Marie Antoinette was an ardent admirer of the Papillon, and this little dog is the little dogs often seen pictured in rare old painting and tapestries. The Papillon is a small, friendly, happy dog who makes a great house pet. Papillons make a very good watch dog, alerting their owners of strangers.

Aus Ch Mondelise Shari

An elegant toy dog of fine-boned structure, the Papillon is light and dainty. The Papillon is distinguished from other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears. Their coat requires minimal grooming, but to prevent matting the coat should be groomed at least once a week.

The Papillon's coat is abundant, long, fine, silky, flowing and straight with resilient quality, flat on back and sides of body, with a profuse frill on chest. There is no undercoat, but the ears well fringed, with the inside covered with silken hair of medium length. The hind legs are covered to the hocks with abundant breeches (culottes) and the tail is covered with a long, flowing plume.

Nouveau Let's Party

Coloring of a Papillon is important. Following, is an excerpt from the Papillon Standard; "Always parti-color or white with patches of any color(s). On the head, color(s) other than white must cover both ears, back and front, and extend without interruption from the ears over both eyes. A clearly defined white blaze and noseband are preferred to a solidly marked head. Symmetry of facial markings is desirable. The size, shape, placement, and presence or absence of patches of color on the body are without importance. Among the colors there is no preference, provided nose, eye rims and lips are well pigmented black. The following faults shall be severely penalized - Color other than white not covering both ears, back and front, or not extending from the ears over both eyes. A slight extension of the white collar onto the base of the ears, or a few white hairs interspersed among the color, shall not be penalized, provided the butterfly appearance is not sacrificed. Disqualifications: An all white dog or a dog with no white."

The Papillon's ideal height is 8-11 inches at the withers, with weight in proportion to its height. Its body is slightly longer than the height at withers, it is not a cobby dog. Their eyes are dark and round, of medium size and alert in expression, with the inner corners of the eyes on line with the stop.

Aust. CH Tawzan Domingo at Tamsmorna

To learn more about this happy dog, please visit the
Papillon Club of America.