Living with the Papillon

This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, January 2014 issue.

Living with the Papillon

The world fell in love with the Papillon when the Supernatural Being, AKA Kirby, posed inside the Westminster Kennel Club bowl after being named Best in Show in 1999. However, many of us were already in on the secret! Queen Marie Antoinette of France took one to the guillotine with her in 1793. Her family in Austria, the Hapsburgs, favored the Papillon and she brought the breed into prominence in her adopted France. After her death, the staff took care of her Papillons until they died in the Paris abode still known as ‘The House of the Papillon.’ Marie Antoinette’s favorite, ‘Coco,’ slept in a splendid velvet-covered ‘kennel’ which now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. While it is a very old breed and member of the continental toy spaniel family, the Epagneul Nain Continental, the Papillon was not introduced into Great Britain until 1905 nor recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1915.

It is believed that the origin of the breed was Italy and they were transported on the back of mules through Spain to France. The original variety of the breed is the dropped ear style, the Phalene (fay-lyn), which is French for moth. Legend has it that the Phalene was bred with the Pomeranian resulting in erect ears which became dominant. While no one really knows, we do know that Papillon (papy-yon) is French for butterfly… and the breed is the Butterfly of the Dog World. ‘Fine-boned, dainty, elegant’ is the takeaway phrase from a seminar on the Papillon.

Add the requisite ‘happy, alert, and friendly’ and you have a good beginning understanding of the breed. The surprise to many is the extreme intelligence and amazing athleticism of this small dog. This breed is not Barbie-without-a-brain; it is Miss Universe with a PhD, an M.D., and a Miss Congeniality title too! Beautiful and Bright… Elegant and Athletic… Papillons are very small: 8″ to 11″ with weight proportionate to the height… which means in the neighborhood of 5 to 9 pounds. The AKC Standards calls for fine-boned 4 times. Included in the hallmarks of the breed are the fine-boned structure and the dainty, light appearance. Think of a ballet dancer: very athletic, but still ethereal looking.

These are small dogs with a big dog mentality. They are seldom afraid of people or other animals; sometimes to their detriment. Papillons often rule the home as they have no problem outsmarting their owners. Remember the film All About Eve? Paps have a charming way to get their way! It will happen subtly, almost before you know it. This breed is widely known as the Do It All Toy Dog. Favorites of performance aficionados, Papillons excel in Agility , Obedience, Rally, as well as the conformation ring. They are easily trained as their reason for being is to please their master and to love and be loved. Positive reinforcement is the key. In 2000, a Papillon named Delta was named winner of the AKC’s American Canine Excellence (ACE) award. Delta was the companion and assistant of Lauren Wilson, a dwarf with a progressive muscular disease. Lauren and Delta were featured twice on ABC’s television show 20/20, introduced by Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer in a segment entitled, ‘The Little Dog That Could.’ Papillons are generally healthy.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) has been linked to the breed; however, the DNA marker for PRA in Papillons was recently found. A simple DNA test swab can give a definite diagnosis for the blinding disease and is a must for dogs used in breeding programs. Responsible breeders are careful not to breed dogs with genetically linked problems such as patella luxation. It is imperative to work with a reputable breeder when looking for a Papillon. If you are beginning to search for a Papillon, be prepared to be interviewed extensively by the breeder and ready yourself for a wait. Papillons average only 2 pups in a litter and weigh only a few ounces at birth. They are, however, worth the usual wait and often lead active lives for 14+ years. The hallmark of the breed is the large, rounded butterfly-like ears. The ear fringe adds to the butterfly illusion. Genetically, the black and white and tri-colored Paps usually carry more ear fringe than their red sable and white relatives. While I cannot back my next statement with science, I believe the large ears make the Papillons super-sensitive to sound. A Papillon is unmatched as an alert dog!

Grooming for a pet Papillon requires regular baths, nail clipping, and frequent brushing. While the coat is single and silky, it can mat rather quickly on an active Papillon. Dental care is a must for Papillons as it is for all toy dogs. Papillons are not usually a good choice for a family with young children. Because of their size and fine bone structure, they can be injured in well-meaning play. If there are other dogs in the home, be very careful of mixing dogs with prey drive and Papillons. Paps cannot be convinced that they are small toy dogs and have no hesitation to challenge a large dog for a toy or a treat. Obviously, Papillons are an indoor breed, but they do enjoy walks and some time outside with their family.

Many love to ride in the car and generally accompany their owners everywhere. They are easy travelers on airplanes and bond to their carriers almost immediately. This is a high-energy, intelligent breed which demands attention from their owners. Should you run into Lauren Bacall, Glenn Close, or Christina Aguilera, ask about their Papillons. And remember the movie Gremlins? You are right, Steven Spielberg’s Papillon was the inspiration! For further information about this delightful breed, go to the website of the Papillon Club of America, papillonclub.org. Our National Specialty will be in Wilmington, Ohio, May 25-31, 2014, and two Regional Specialties will be held in New York City, February 8-9, 2014.