Papillon: Little Butterfly- Eared Creature that Champion Against the Bigger Breeds

One of the most adorable, distinct and supposedly oldest breed of toy dogs is the spaniel kind Papillon. Translated, its name means butterfly in French and true to its name, this dog appears with ears as beautiful and as similar to a butterfly and a temperament that’s as carefree as well. But not only does this dog wins the heart of many people but champions fields of agility, competitive obedience and tricks performance as well.

The Papillon possesses large and lusciously fringed ears that stand and sway like a butterfly on its head. Its body has a single coating of long and fine fur that often appears in varieties of colors but never in white alone for this is considered a disqualification by the kennel clubs. The Papillon’s coat should appear in white plus another color or a combination of a few such as: white and black, white and lemon, white and sable, black, brown and white, black, red and white and more.

With this dog being a toy dog, it is natural that you expect it to be high maintenance like its other breed mates. Surprisingly though, this creature is just the opposite of it meaning, you dont have to spend much in order to make this dog neat and clean. Aside from being naturally clean and odorless, the Papillions coat only requires daily brushing or combing and a once in a while bathing and dry shampooing.

The history of the Papillon goes back to nearly 700 years of recorded existence and was depicted in a plethora of 13th through 15th century Italian frescoes. During the Renaissance period, this breed was flourishing all over the Italian countryside and cities and proof to this is the discovered paintings of well-known artists such as Titian. This breed went from many developments and many breeders and thus had been called by many names such as Continental Toy Spaniel, Squirrel Spaniel, Epagneul nain Continental and the present day Papillon name or Butterfly Dog and Pap.

Being tiny and adorably fluffy, you will expect this breed to be cheerful but never hyper and intelligent but not so very. Sorry to disappoint you, however, but this tiny dog is naturally energetic and superbly intelligent that in fact, it possesses abilities and talents that you never deemed possible for a dog this size. As quoted by many Papillon owners, Papillons are “big dogs in little dog suits”.

The Papillon ranks 8th in Stanly Cohen’s The Intelligence of Dogs so it is not a surprise that the Papillion can outsmart those breed larger than itself. Crediting its high brain capacity, the Papillon is very easy to train in tricks performance, agility competitions and competitive obedience. Even at national and international circuits, this dog is a warrior and will often beat the larger breed Border Collie in some routines.

Despite the Papillon’s recognition and talent in the competitive world, however, its primal instinct as a companion and lap dog is still conspicuous through its unending affection, playfulness and protectiveness of its master. Outside the competition, this dog is often at a sedate state, always being patient, gentle and calm and at the same time kingly and elegant in posture. Moreover, aside from being a champion sports dog and a gentle human companion, the Papillon is also an outstanding watchdog, observing possible threats and guarding its master and possessions against unfriendly faces.

Truly, the Papillon is one amazing and surprising kind of breed for it definitely fit the adage, small but terrible. Judging from its colorful and vivid history, it is clear that this breed is quite a favorite of many royal and common families of the Renaissance period. Additionally, as further proof to its importance to many prominent people, it is believed that Marie Antoinette, leading to her death, carries in her bosom her beloved Papillon companion.

The Fluffy and Famous Pomeranian

Who wouldn’t recognize this fluffy and adorable little breed when all its magnificence is shown in countless movies and TV repeatedly? This celebrity breed is the Pomeranian and it is on the American Kennel Club’s top 15 most famous breeds of America for 10 consecutive years. Today, the Pomeranian or Pom Pom is being adopted as a companion dog but it is also competitive in terms of agility, competitive obedience and ticks performance.

Evidence of this breed’s ancestors was found in Egypt as shown in various Egyptian paintings, sculptures and pottery inside the tomb of prominent people. Overtime, this breed was brought to the region of the now non-existent Pomerania, a place now occupied by Germany and Poland dividedly. It is in this place that the then 20 pounds Pomeranian-like breed was further refined to possess a luscious coat and a disposition befitting a city life.

Today, this breed weighs 3 to 7 pounds and the credit goes to the English people who developed the Pomeranian breed to be much smaller and colorful. When it became tiny and recognizable as a toy dog, it gained popularity all over Europe through the ardent fascination of Queen Charlotte and Princess Victoria. Famous personalities are said to have an affinity to the breed and such people are Marie Antoinette, Mozart and Emile Zola to name a few.

The Pomeranian is labeled as a toy dog and it belongs to the Spitz type. In many European countries, this dog is called Zwergspitz, a German word meaning dwarf spitz or toy German spitz. The name Pomeranian came from the root word Pomorze or Pomern, a Slavic language meaning “along the sea”.

Describing the look of this tiny breed, many attest that it looks like a fox, a baby doll, or a pansy-faced creature. This may be attributed to the fact that the Pomeranian owns a bright, almond-shaped, and intelligent- looking stare. It also possesses a dense, long and soft hair that is often seen in colors white, black, brown, orange, sable, wolf, or white with colored markings.

The original Pomeranian used to weigh 20 to 30 pounds but through the Mendelean breeding technique, breeders were able to decrease its size to 3 to 7 pounds. This breed may also live up to 12 or 19 years given that it is kept healthy. To achieve its prime health, it is important to give this little dog a dose of daily walks in order to keep it fit and sane.

The Pomeranian is a natural entertainer, sociable, energetic and loyal type of dog. It excels in competitive obedience and tricks performance even in circus acts. Furthermore, the Pom Pom is an independent type of dog therefore you dont have to constantly lavish it with attention and time as it will keep itself busy on its own.

To keep its appearance at its best, frequent brushing and combing, regular dental check up and daily ear and nose cleaning are needed. On the downside, the Pomeranian is an excessive shedder therefore allergic individuals are not suited to own this breed. This dog also strives well in a small apartment dwelling because it doesn’t really need a wide space to exercise.