Breed Standard
Head: 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.
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.
Ears of the drop type, known as the Epagneul Nain Continental, are similar to the erect type, but are carried drooping and must be completely 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.
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.
Forequarters: 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.
Hindquarters: Well developed and well angulated. The hind legs are slender, fine-boned, and parallel when viewed from behind. Hocks inclined neither in nor out. Hind feet thin and elongated (hare-like), pointing neither in nor out.
Coat: 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 breeches (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.
Color: 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.
Gait: Free, quick, easy, graceful, not paddlefooted, or stiff in hip movements.
Temperament: Happy, alert and friendly. Neither shy nor aggressive.
Size: Size - Height at withers, 8 to 11 inches.
Proportion: Body must be slightly longer than the height at withers. It is not a cobby dog. Weight is in proportion to height.
History
The Papillon originated in Spain and was perfected by the French and was a favorite at the French court. The most famous owner was Henry III; documentation of his devotion to the breed lies in his declaration of the Papillon as the official dog of the Royal Court during his tenure. Other famous owners are said to have been Marie Antoinette, and Madame de Pompadour.
There is evidence that these small dogs were favorites of European aristocrats, particularly French royalty, during the time of the Old Masters, as Papillons (Epagneul Nain Continentals and Papillons) were included in many Old Master royal portraits from as early as the sixteenth century.
There are many stories about the Papillon. Marie Antoinette was said to have walked to the guillotine clutching her small dog under her arm. Tradition has it that her dog was a small spaniel that had been brought to the French court from Spain on the back of pack mules. According to the story, her pup was spared and cared for in a building in Paris still called the Papillon House. Marie's small spaniel was said to have descended from a very old drop-eared breed known as the Epagneul Nain Continental, or Continental Dwarf/Toy Spaniel that appeared in church frescos and paintings as early as the 13th century.
The Papillon is still officially referred to as the Epagneul Nain Continental (ENC) in non-English-speaking countries. The name Squirrel Spaniel also has been used, most likely referring to an earlier standard in which the tail set is described as "curling over the back as a squirrel's." One version of the history of the two varieties of ear shape in the ENC ("Papillon" to denote the erect ear and "Epagneul Nain Continental" to denote the dropped ear) is that toward the end of the 19th century, breed fanciers bred a version of the spaniel whose ears stood up. This dog was said to have been nicknamed papillon based on the impressively large, erect ears that resembled the wings of a butterfly. The drop-eared variety of the breed came to be called the Epagneul Nain Continental (which means "night moth"). Both types are still bred today and appear in the same litter. The Papillon variety is much more common, although recently the Epagneul Nain Continental has undergone a resurgence in popularity.
Behavior
Playful and amusing but can also be calm, patient, gentle and dignified. Steady and silent. Loves to be cuddled but also likes to romp outdoors. It may be very possessive of its owner and resent outsiders. They are steady, obedient and are not yappers. Papillons can be trained to perform small tricks. Some blood lines can be nervous, high-strung and timid. They can also be difficult to housebreak, but are in general easy to train otherwise. Papillons do best with older, considerate children. They can be a bit dog-aggressive. Good with cats when they are raised with them from puppyhood.
Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs; however, as with all breeds, play is not sufficient for all exercise. Daily walks or runs are an excellent way to exercise a Papillon. They also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off leash, such as a large, fenced yard. Papillons are a very active breed of dog and enjoy having a job to perform. Papillon breeders recommend dog agility, rally obedience, or obedience training for Papillons because of their intelligence and energy level.
Function
Pet.
Health
The Papillon is a fairly healthy breed, but like all dog breeds there are some health problems that are known to occur. Von Willebrand's disease can occur in Papillons. This hereditary coagulation abnormality is described in humans, although it can also be acquired as a result of other medical conditions. Luxating patella is not uncommon in small dogs, such as Papillions. It causes the kneecap to dislocate, and affects Papillons from 4 to 6 months.
Papillons can also be effected by patellar luxation, seizures, and dental problems. Additionally, they can be at risk for progressive retinal atrophy, intervertebral disk disease, and allergies.
