Lake Country Papillons

History

Papillons (pah-pee-yowns) descend from the Royal Toy Spaniels of Europe. Although the breed's origins are subject to debate (Italy, Belgium, France and Spain are the leading contenders, but a few argue for Asia or Latin America), the little spaniels were well-established as continental court favorites by the Renaissance. They appear in European art as early as the 1300's, and portraits by many of the Grand Masters (e.g. Rubens, Watteau, Fragonard, and Boucher) often include a Papillon or two. Madame Pompadour and Marie Antoinette of France, Queen Sophia Dorothea of Germany, and Queen Ann of Austria are among the aristocratic ladies that allegedly owned Papillons. However, royal men also doted on these elegant little dogs: France's King Henry III is said to have carried his to court in a basket!

Papillons have not always been called Papillons. Over the years, they have been known as Epagneuls Nains, Dwarf or Continental Spaniels, Little Squirrel Dogs or Belgian Toy Spaniels. Throughout most of their history Papillons had drop ears, making their Spaniel ancestry more obvious. The erect eared Papillon now popular in the United States seems to be a mutation dating from the late 1800's. In some European countries, the name Papillon (French for "butterfly") is reserved for this erect-eared dog, while the earlier variety, the drop-eared Phalene ("night moth") is regarded as a separate breed. In the U.S. and U.K., however, the two are considered varieties of the same breed, and are shown together.

Another relatively recent change has to do with color. Early Papillons were often solid-colored. Today they are predominantly white (parti-colored) dogs with colored markings. The AKC registers Paps as white and black, white and lemon, white and red, white and sable, or tri-color (white, black and tan). Other once-common colors such as liver are now seldom in evidence.

Despite their great popularity among the landed and titled of Europe, English-speaking peoples were slow to embrace the Papillon. They were introduced to Britain around 1905. However, the Papillon that would become the first English champion was not born until 1922, and it would be two more years before British fanciers formed the Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club. The breed was also shown in the U.S. for some years before the Papillon Club of America (PCA) was founded in 1935. Here progress was even more delayed. PCA held its first specialty show in 1936, but the club subsequently faltered. Although it was reactivated in 1948, the second specialty was not held until 1954.

Papillons Today

Papillons continue to be among the less popular breeds in North America. In the U.S. however, Papillon production has been increasing in recent years, in contrast to American purebreds overall. In 1995, AKC registrations for Paps totaled 2,592, putting them 52nd among AKC-recognized breeds. By 1998, Pap registrations had risen to 3,205 and the breed ranked 47th. Current litter registration data from AKC suggest that Pap popularity will continue to increase, along with that of other several other small breeds.

In 1999, for the first time, a Papillon , Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being, won Best in Show -- and many hearts -- at the Westminster Kennel Club show. "Kirby," who is the winningest dog in breed history, also won the World Dog Show in Helsinki Finland, and the Royal Invitational in Canada in 1998, making him a "triple sweep" in the world of show dogs, and attracting many new admirers of the breed.

In addition to being relatively rare (or perhaps because of it), the Papillon population is unevenly distributed around the U.S., with Pap breeders clustered in urban areas (especially in the East) and pockets of enthusiasts in other regions. This, along with the Pap's dainty appearance, diminutive size, and great trainability, probably accounts for their reputation as an ideal city dog. However, many regard the Pap as a "big dog in a small dog's body." Papillons compete successfully with the larger dogs in obedience, agility, tracking, and even herding. They are the top-ranked of all toy breeds in several sports, and CH and OTCH Loteki Sudden Impulse, UDX, TDX, MX has the distinction of being the most AKC-titled dog of any breed [CH=Champion; OTCH=Obedience Trial Champion; UDX=Utility Dog Excellent, the highest obedience title currently offered; TDX=Tracking Dog Excellent; MX= Master Agility Excellent, the highest Agility title currently offered]. Paps are often trained to work as therapy dogs, and are increasingly used as assistance dogs.

One result of the Pap's relative scarcity is that while some parts of the country offer a lively Pap scene--with specialty clubs and many activities---in other areas, show entries may be disappointing and the selection of breeders from which to chose extremely limited. There are some sections of the U.S. in which there are no Pap breeders for hundreds of miles in any direction. As a result, some have suggested, regional interpretations of the Papillon Standard have evolved. In some parts of the U.S., larger Papillons (i.e. closer to the maximum of 12") are popular in the show ring, but these bigger Paps are said to be penalized by judges elsewhere. This could pose a particular challenge for the uninitiated person in search of show or breeding stock. Anyone with such ambitions needs to invest many months studying the breed, becoming acquainted with the Paps from various lines, and learning from experienced breeders.

Characteristics

The Papillon is a small, fine-boned dog that competes in AKC's Toy Group. The average show Pap stands between 8-11" tall at the shoulder, and weighs 3-9 lbs. However, pet Papillons may be smaller or larger than this show ideal. This in no way affects their temperament or value as a companion.

Papillons have much to recommend them as pets. Because of their size, they are easily managed. Their soft, glossy coats require little grooming, save regular attention to ear fringe. As they are not double-coated, there is no big seasonal shed. Paps typically donot suffer from doggie odor. They adapt equally well to close quarters and country life. While they are indoors dogs without substantial exercise requirements, Paps enjoy the outdoors, and fancy themselves great hunters of birds, squirrels, spiders, even butterflies! Some are also mousers. Paps usually travel well, and because their crates fit neatly under airplane seats, they are often spared the trials of the cargo hold.

Most Papillons are outgoing happy dogs who love to meet people, sit in laps, and give "kisses". They do not have a reputation for being high-strung, nervous or fearf ul. They generally show great enthusiasm for children, cats, and other dogs, if they are raised wi th them. However, Paps may be possessive and bossy with other (sometimes larger) dogs, and a Pap in motion may even appear as prey to some dogs. Responsible owners will always remain alert t o the problems inherent in such situations. Many Paps seem not to realize that they are vulnerable because of their size. They are great jumpers, and puppies particularly must be prevented from trying to leap tall buildings. Paps also must be protected from rough handling by children, and an active Pap pup can easily escape a youngster's arms and land in a way that could break a leg or worse. For these reasons, some breeders are reluctant to place their pups in homes where children may be too young to appreciate the fragility of a tiny pup.

Papillons are attractive, amusing, and merry companions, and with their keen intelligence and desire to please, they can be readily trained to household routines. Some Paps like to bark, and as with other small breeds, house-training may take longer than for a larger dog. Obedience training is recommended for all pet Paps, as it can be invaluable in overcoming any stubbornness and in counteracting the natural tendency to spoil such a charming family member. Because of the sizes and types of dogs found in some dog training classes, small dog owners may be reluctant to involve their pets in such activities. Ask your breeder, veterinarian or dog club for references to responsible trainers, and visit several to watch them work. You are looking for an experienced person who uses positive reinforcement to train, and does not permit out-of-control dogs in their classes. You can also train privately (in individual classes) or at home. Books on dog obedience written by knowledgeable Pap people are listed in the bibliography section below.

New Papillon owners need to carefully review the security of their premises. No matter how snug fencing appears to be, there are often small spaces between fencing and posts, gates and buildings, or under the fence, through which an active and curious pup may be tempted to seek adventure.

GUEST BOOK