Papillon

Appearance

Papillons are known for their very large, butterfly-like ears. Papillons are parti-colored (white with markings of any color). An all white dog or a dog with no white is disqualified from the conformation show ring.

Papillons can be registered with AKC as the following colours, though not all of these colours are permitted in the conformation ring:

• White & Black
• White & Lemon
• White & Red
• White & Sable
• White Black & Tan
• Black Brown & White
• Black Red & White
• Brown & White
• Fawn & White
• Red
• Red White & Sable
• Sable
• White
• White & Liver
• White & Silver

The most distinctive aspect of the Papillon is its large ears, which are well fringed with coloured (not white) silky fur. The colour covers both eyes and the front and back of the ears to give the ideal butterfly look. A white blaze and noseband is preferred over a solid-coloured head. Nose, eye-rims, and lips should be black. Paw pads vary in colour from black or pink depending on the colouring of the dog.

The Papillon is considered to be a “wash and wear” breed and does not require excessive grooming. Papillons have a coat of fine fur, single length coat. As puppies, papillons have short length fur and as adults, the coat is long and silky. Their fur is very long, plush and soft to touch, until about three months old.

Temperament

The Papillon has the appearance of a dainty toy breed, but many owners will claim that their dogs are “big dogs in little dog suits”. Some people find that their Papillon is very capable of handling a good five-mile walk. One aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the “big dog” assertion is this breed’s surprising athletic ability. In contrast to its staid and stately representation in the Old Master portraits, the Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent. The breed is far older than any other represented by the AKC and is more notable for its psychological abilities than its athletic parlor tricks; the Papillon’s true strength lies in its ability to perceive the emotional needs of its owner and to translate them into a healthy psychological environment. In other words, the animal becomes what the owner needs at the time, depending on circumstances.

For more information please click on: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papillon_(dog)