

Affectionate
Dainty size
Good house dog
Usually strong and healthy

Take heed

Not keen on visitors
Possessive towards owners

Size

The ideal height at the withers is 8-11in (20-28cm). The dog will appear to be slightly longer than high when properly furnished with ruff and hind fringes.

Exercise

Like quite a number of toy breeds, the Papillon will happily walk its owner off his feet, or be content with a turn around the park. One . thing is sure: you won't tire it.

General appearance
This dainty,balanced little toy dog should have an attractive head an alert bearing and intelligent and lively expression. Ivlovemem snoulo De sound, light and free and not cramped or restricted in any way.

Colour
White with patches that may be any colour except liver (UK standard). A tricolour must be black and white with tan spots over the eyes and tan inside the ears, under the root of the tail and on the cheeks. The head marking should be symmetrical about a white, narrow, clearly defined blaze.

Head and skull
The skull should be slightly rounded between the ears, the muzzle finely pointed and abruptly thinner than the skull, accentuating the stop, which should be well defined. Length from the tip of the nose to the stop is approximately one-third of the length of the head. The nose should be black.

Tail
Long and well fringed, set on high, arched over the back with the fringes falling to the side to form a plume.

Feet
Fine and fairly long, as in the hare. The tufts of hair between the toes should extend far beyond them.

Grooming

Frequent grooming is required to keep this breed in good condition.

Feeding

Recommended would be 70z (198g) of a branded, meaty product, with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1 cup of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup to V2 cup of hot or cold water.

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