Papillon ***

Papillon

Papillon

Papillon Characteristics: The spirited and lively Papillon is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1915).

The Papillon, is characterized by its perky, elegant appearance with distinctive butterfly-like ears and an alert expression.

Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, round eyes; a richly plumed tail that curls up and over its back and a lively, graceful gait. The temperament of the Papillon can be described as Energetic, Alert, Hardy.

The coat type of the Papillon is described as long, silky, straight coat in assorted colors.

Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Papillon demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Companion and Lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Butterfly Dog". The origin of the Papillon dog breed was in France where it was developed in the 1500's. The Papillon is ranked number 8 in the smartest dog list.

Papillon Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1915): The Papillon is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1915).

Other names for the Papillon: The Papillon is known by the nickname of the "Butterfly Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Pap, Continental Toy Spaniel, Butterfly Dog, Phalene, Royal Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Nain, Continental and Little Squirrel Dog.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Papillon" derives from the French word that means "Butterfly". The Papillon acquired its name for its erect, fringed ears that resembe butterfly wings.

Papillon History and Origin: The country of origin of the Papillon breed was in France during the 1500's. The spirited Papillon dog descends from the toy spaniels and was originally bred for its rodent-catching skills and as a tracking dog. It's tiny, pretty appearance took the attention of Royalty, the nobility and the wealthy and the dog was then used as a high status lapdog. The Papillon was often portrayed in paintings of people in the French Court of the 1500's , such as the 1538 Venus of Urbino painting by the famous French artist Titian (ca. 1488–1576).

The popularity of the Papillon continued and Queen Marie Antoinette (1755 - 1793) kept the small canines as boudoir dogs and it is said that she carried her favorite dog "Thisbe" on her journey to the guillotine in 1793. In Great Britain and the United States, both the Papillon and the Phalene (the drop eared variety of the Papillon) are regarded as the same breed, because the two types of dogs can occur in the same litter. The Papillon was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1915.

Papillon Modern History: The modern history of the Papillon moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet, companion and Therapy dog. As a Therapy dog, the highly intelligent Papillon is used to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices and retirement homes. During the 1990's dog breeders began to combine the intelligence and attributes of the Papillon with other breeds to develop the so-called 'Designer Dogs'. The Poodle was cross bred with the poodle to produce the Papipoo and the Papillon and the Beagle were cross bred to produce the Papeagle.

Papillon Height: The Papillon breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 8-11 inches (20-28 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 8-11 inches (20-28 cm).

Papillon Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 8-10 pounds (4-5 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 7-9 pounds (3-4 kg).

Papillon Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a long, silky, straight coat.

Papillon Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of White, Sable, Brown & White, Fawn & White, Red & White and Black & White. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Sable is a dark brown color.

Papillon Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Papillon are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Papillon are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Papillon Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-4 puppies. Papillon puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Papillon puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Papillon Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Energetic, Alert, Hardy and Lively.

Papillon Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Papillon requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a lively, graceful gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace.

Papillon Diet: A fully grown Papillon should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Papillon Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Papillon breed include Patellar Luxation . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Papillon dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Papillon Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Papillon breed is 13-16 years.

Papillon Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Papillon breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Papillon names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Out top male dog names are: Marcel *** Poco *** Francois *** Gaspard *** Gus *** Lucky *** Sam *** Henri *** Lucien *** Marceau.

Papillon Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Papillon names are Renee *** Richelle *** Princess *** Lovedy *** Rina *** Suzette *** Joelle *** Bonnie *** Lisette *** Violetta *** Yvette.