Sable
Red and white dog with black tipping on ears and
body patches. May or may not have a black mask
on face. Intensity of red varies for each dog.
Red
Red and white dog with
no black tipping.
Intensity of red varies for each dog.
Black and White
A white dog with
patches of black
Tri Colour
Black and white dog
with tan points above the eyes,
on the cheeks, inside the ears
and under the tail
The Basic Colours:
       The Papillon (pronounced Pappy-Yon) is one of the oldest toy breeds - a direct descendent of the Continental Toy Spaniel.
Papillon is the French word for butterfly, and the dogs were so named for the shape and position of their ears which when erect,
resemble the spread wings of a butterfly. These little dogs were great favourites of the ladies of the Royal Courts in France and
Belgium, during the 17th and 18th centuries.

        The original dogs were drop eared like all other Spaniel breeds and today both varieties can still be seen and are judged on
an equal footing in shows. The drop-eared variety is known as Phalene (pronounced Falen), the French name for a moth that
droops its wings.

         The general appearance of a Papillon is that of a small, alert, friendly, elegant Toy Dog of fine bone structure, with light,
graceful and lively action. Papillons may be as small as 8" and as tall as 12". The weight of a mature dog around 10" in height is
6-8 pounds approx.

         Papillons are always parti-coloured being predominantly white with patches of any other colour expect liver. The colour
should cover both ears and both eyes. A central blaze on the head is preferred, as it represents the body of the butterfly, but it is
not essential. Patches of colour on the body may be present or absent.

         Papillons are inquisitive and fun loving, refusing to believe that they are small dogs. They like nothing better than a romp
with a ball, or a walk in the country where they can chase a butterfly, bird or a squirrel and investigate the world around them.
They are long-lived, remarkably resistant to disease, and retain their playfulness right into old age. Their acute hearing makes
them excellent watchdogs and they will soon let you know when a stranger is around. However, they are not persistent barkers
and once visitors are inside the house and the greetings are over, they will return to their favourite spot and lie down quietly.

          Coat care is minimal, for Papillons have silky hair that sheds the dirt easily. There is no need for trimming, and as there is
no undercoat there is little shedding. A gentle but thorough brushing once a week and a bath every couple months or so is all
that is required. They keep themselves very clean and have no doggy odour. Regular trimming of the toe nails is required.

          Papillons are naturally eager to please and are devoted to their owners. Their exceptional intelligence and easy trainability
have placed them at the top of the Toy Breeds in Obedience and Agility. Their happy manner of working has endeared them to
the public. They are "naturals" for training as Hearing Aid dogs and in Pet Therapy programs. For versatility there are few breeds
to match them; for loyal loving companions, they are second to none.

Published by Papillon Canada.
My Favourite Papillon Links:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Coming Soon!