As in many breeds, the origin of the Papillon is subject to many theories,

however it is generally accepted that the breed is descended from the European Toy Spaniels

 that feature in many of the Court Paintings from the 15^th Century onwards.

These Toy Spaniels were firm favourites with the ladies of the Court and indeed it is

rumoured that Marie Antoinette’s own Toy Spaniel accompanied her to the guillotine.

It is also generally accepted that the breed evolved in France or Belgium.

Known for its large erect ears, it is perhaps surprising to learn that the forerunner of the

 modern day papillon was the drop eared Toy Spaniel and although a few examples of the

erect eared papillon can be found - the earliest known featuring in a portrait by Jacob Bogdani

(1660-1724) – it was not until perhaps the turn of the 20^th Century that the

erect eared papillon came to prominence.

The Papillon is a happy lively little dog, extremely intelligent and quite

certain in its own mind that it is really a large dog in a small body.

It has a lively and outgoing temperament and should show no signs at all of aggressiveness.

It is quite happy enjoying long walks with its owner and is equally content curling up in front

of the fireplace at home, or more usually on its favourite chair.

Its coat, the texture of which should be silky and fine, needs little attention,

a few minutes a day should suffice, ensuring no tangles have developed especially

under forearms, ear fringes and trousers.

A Toy Breed, the papillon should be between 8" to 11" inches to the shoulders,

with fine bone and between 3 lb to 9 lb in weight

The Papillon is a relatively healthy breed and whilst Patella Luxation and more recently

P R A have appeared in the breed as a general rule the breed is sound.