The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. The breed must be either parti-color or white with patches of any color.
A Look Back
Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed (Papillon means "butterfly" in French). In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.
Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed (Papillon means "butterfly" in French). In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.
Right Breed for You?
Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don’t have an undercoat, they don’t require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.
Papillons are a happy breed whether living in an apartment, out in the country or anywhere in between. They love to play outdoors, but they can be easily entertained and exercised indoors as well. Because they don’t have an undercoat, they don’t require a lot of grooming but should still be brushed regularly.
Source: American Kennel Club - www.akc.org
Grooming
General: A Papillon has a straight silky single coat so it does not require much grooming. It should be groomed every 4 – 6 weeks to keep up with toe nail trimming, ear cleaning and sanitary trim. Papillon is French for Butterfly ears. The ears of the Papillon are well fringed ears that are silky and flow when they walk.
Brushing: Be sure to spray on the Aloe Hydrating Spray or apply Aloe Silk at the beginning of the brush out to add moisture and silk proteins to the coat, this adds elasticity to the coat and helps keep the coat from breaking..
Eyes: Optisoothe Eye Wash should be used to flush any foreign matter. Eyes should be bright and clear.
Ears: Ear Care should be used regularly. Clean only as far as you can see inside the ear canal.
Bathing: First bathe with a Hypo- Allergenic, Classic Care or Professional Care shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog. Full coated dogs should use the Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner to add silk proteins to the coat and add elasticity to the coat and prevent breakage of the coat. Pets with a normal coat can pick from any of the Scent Renewal shampoos that will smell great for the days to come. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner to keep the coat in great shape.
Show dog tips: Use Quick Finish Styling Spray while drying the coat to help prevent breakage. Aloe Silk applied will keep the coat feeling soft and silky. Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner will add silk proteins and elasticity and a great shine to the coat. Bright White will make the whites pop.
Tools: A brush and a comb are basic essentials to keep your Papillon in tip top shape. After brushing you need to check the dog over with a metal comb to be sure the coat is mat free. Clipping the nails every 4 weeks will help keep the quick at proper length.
