The discussion of the history of the Papillon requires a brief statement about the two ear types of the breed; Papillon and Phalene. The French word Papillon means butterfly. The Papillon's erect ears with long flowing fringe resemble butterfly wings. The French word Phalene means night moth and the Phalene's ears drop alongside the head. Although the Phalene's lineage closely mimics that of the Papillon, for simplicity we'll concentrate our efforts on the Papillon.

The history of the Papillon oftentimes seems to be indefinable, but as a result of documentation in European books and art pieces, most Papillon experts consider it to be related to the Toy Spaniel of Europe. Despite any noticeable connections with the European Toy Spaniel, some breed historians have suggested that the breed may be connected to South America, Mexico and China. Examples of Papillons can be seen in Old Masters paintings of the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries in Belgium and other European countries. This obviously destroys the myth that the Papillon is of Mexican origins. To add to the confusion, some subscribe to the theory that around 900 AD, Toy Spaniels were taken from China to Spanish owned territories by the first explorers who reached China.

However, most are in agreement that the bred at least evolved in France or Belgium. Experts examining the historical lineage of the Papillon, King Charles Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel agree that the ancestry of these dogs is firmly rooted and intertwined in Europe.

Although, it is impossible to illustrate with complete certainty the origins of the Papillon. Is it any wonder that such an unusual and loving dog has its origins claimed, not only by France but by Belgium and Spain. Bred originally as a "lap dog" they understandably became the favorites of nobility and artists, as they appeared in portraits throughout Europe from the 1400s. The Papillon was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915.

Unlike so many other dogs in the Toy Group, Papillons are distinguished by being a family dog that you can actually live with- -one that will become a true member of your family. The British Breed Standard, in fact, specifies that a Papillon should be "lively, intelligent, friendly with no aggression and always alert." With that description, you can certainly understand how these little, big hearted "rascals" have captivated so many people. I have found them to be the near perfect companion in a miniature package, suitable for both home and apartment living. Bright, eager to please and effervescent, their whimsical attitude provides both love and entertainment day-after-day.

Below please find the Papillon Bred Standard as seen at the AKC website.

Size: Height at withers, 8 to 11 inches.

Fault: Over 11 inches. Disqualification: Over 12 inches.

Proportion: Body must be slightly longer than the height at withers. It is not a cobby dog. Weight is in proportion to height.

Substance: Of fine-boned structure.

Eyes: dark, round, not bulging, of medium size and alert in expression. The inner corners of the eyes are on line with the stop. Eye rims black.

Ears: The ears of either the erect or drop type should be large with rounded tips, and set on the sides and toward the back of the head. (1) Ears of the erect type are carried obliquely and move like the spread wings of a butterfly. When alert, each ear forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the head. The leather should be of sufficient strength to maintain the erect position. (2) Ears of the drop type, known as the Phalene, are similar to the erect type, but are carried drooping and must be completely down.

Faults: Ears small, pointed, set too high; one ear up, or ears partly down.

Skull: The head is small. The skull is of medium width and slightly rounded between the ears. A well-defined stop is formed where the muzzle joins the skull.

Muzzle: The muzzle is fine, abruptly thinner than the head, tapering to the nose. The length of the muzzle from the tip of the nose to stop is approximately one-third the length of the head from tip of nose to occiput.

Nose: black, small, rounded and slightly flat on top.

The following faults shall be severely penalized: Nose not black. Lips tight, thin and black. Tongue must not be visible when jaws are closed.

Teeth must meet in a scissors bite.

Faults: Overshot or undershot.

Neck : of medium length.

Topline : The backline is straight and level.

Body: The chest is of medium depth with ribs well sprung. The belly is tucked up. Tail long, set high and carried well arched over the body. The tail is covered with a long, flowing plume. The plume may hang to either side of the body.

Faults: Low-set tail; one not arched over the back, or too short.

Shoulders: well developed and laid back to allow freedom of movement.

Forelegs: slender, fine-boned and must be straight. Removal of dewclaws on forelegs optional. Front feet thin and elongated (hare-like), pointing neither in nor out.

Well developed and well angulated. The hind legs are slender, fine-boned, and parallel when viewed from behind.

Hocks : inclined neither in nor out. Dewclaws, if any, must be removed from hind legs. Hind feet thin and elongated (hare-like), pointing neither in nor out.

Abundant, long, fine, silky, flowing, straight with resilient quality, flat on back and sides of body. A profuse frill on chest. There is no undercoat. Hair short and close on skull, muzzle, front of forelegs, and from hind feet to hocks. Ears well fringed, with the inside covered with silken hair of medium length. Backs of the forelegs are covered with feathers diminishing to the pasterns. Hind legs are covered to the hocks with abundant reeches (culottes). Tail is covered with a long, flowing plume. Hair on feet is short, but fine tufts may appear over toes and grow beyond them, forming a point.

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.

Free, quick, easy, graceful, not paddlefooted, or stiff in hip movements.

Happy, alert and friendly. Neither shy nor aggressive.

Majestic Joy Papillons 1249 Old DuQuoin Rd. DuQuoin, IL 62832 618-790-4750 Rita L. Koy majesticjoy@earthlink.net http://www.majesticjoypapillons.com