PAPILONS

The Papillon is a toy breed dog. Papillon is French for Butterfly, it gets this name because of its very beautiful butterfly-like ears. It is very friendly, loves to be held and is eager to please. It is very light and dainty, but lively. They do very well as a show dog. But equally well in agility contests, where they can out perform larger dogs. The Papillon is a very intelligent dog and it can be used as service dogs for people with physical disabilities. Papillons don’t appear to lose their ability with age and can perform well in their teens.

There is two ear variations of this breed. One been the more common Papillon with the upright ears, the other has the dropped spaniel like ears and is called a Phalene. AKC considers both as the same breed.

The Papillon has no under-coat and no big seasonal shedding; a simple occasional brushing will keep the silky-sleek coat. Papillons don’t seem to have that doggie smell associated with some breeds.