History
The Papillon take his name from the French word for butterfly. The large fringed ears and white blaze through the head give the impression of a butterfly. The Phalene whose ears drop completely to the side of the head like many other Spaniels. Phalene is the French word for moth. The Papillon was well known throughout Europe and was a favourite of the ladies of court especially in France. It is said that Marie Antoinette carried her favourite pet dog - a Papillon - to the guillotine with her. There are also numerous paintings done by the ‘Old Masters’ such as Rubens, Titian and Van Dyke that have pictures of what we now believe are the original Papillons together with the Royal children of the time. Madame Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV, cherished a Papillon called Inez. These early specimens were also known as Dwarf Spaniels or Epagneuls Nain. The fact that they were called Epagneuls could indicate Spanish origin because the name "Spaniel" means "Dog of Spain", and for that reason it has often been inferred that the Spaniel breeds originated in that country. Henry Sodenkamp, writing in The Kennel Encyclopaedia, edited by Dr. J. Sidney Turner, in 1907 calls the breed "The Belgian Toy Spaniel" (Papillon) and, quoting from this article: "There exists two varieties:- the one drop eared, and the other prick-eared, the ears being profusely feathered at the edges and giving the appearance of the wings of a butterfly, hence the name Papillon or Butterfly Spaniel. They are sometimes called ‘Squirrel’ Spaniels on account of the long, heavily feathered tail carried as the squirrel’s." The two varieties were accepted at the Belgian shows in 1902, and name Papillon was given to dogs with oblique ears. On the Continent generally the dropped ear dogs were referred to as the Continental Dwarf Spaniels, but it was not until 1955 that the name Phalene was finally approved.
An Impression of the Breed
He is a friendly and intelligent little toy dog, who knows by your actions, whether you are leaving him at home or taking him with you. Upon your return he greets you with kisses.
He is fairly easy to please with very good table manners.
The coat is silky, long and abundant and is easy to look after. They enjoy being groomed, brushed and bathed.
The bitch is a very proud mother and almost always eager to show off her ‘babes’.
They become very protective of their own and will let you know of any small changes in the neighbourhood.
A great companion for all ages
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