History of the Papillon

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 1935.

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. 


Papillon History   From the AKC web site

The dwarf spaniel of the 16th century, depicted in many paintings by the Masters of that era, is the dog that became known as the Papillon. Although the Papillon owes its name and much of its breed development to the French, it was Spain and Italy that gave rise to its popularity. The Bologna region of Italy probably developed the largest trade, selling many dogs to the court of Louis XIV, transporting the dogs through Spain on the backs of mules.

This little hardy dog acquired it name as the breed developed the distinctive erect-ear type, the ears being set obliquely on the head and so fringed as to resemble the wings of a butterfly. Papillon is the French word for butterfly. This breed-type is said to have developed during the days of Louis the Great but the cause of the change remains largely theoretical. It is noteworthy that both drop-eared and erect-ears occur in the same litter and are judged together in AKC shows.

First represented in the American Kennel Club in 1935, this delightful little dog enjoys great popularity in both conformation and performance competitions. As ratters, they are extremely useful. Too small to kill a rat outright, they will worry it until it is exhausted then dispatch it quickly.