| The Papillon is the French word for butterfly, the | | | | control then behaviour problems will occur. |
| breed owes its name to its large ears which when | | | | Health issues. Generally speaking Papillon is a healthy |
| looked at from the front resemble the wings of a | | | | relatively long living breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 |
| butterfly. They are a small dog with an intelligent look | | | | years. There are, however, a few common problems |
| about them. There are commonly white with areas | | | | one of which is with the kneecaps, but this is fairly |
| of different colours, although light brown, tan, is | | | | common in most Toy dog breeds. Another condition |
| unusual. As a small dog they can grow to | | | | fairly common to the breed is teeth and gum |
| approximately, 8-11 inches and weigh between 7 and | | | | disorders. They can also suffer from progressive |
| 10 pounds. Even though they have a fairly abundant | | | | retinal atrophy, which once diagnosed will require |
| coat, it is very easy to maintain. | | | | treatment from your vet. Neuroaxonal dystrophy |
| History. The Papillon is a very old breed of dog, which | | | | disease has recently also been noticed in the Papillon |
| was first seen in Europe in the 13th century, although | | | | breed, but this is a fairly new and far from common. |
| at that time it was known as the dwarf Spaniel. | | | | Grooming. For your dog to remain clean, tidy, and |
| Evidence of this breeds existence can be seen in | | | | un-matted, it is a good idea to brush them or |
| some 13th century paintings, mostly Italian during the | | | | combed them daily. As they are a long haired breed |
| Renaissance period. The appearance of the breed | | | | tangles and knots in the hair can be common, but |
| has changed little since these times. In the past they | | | | with adequate combing this should not be a problem. |
| have also been known as the squirrel Spaniel, this | | | | Again for health and hygiene reasons you should bath |
| was pursuant to the long fringe on the dog's tail. | | | | your dog or use a dry shampoo, as required. Papillons |
| They were first recognized, in America, as a breed in | | | | are generally clean dogs and have no particular odour. |
| 1915. | | | | Living conditions. They are quite happy to live in |
| Temperament. Papillon is a playful dog and can be | | | | towns, cities, or rural locations. However, it should be |
| quite entertaining; they are lively and enjoy playing | | | | noted that they are a particularly protective dog this |
| out of doors. They are intelligent and friendly dogs, | | | | can cause problems if you live in an apartment, as |
| which makes them fairly easy to train, and they do | | | | the Papillon will have a tendency to bark when he |
| enjoy having cuddles and being made a fuss of. They | | | | hears noises, such as people walking in the corridors |
| do not tend to yap and socialise well with other pets | | | | or passed your apartment. As a sociable dog they |
| in the house, this includes cats. They are a proud and | | | | enjoy being with people as much as possible and will |
| patient dog, although they do have a bit of a | | | | probably sit on or near their owner whenever |
| stubborn streak, which means the dog must know | | | | possible. |
| that you are in control. If they believe they are in | | | | |