LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Papillon: Breeds
built 177 days ago
Papillon is the French word for Butterfly. Butterfly Dogs aptly describes the breed, as the ears are the shape of a butterfly and have long silky hair known as 'fringes'. The Papillon is a very adaptable breed of dog and will be equally happy on in the country or in the town. It is intelligent and extrovert dog, extremely playful and very affectionate. They will enjoy as much or as little exercise as you care to give them! With brains as well as beauty, often it is seen in obedience and agility competitions. The breed is one of the oldest with a recorded history in Europe going back nearly 700 years, originally called the epagneul nain or dwarf spaniel, and
Source:
The Papillon is one of the oldest breeds of dog, with a recorded history in Europe going back nearly 700 years. The breed was originally called the epagneul nain or dwarf spaniel, and sported spaniel-type dropped ears. The dog was later known as the Continental Toy Spaniel (or sometimes just toy spaniel), and this tiny breed is recognizable in 13th through 15th century Italian frescoes. It was featured in many paintings of the Renaissance period; in fact much of the breed's development is known because of its depiction in paintings. The breed was widespread in Italy during the Renaissance and later perfected by French breeders. Some of its talents include: watchdogging, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
Source:
In recent years, the Papillon has become a small dog star in the sport of dog agility. This sport consists of an obstacle course with tunnels, jumps, A-frames, and narrow bridges that a dog completes at top speed aided only by verbal and body-language commands from a handler. Agility requires the dog to spring, scramble, weave, and turn on a dime. The breed is considered naturally agile, and Papillons compete at both national and international trials. Because many Papillons have intense drive and natural speed, their tiny turning radius gives them an edge over larger dogs, and some Papillons are capable of beating Border Collie speeds on some courses. At the same time, Papillons excel in companionship and lap dog sweepstakes, and take it very seriously.
Source:
The Papillon originates from France, and his name translates to 'butterfly'. This breed enjoys a long history that dates back to the fourteenth century, and were introduced to the United States in around the nineteenth century. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1915.
Source:
Some Papillon owners believe that their dogs interpret any new event as having been put on for their benefit, and that the dogs do their best to be attentive hosts or hostesses. Another aspect of the Papillon that has led many to believe the "big dog" assertion is this breed's surprising athletic ability. Perhaps people are surprised that in contrast to its staid and stately representation in the Old Master portraits, the Papillon is highly energetic and intelligent (Stanley Coren, in The Intelligence of Dogs, rates the Papillon eighth among all breeds). This makes Papillons very easy to train as they are so quick to learn. Provided their genetic structure is sound and they are healthy, Papillons are built for movement, and most do not need any encouragement to apply their energy to athletic activities.
Source:
Unlike many breeds of dogs, the Papillon is jealously guarded by its breed club. Those who are looking for a puppy may be placed on a waiting list; litters are small, usually two or three pups, and breeders tend to be very picky about who gets their treasures. They often keep the pups until 14 or 16 weeks of age.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Breeds