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.