Dog
Group:
Toy 
Papillon Champions
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Breed Description:
The Papillon breed of dog is a toy sized breed that should have fine bones and a slightly elongated body. They should have a small round head and their most remarkable features should be the large ears that are carried high on the head, and are either erect or drop ears, with a large amount of feathering to create a butterfly wing effect. The overall appearance should be of a delicate dog with a level top line and a medium length tail that is curled over the back.
The coat of the Papillon is very soft in texture and should have a silky appearance. It should be long and it should be free of any curl. The hair should have feathering on the back of the legs and ears and there should be a plume on the tail and frill on the chest. The Papillon should be primarily white in color with markings that are either black, gray, red, or brown.
Temperament:
The Papillon breed of dog is a very sweet dog that is known for being good-natured and very cheerful. This is a dog that delights in companionship but they aren't just a pampered pet. In fact, the Papillon often surprises people with their drive and work ethic since they often enjoy having something to do and can excel in a wide range of dog training. The Papillon is usually very gentle and affectionate, however, they can be suspicious of strangers and won't usually go around befriending everyone. They do very well with children and they usually do well with other pets.
Height:
The average height for a Papillon is between 8 to 11 inches.
Weight:
The average weight for a Papillon is between 7 to 9 pounds for a female and 8 to 10 pounds for a male.
Health Problems:
The Papillon breed of dog is considered to be a healthy breed of dog but they do suffer from some health problems including Collapsed Trachea, Open Fontanel, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Hypoglycemia and Patellar Luxation.
Living Conditions:
The Papillon breed of dog is a small breed of dog and while their size makes them perfect for apartment living, they are not recommended for it. This is a breed that likes to bark and they will usually bark at any strange noise or person. If you live in an apartment, check your noise restrictions before you bring a Papillon home. This breed is better suited to a home with a small yard and a little space between you and your neighbors.
Exercise:
The Papillon breed of dog is an active little dog and does require between 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day.
Life Expectancy:
14 to 16 years
Grooming:
The Papillon breed of dog can be an easy breed to groom despite their long hair. Generally, you should brush the dog two or three times per week to remove any mats but expect to brush them more frequently when they are shedding. Bathing only needs to be done once or twice a year since the Papillon has a very low doggy odor. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month and ears should be cleaned once a week. You should expect to trim the hair around the ears and feet on a regular basis to prevent matting.
Origin:
The Papillon breed of dog has origins that are quite unclear. It is believed that the breed may have been developed over 700 years ago but the exact date it was developed, or the breeds that it was developed from has been lost in antiquity. We do know that during the 1500's and even earlier, the Papillon was a favorite amongst European aristocracy, specifically court ladies. The allure of the large, butterfly ears made them a favorite in Louis XIV's court and the breed flourished during that time. Outside of that history, little else is known about the breed or when it was imported into the United States. However, we do know that the Papillon was recognized by the AKC in 1915 and has continued to grow in popularity since that time. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
