The Papillon: A Royal Companion with Butterfly Ears

As a dog lover, it‘s impossible not to be enchanted by the Papillon. With their elegant appearance, charming personality, and rich history, these tiny spaniels have been stealing hearts for centuries. But what is it really like to share your life with a Papillon? Let‘s take a closer look at this fascinating breed.

A Favorite of Royals and Artists

The Papillon‘s origins can be traced back nearly 700 years to the royal courts of Europe. These little dogs were the cherished companions of queens, kings, and nobles in France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium as far back as the 13th century.

Numerous royal figures throughout history have been devoted Papillon owners:

• King Henry III of France (1551-1589) had a Papillon named Lilin that he carried everywhere in a basket hanging from his neck.
• Louis XIV, the "Sun King" who built the Palace of Versailles, had a Papillon named Misse that was said to have its own personal valet.
• Madame de Pompadour (1721-1764), chief mistress of Louis XV, owned several Papillons and had custom dog collars made for them by the royal jeweler.
• Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) was so attached to her Papillon, Thisbe, that she allegedly took the dog for a final walk before her execution.

It wasn‘t just royalty that adored Papillons – many famous artists did too. The breed frequently appears in paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. A few examples:

• The 1500s portrait "The Girl with a Dog" by Titian features an early toy spaniel resembling a Papillon.
• A 1624 painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck shows James Stuart (son of King James I of England) with his pet Papillon.
• Several of Rembrandt‘s 1600s portraits contain Papillon-type dogs, like "Saskia van Uylenburgh in Arcadian Costume."

These many artistic depictions of Papillons by the Old Masters are part of what gave the breed an air of prestige and sophistication that still follows them today.

Physical Perfection in Miniature

The Papillon is a fine-boned, elegant toy dog covered in a flowing coat of long, silky hair. According to the breed standard, Papillons stand 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh between 5-10 pounds.

The American Kennel Club breed standard describes the ideal Papillon as having a "small, dainty, yet hardy appearance" with the following proportions:

Body Part	Proportion
Body length	Slightly longer than tall
Skull	Slightly rounded between ears
Muzzle	Finely pointed, about 1/3 length of head
Eyes	Medium-sized, rounded, dark, alert expression
Ears	Large, erect "butterfly" ears fringed with hair
Tail	Long, heavily plumed, arched over back

A key characteristic of the Papillon is its ears – the upright, wing-shaped ears that give the breed its French name (Papillon means "butterfly"). Some Papillons may have the drop-eared variety known as the Phalene (French for "moth"). Both types can appear in the same litter.

The Papillon‘s coat is abundant and long, especially on the ears, chest, back of legs and tail. It is silky straight with no undercoat. Accepted colors and markings include:

• White with patches of any color
• Solid colors like lemon, red, sable and black
• Tri-color (white, black and tan)

Papillons move with a quick, graceful, "prancing" gait, sometimes moving both legs on one side of the body together. This gives them a unique "dancing" appearance.

Lively Intelligence in a Lapdog Package

The Papillon may look like a delicate lapdog, but don‘t underestimate their smarts and spirit! Tiny as they are, Papillons consistently rank as one of the most intelligent and trainable of all toy breeds.

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, Papillons are the 8th smartest of 138 dog breeds when it comes to obedience and working intelligence. The only toy breed to rank higher is the Miniature Schnauzer.

This keen intelligence, combined with a friendly, eager-to-please nature, makes Papillons stars at obedience, agility, rally, and other dog sports. Dianne Karlstrom, a Papillon breeder and trainer for over 30 years, says Papillons "sparkle with enthusiasm" in the show ring and have "lightning-fast learning abilities."

Some notable Papillon accomplishments:

• A Papillon named Kirby was the #1 obedience toy dog in the U.S. for 8 years straight, placing in the top 10 of all breeds.
• Vito the Papillon holds the Guinness World Record for fastest 5 meters walked on hind legs by a dog (2.39 seconds).
• Nemo, a Papillon from the U.K., took 1st place at the prestigious Crufts dog show in 2019, demonstrating skills like scent discrimination and retrieving.

Of course, Papillons aren‘t always so intently focused – they have a playful, lively side too! These curious little dogs love exploring, chasing toys, going for walks and snuggling on the sofa. They tend to be very affectionate with their owners and form close bonds.

While not usually a "yappy" breed, Papillons can be alert watch dogs and will bark to let you know when something exciting is happening. Positive training and socialization from an early age will bring out the best in your Papillon‘s temperament.

Ideal for Many Homes and Owners

The Papillon‘s small size and generally easygoing nature make this an adaptable breed suitable for many types of owners and living situations. According to the Papillon Club of America, they can thrive "equally well in a city high-rise or a suburban home."

First-time dog owners often do well with Papillons, as they are intelligent and trainable yet not as high-strung as some toy breeds. They are also fairly sturdy for their size, so with proper supervision they can make good companions for gentle children.

Marcy Wyrens, a veterinarian in California, says Papillons "are great for elderly owners because they are lively and interactive but also portable and easy to manage." Their alertness and trainability means they can even make capable hearing assistance dogs.

Active owners will find the Papillon to be an enthusiastic exercise buddy. Despite their short legs, Papillons are surprisingly quick and have plenty of stamina for long walks, hikes, and dog sports. Of course, they are just as happy to be carried in a tote!

While Papillons do need daily exercise and mental stimulation, their small size means they can get a fair amount of activity just running around the house or yard. This makes them appropriate for apartment life as long as they get enough walks and playtime.

Glamorous Looks, Sensible Grooming

Silky tresses and a butter y-eared profile make the Papillon look like a canine supermodel! Luckily, maintaining that glamorous appearance is less of a chore than you might think.

The Papillon‘s single-layer coat sheds minimally compared to many dogs. However, regular brushing (at least twice a week) is important to prevent matting and tangles. Many owners keep their Papillon in a shorter "puppy cut" to make grooming even easier.

Papillons should be bathed every 3-4 weeks or as needed. They may need occasional trimming around the feet, hocks, and sanitary areas for a neater look. As with all dogs, regular nail trims and ear cleanings are a must.

Papillons have minimal body odor and, thanks to their small mouths, aren‘t prone to drooling. Still, routine dental care (daily brushing and professional cleanings) is essential to prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and other health issues down the road.

Papillon Health and Lifespan

The Papillon is generally a healthy, long-lived breed with an average life expectancy of 13-15 years. Some Papillons have even surpassed their 17th birthday!

Like all purebred dogs, Papillons may be prone to certain inherited health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing on genetic problems. Some health issues seen in the breed include:

• Patellar luxation: Loose kneecaps that can cause lameness or arthritis. Occurs in 1.9% of Papillons according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease that can lead to night blindness and vision loss.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, which can be dangerous in toy breed puppies.
• Dental disease: Small breeds are prone to crowded teeth and gum issues.
• Fontanelles: Soft spots on the skull that fail to close in some Papillon puppies.

Keeping your Papillon at a healthy weight, providing age-appropriate exercise, feeding a high-quality diet, and scheduling regular vet check-ups will help ensure a long, healthy life. Pet insurance can be a good idea to help manage any health issues that may arise.

Finding Your Forever Butterfly Dog

Papillons have slowly but surely gained fans in recent decades. The breed ranked 71st out of 192 AKC-recognized breeds in the 1990s, 53rd in the 2000s, and 35th in 2020. Still, Papillons are less common than Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Shih Tzus and other toy breeds.

If your heart is set on a Papillon puppy, be prepared to spend time searching for a reputable breeder who does health testing and follows ethical breeding practices. Avoid pet stores and online sellers, as these puppies often come from inhumane "puppy mills."

The Papillon Club of America is a good resource for breeder referrals. Expect to be put on a waiting list, as responsible breeders only produce a few litters per year. A well-bred Papillon puppy typically costs $2000-3000.

Papillon rescue organizations are another option to consider, especially if you are open to an adult dog. Sometimes purebred Papillons and Papillon mixes end up in shelters or need rehoming due to life circumstances.

Once you find your perfect Papillon match, do some preparation to make their transition home a smooth one. Invest in a crate or playpen for safe confinement, baby gates if needed, and plenty of toys for mental stimulation. Small breed puppy food, food and water bowls, a bed, collar and leash, and grooming supplies are other essentials.

A Small Dog with a Big Heart

It‘s easy to see why Papillons have captured the hearts of so many dog lovers over the centuries. From their butterfly ears and dancing gait to their outgoing, intelligent nature, these tiny toy spaniels are truly something special.

As a Papillon owner myself, I can attest to the breed‘s many charms. My pap Jasmine never fails to make me laugh with her playful antics and sweet expressions. She‘s my eager shadow, always ready for the next cuddle or adventure.

Of course, no breed is perfect for everyone. Papillons need plenty of human interaction and don‘t like to be left alone for long hours. Like most intelligent dogs, they require mental stimulation and training to be happy. Grooming is also a regular commitment.

But if you crave a portable, clever, pretty dog to be your devoted sidekick through life, you can‘t go wrong with a Papillon. These little charmers may be small in stature, but they have a mighty capacity for love.

If you open your heart to a Papillon, you‘ll be blessed with a petite, prancing companion who sees the world as one big butterfly garden just waiting to be explored. And you‘ll be their favorite flower.