Papillon  

The Papillon is also known as the "Butterfly'dog because of its large prick ears which have long soft feathering. There is, however, a drop eared variety that shows clearly the spaniel ancestry of the breed.It is said that these dogs were taken to Central and south America by the early Spanish explorers and used in the development of the Chihuahua. 

The Papillon breed that has a long history in the Mediterranean regions of Europe but was not introduced into Britain until after the First World War. The Papillon is also known as the Butterfly dog because of its large prick ears which have long soft feathering. There is, however, a drop eared variety that shows clearly the spaniel ancestry of the breed. It is said that thesedogs were taken to Central and South America by the early Spanish explorers and used in the development of the Chihuahua.

The Papillon is an exquisite little toy dog with erect, obliquely carried ears resembling the wings of a butterfly, from which the breed gains its name. A variety of this breed, which has drop - ears, is called the Phalene, after the night moth which drops its wings.They are lively breed requiring lots of human companionship, happy,easy to teach and train, and have proved themselves extremely clever in obedience. They are proud and extrovert.Their long silky coat can be kept immaculate by daily brushing with a soft brush,and occasional combing. They have a long life span, make fascinating anda interesting companions, but are not the pet for small children.

General Appearance**         Dainty, well balanced little dog. An alert bearing and very intelligent expression.

Characteristics** The name * Papillon * is derived from the shape and position of the ears. When erect they are carried obliquely like the spread wings of the butterfly, hence the name. When the ears are completely dropped this type is known as the phalene Moth. Head markings should be symmetrical, about a narrow, white, clearly defined blaze which is desirable but not essential to represent the body of a butterfly.

Temperament** Lively, intelliigent, friendly, with no aggression, always alert.

Head and Skull**

Eyes**  Medium size, rounded, never bulging, dark with darkrims, placed rather low in skull.

Ears** Very large, mobile with rounded tips, heavily fringed; set towards back of head far enough apart to show slightly rounded shape of skull. Lrather firm but fine. When erect each ear should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees to head.

Mouth**          Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Lips thin and dark in colour.

Neck** Must be medium length.

ForeQuarters**  Shoulders well developed and sloping. Chest rather deep. Forelegs straight, slender and fine - boned. Elbows close to chest.

Body**  Fairly long with level topline, well sprung ribs, loin strong, of good length, slightly arched belly.

HindQuarters**    Well developed, well turned stifle. Legs when viewed from behind parallel. Dewclaws on hindlegs removed.

Feet ** Fine, Fairly long, hare - like. Tufts of hair between toes extending far beyond them.

Tail **  Long, well fringed, set on high, arched over back with fringers falling to side to form plume.

Gait*movement**  Light, free - flowing, positive and free from any restriction. Viewied from in front or behind, legs and feet moving parallel to each other, with feet turning neither in nor out. Viewied from side, dog covering ground well with no hint of hackneyed action.

Colour** White with patches, which may be nay colour except liver. Tricolours black and white with tan spots over eyes, tan inside ears, on cheeks, and under root of tail.

Size**  Height , 20 - 28 cms ( 8 - 11 ins). Dog will appear slightly longer than high when properly furnished with ruff and hind fringes.

Note** Male animals should have two apparently noemal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.