Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 8-10 lbs.
Life Span: 12-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Overview
Papillons are friendly and gentle. They do very well in obedience school
and love other animals and children, provided they are socialized with them
early.
Papillons are ideal for apartment dwellers and for people with sedentary
lives.
Appearance
The papillon's abundant, flowing coat is long, fine, silky, and straight.
It is predominantly white with patches of any other color, most commonly
black, tan, or chestnut red.
The distinctive butterfly-like ears -- papillon is French for "butterfly,"
-- are well fringed, the insides covered with silken hair of medium length.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Papillons need to be brushed and combed two to three times a week and trimmed
every three months. They do not require a lot of exercise, although they
enjoy long, brisk walks.
Origins
The papillon was developed in the 17th century as a companion dog for European
royalty. Both Marie Antoinette and Madame de Pompadour owned papillons.
These elegant little dogs appear in Italian frescoes and in paintings by
Rubens, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Titian.
Breed-related health concerns: patellar luxation, deafness.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
