The Papillon Dog

If a small canine friend is what suits you best, you should definitely adopt a papillon dog. These little furry friends are also known as Continental Toy Spaniel, Phalene, Butterfly Dog or simply Pap. Why are they called butterfly dogs? The answer is simple. What gave birth to this name is the aspect of their ears, which are very large and the hair on them being long and fringed gives them a butterfly wings look.

A papillon dog usually has a strong coat that is white with patches of any color excepting liver. While most of their coat is white, both the eyes and the ears are fully covered with any color different from white. This makes these little fur balls look like they have colorful masks over their faces.

They can be great city dogs, but not necessarily apartment dogs, because they tend to overprotect their territory and bark at any strange noise they hear, regardless of the potential danger.

The papillon dog is a smart, friendly dog that, despite his petite appearance, possesses great strength and energy. He loves to exercise outdoors and, when socialized with cats, is friendly with them.

Charming, passionate, animated pups, papillons love to cuddle; they are patient, affectionate and proud. Papillon dogs can be trained to perform little tricks, are obedient and do not bark. They do need daily exercise, mostly consisting in walking, because they have the need to walk in their blood. Papillons must be groomed daily: brushed and combed, because their coat demands it.

They are usually clean and odorless, which means they do not need a large number of baths. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. Their teeth demand extra attention because they easily accumulate tartar. The papillon dog becomes possessive of its owner when he is allowed to become the "pack leader" in the house. This can lead to behavior issues such as anxiety, obsessive barking, separation anxiety, growling, biting, timidity and untrustworthiness around children. These traits are not breed features, but behaviors created by the way owners treated the dog. When they are shown by their owner that they are not the “pack leader” but the owner is, they are trustworthy, amusing dogs.

In hope this little presentation of the Papillon breed brought your attention to adopting one of these pups, the fact that they are average shedders must be added.

This breed is also one of the oldest, with a recorded history dating back to nearly 700 years ago. These dogs were depicted in paintings of noblewomen and loved throughout Europe. Because of their long tails fringing and the way they carry it curled over their back, Papillons were once known as “Squirrel Spaniels”.

The joy and amusement these little dogs bring to the families that own them is priceless. Due to their traits, they can be easily adopted by any type of family. You too can adopt a papillon dog and while you save a life, you will get a friend for life.

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