Papillon

1 Breed Introduction

Papillon (read more)

The Papillon (Papillon), from France, originally dropped ears that grew large and erect. Favored in Louis XIV’s court in the 16th century at high price; admired by Madame de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette—a beloved toy breed.

Taxonomy: origin France, Belgium; lifespan 10-14 years; prone: patellar luxation, eye disease; small; uses companion, toy; long coat.

2 Physical Characteristics

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Ideal height 20-28 cm, weight 4-4.5 kg; length slightly over height. Small head, medium width, slightly arched skull, round black nose, clear stop, pointed muzzle. A white blaze (wide or narrow) runs up the center of the head.

Eyes dark, round, not bulging, medium, alert; black rims. Ears large, separated, set back; richly feathered, erect or dropped, large with round tips. Erect type slopes like butterfly wings, 45 degrees when alert; dropped type hangs fully down. Faults: small/high/uneven ears.

Skull small, medium width, slightly arched between ears; clear stop at muzzle join. Body longer than tall, not sturdy, medium chest, straight back.

Neck medium; straight level topline; medium deep chest, well-sprung ribs; tucked belly. Shoulders clear, sloping; fine straight forelegs, dewclaws removable; fine long feet, no turn-out. Hindquarters well-angled, fine parallel legs, hocks straight; hind dewclaws removed. Legs parallel, front feathered, hind in ‘pantaloons’; fine long feet.

Tail long, high, feathered, curves over back. Coat abundant, long, fine, silky, straight, elastic; no undercoat; chest feathering; short tight hair on head, muzzle, front of forelegs, hock down; ear fringe. Color: white plus other markings covering both ears front and back to the eyes, symmetric; all-white or all-colored disqualifies.

Gait easy, quick, composed, elegant; no paddling or stiff hips.

3 Temperament

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Famous for big ears and tiny stature, loved by ladies. Agile and adaptable.

Smart, lively, bold yet coy, easy to train; an elegant companion and toy; clever, cheerful, obedient, rarely barks.

Strongly possessive of its owner’s attention, warm, gentle, friendly, kind—but jealous of rivals for the owner’s love.

Very intelligent, quick, brave; unflustered even near big dogs, never attacks first. Looks fragile but is strong; train gently for harmony.

4 Care and Grooming

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Easy to groom—trim foot-bottom tufts (not between toes). Its ‘nylon’ coat repels dirt; a few minutes daily. Use quality shampoo, dry while brushing, keep ears dry. After no residue, wipe with cotton.

Light oil (coconut) on ear fringe or body helps in shows. Do not pull whisker hairs (they protect eyes). Some occasions need ‘dry cleaning.’

Now a show or pet dog, though not all owners fully trust them, yet many excel in shows.

Free time: 1) Brush daily with a bristle brush; no tying like a Shih Tzu; bath every 4-5 months in cold, at least monthly in hot summer; keep coat clean. 2) Trim sharp nails. 3) Loves activity, follows the owner—proper exercise aids appetite and health.

Extra: 1) Avoid spoiling into willfulness; train firmly. 2) Its gut is delicate—feed carefully. 3) Keep warm at night. It sheds once a year (March-April); easy to keep overall.

5 Feeding Guide

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Often resold as a puppy, causing stress; owners may be unprepared. Tips:

Puppyhood is fast growth—needs ample nutrition. After weaning, stress causes illness; choose tasty, digestible food. Under 3 months feed 3-4 times daily, little and often to avoid pickiness. 4-6 months, more food, at least 3 times. After 6 months, twice daily.

Keep the original diet, switch gradually. Under 2 months, weak gut—soften food or feed rice porridge, soy milk with minced fish/meat and cooked greens. No milk; use puppy or skim milk powder.

Over 2 months, use puppy kibble; mix cheap cooked organs with greens and cornmeal—economic and loved. Not too much meat (causes diarrhea, calcium-phosphorus imbalance, lameness). Glucose water after exercise; add calcium and vitamins (tablets) for teeth and bones.