The Papillon Is A Great And Interesting Breed

The Papillon is one of the oldest forms of lap or toy dogs. The old adage that great things come in small packages is no more evident than when referring to the Papillon dog breed. Named after the unique shape of their upright ears, the word papillon is the French word for butterfly. These dogs make adorable and affectionate companions.

The rich history of the Papillon, formerly known as the dwarf or toy spaniel, is quite robust. Many famous works of art from as far back as 1500 feature the Papillon, including being heavily prominent in the famous family portrait of France's Louis The XIV. Indeed the history of the Papillon is one intertwined with high art and royalty. This pedigree, along with small litter sizes, has translated into them commanding high prices from breeders.

Being an extremely intelligent dog, the Papillon is well suited to learning tricks and becoming quite obedient to their owners. With their sharp wits they will respond well to orders and accept many different rewards for learning a trick or following commands, some content with just a pleasant compliment in a happy tone of voice.

One thing to keep in mind is their high level of energy. Papillons need to be taken for regular walks and have a lot of time to play. This makes them ideal for families with young energetic children or for older couples needing a motivator to keep on their feet. A papillon will happily jog with its owner for a good distance, but with their small stature wouldn't exactly be the type of dog to run miles and miles.

Papillons are commonly seen in dog shows and feature in many Kennel Clubs. Their elegant, distinctive looks always turn heads. The most attractive look for a Papillon is being two-toned and having a blaze, or line of white between the eyes and to the snout. This feature gives the dog more of that butterfly look they are named after.

Papillons make wonderful companions and lovely show dogs. With a rich history that include kings and queens, leaders of men and the European merchant class, you know you're holding a new companion that's a living piece of history. They are perfect for both families and singletons alike. Though the breed can go for huge sums of money it's a worthy investment in a new friend for your family.

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