Papillon what breed. Papillon

A small, beautiful and at the same time smart dog, the image of which can be seen in the old portraits of French kings, is a continental toy spaniel. The second, more common name that this dog bears is Papillon, which means “butterfly” in French. This suits her perfectly, because her pubescent erect ears to some extent really look like butterfly wings.

The history of the breed

About when the Papillon (Papillon) dog breed appeared, biologists cannot give a definite answer until today. Most call the time of their appearance the XIV century. According to another version, the funny dog ​​was brought to Jerusalem during the Crusade already in 1099.

There is no consensus on which country can be called the birthplace of "butterflies". According to different versions, it can be France, Belgium, Spain and Italy. The progenitors of the breed are dwarf spaniels. From the same dwarf spaniels came the phalene dog breed (translated from French as “moth”). Previously, the Phalena and Papillon were classified as the same breed. But there are still differences between the representatives of "butterflies" and "moths", and the main one of them lies in the structure of the ears. The Phalene has hanging ears, unlike the erect ears of the Papillon.

Most of all, the dog "butterfly" fell in love in France. The royal dynasties spared no expense to provide luxurious conditions for their favorites. According to legend, King Henry III kept a large number of pets of this breed with state money. He adored these dogs, and they answered him in return. Therefore, when a monk came to the king with the intention of killing him, one of the dogs, as if sensing something was wrong, raised a terrible bark. The king did not attach any importance to this, and the attempt took place.

After Henry III, Louis XIV, XV and XVI, Queen Marie Antoinette kept papillon dogs. Following the crowned persons, the courtiers also strove to get “room dogs of queens and kings”.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the breed was improved by English biologists who crossed the Papillon with the Spitz. Thanks to this, the coat of the butterfly dog ​​became thicker and healthier, including her ears became more fluffy. In addition, the tail "moved" somewhat on the back.

Appearance of the dog

Papillon - dog, which, despite its decorative effect and very small size, is distinguished by a rather harmonious physique and well-developed muscles. Butterflies do not have joint problems characteristic of many dwarf breeds. She is quite active, loves to play and even catch insects (probably, this is how the spaniel genes manifest themselves).

The description of the Papillon breed, which appeared in 1934, was made according to the image of the "butterfly" in the painting "Daughter of Roberto Strozzi" in 1542 by the famous artist Titian, where the dog is depicted next to the girl.

Today, the Continental Toy Spaniel Standard, adopted by the National Breed Clubs, describes "butterflies" as follows:

In addition to external signs, lightness, confidence and grace in any movements can be added to the characteristics of the Papillon. They are in good health. When asked how long these dogs live, as a rule, biologists give an answer - up to 12-16 years.

The nature and characteristics of education

Small decorative papillon absolutely not suitable as a "pocket" dog. He is very active, cheerful, curious. He cannot sit for a long time in one place, even in the arms of his beloved master. The four-legged friend is always busy with something. If there are children in the house, he will support all their games with great joy.

The “butterfly” dog has been included in the rating of the most intelligent dogs for a long time, quite deservedly taking the 8th place, because a high level of intelligence and an excellent memory are inherent in the papillon. The dog learns quickly, masters tricks (sometimes the first time), so even a child over 10 years old can handle her training.

Papillon becomes very attached and becomes the most devoted friend ready to follow his master always and everywhere. Being away from the owner for some time, the dog is very homesick and experiences real stress. Such sensitivity is manifested in him in another way - the dog reacts very painfully to shouts and, moreover, physical punishments. It should be understood that in order to punish a dog for tricks, it is not necessary to scream, because it is able to feel the displeasure of a person even without words.

The disadvantage of the breed is called the rapid transition from play to aggression. However, this only happens in dogs that have not been trained. First, papillon puppies need socialization. To do this, babies who have been vaccinated should be taken outside, expanding their circle of acquaintances. Secondly, you need to make sure that the puppy during the game does not start to “bite” the one with whom it plays.

A well-bred Papillon is very friendly and well-mannered. He will never bark at someone for no reason.

papillon care rules

Butterfly puppies very small, similar to woolen balls, in addition to the company of a person, you will need:

  • proper, balanced, regular nutrition;
  • regular walks for 25-30 minutes at least twice a day;
  • keeping eyes, nose, ears and coat clean.

When an adult papillon lives in the house, care for him will also include proper feeding and regular walks. In addition, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the pet's coat, since it is an indicator of the health of the dog. A healthy Papillon has a thick and shiny coat, but if it has become faded, the dog should be shown to the veterinarian.

Butterfly hair care includes:

  • combing with special combs or mittens 2-3 times a week (daily during shedding);
  • bathing with special shampoos as it gets dirty;

The claws of the pet also need processing.. They should be regularly inspected, and if necessary, cut nails, growths and hair between the fingers.

Papillons have long been one of the most common pets almost all over the world. Small, energetic, funny dogs, according to numerous reviews, are always ready to cheer up their owners and be their most devoted friends.

The Papillon dog evokes emotion in many who see it. And this is not surprising, because these small fluffy dogs with a characteristic appearance and color look like toys. Because of their compact size and peaceful, cheerful nature, they are great for living in city apartments. Papillons have other advantages - they are unpretentious, faithful and devoted, quickly and for life become attached to their owners, children and other pets. For this they are called companion dogs. In this article you can read about the history of this breed, how Papillons should look like, what character they have and how to properly raise and educate them.

About the history of the breed

These small graceful lap dogs have been known in Europe since the Middle Ages (11-12 century). But the greatest popularity came to them in the 14th century, when they began to breed in France.

In the same place, the breed got its name - “papillon”, that is, “butterfly”. This is the name of a variety of these dogs with erect ears. For the lop-eared, they came up with another name - “falen”, which means “moth”. Such names are given to this breed for the remarkable ears, similar to the wings of a butterfly. The official name of the breed is different - continental toy spaniel.

At one time, the Papillon dog breed was incredibly popular among the royal family of France and aristocratic families. Graceful dogs were owned by queens, kings and their favorites. The images of these animals were repeatedly depicted on their canvases by artists of the Renaissance and Reformation. At that time, the popularity and prevalence of papillons among the nobility was so great that there was a special standard for depicting famous personalities on canvases - without a papillon, the picture was considered incomplete.

It is worth noting that there are two versions of the origin of the Papillon breed:

  • Franco-Belgian;
  • Italian.

According to the second version, the first papillon was brought to French soil by a princess from Italy who married the king. The girl was strongly attached to her pet and therefore did not want to part with him.

From the 15th century, papillons began to be kept in royal and aristocratic houses in other European countries - Poland, Sweden and Denmark.

Here they became the pets of rich and influential women.

After the removal of the power of the monarchy in France, the papillons began to gradually disappear. They did not want to keep them, as they were associated with aristocracy, wealth and power. They became less and less. By the 19th century, Papillon-like dogs were found in Belgium, but in appearance they still did not quite resemble their French ancestors.

In the middle of this century, French and Belgian dog breeders decided to revive the Papillon in its original form. They did a tremendous job of restoring the breed and coped with the task. First, the breeders managed to restore the lop-eared dogs, after which, on the basis of their offspring, varieties with half-hanging and erect ears were created. The last variety was called "papillon". That is how these dogs are called to this day.

Over time, it was Papillons that began to be in great demand, but there were few representatives of this variety, and it was incredibly difficult to find suitable pairs for breeding. Therefore, in 1987 in Mexico City, at the regular session of the FCI Presidium, it was allowed to breed both variants together in order to preserve them.

In the 20th century, English breeders also began to breed Papillons. They decided to ennoble the coat of spaniels by infusing them with some Spitz blood. The choice turned out to be very successful, as a result, it was possible to improve not only the coat of the dogs, but also the fringe on the ears and fluffy tail.

papillon character

Representatives of the breed are distinguished by intelligence and friendliness. Activity and optimism are combined in them with truly royal dignity and majesty. These dogs are not aggressive and get along well with their relatives and other animals, but such communication is not enough for them, so they need long-term contact with a person.

Papillons adore people, especially small children with whom they love to play. Moreover, they are very intelligent and smart and will never bite a person. They are calm, balanced, unlike many small dogs. These qualities allow butterfly dogs to become indispensable companions.

Papillons are quick-witted and reputed to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds - in agility competitions they took a high 9th place among almost 80 participating breeds, and among representatives of their class - decorative dogs - 1st. Papillons love to learn and learn new things. They can solve tasks where you need to memorize words or find the right answer in a difficult situation. These dogs do not have a passion for chewing furniture and things, so they can be kept even in expensive apartments without fear for the furniture installed there.

Papillon puppies require communication at a very early age - even before they open their eyes. This is necessary for developing the right character. Only in the presence of early socialization, papillons will calmly and trustfully treat their owners and people in general. If communication is not enough, butterfly dogs can grow nervous and timid, reacting inadequately to what is happening if they are afraid.

breed standard

The appearance of Papillons is so remarkable that once you see them, you can’t confuse them with any other breed. These are harmoniously built small animals with a somewhat elongated body. The description of the breed gives a clear example of how they are supposed to look. Purebred Papillons must have:

  1. Small and light head, with a pointed short muzzle.
  2. Bulging forehead, with a well-formed transition to the muzzle, especially in small individuals.
  3. Small and round nose, with a straight back, always black.
  4. Narrow lips of dark color, tightly adjacent to the jaws.
  5. Scissor bite.
  6. Large and expressive almond-shaped eyes of dark color.
  7. Widely spaced large erect ears with rounded edges and a thick fringe of long hanging hair along the edges (for the Papillon variety). For phalenes - set high, but at the same time mobile, and also with a fringe of wool along the edges.
  8. Moderately long neck, slightly arched at the back of the head.
  9. Strong and straight body with a deep chest.
  10. Slightly tucked up belly.
  11. Sufficiently long tail with long excellent coat. He should not lie on his back, but only lightly touch it with his edge. It is also unacceptable if the tail is twisted into rings.
  12. Straight and strong limbs in proportion to the body.
  13. Sufficiently long paws, the so-called "hare", with strong and durable claws. The hair on the legs should be the same as on the body. Soft and silky fur should grow between the toes.

The coat of the Papillon consists of a long and dense awn, without undercoat. It should be slightly wavy, but not curled into curls, with a silky sheen. On the head, the front of the forelegs and the underside of the hind legs it should be short. On the body - longer. The hindquarters of all papillon legs should be heavily pubescent, and there should be a fringe of long hair on the part of the hind legs from the croup to the hock.

Papillon color - white, with large spots of 4 colors (brown, red, gray and black). The hair on the head must be painted in a dark color, between the eyes there may be a white blaze. The completely white head of the Papillon is considered a serious fault. The weight of papillons, both males and females, should be 1.5–5 kg, the height at the withers should not exceed 28 cm.

Features of keeping papillons and caring for them

Butterflies, like any other dogs, should have their own permanent place in the house. It can be a bed or a small house where the dog will rest and where no one will disturb her. It should be located away from batteries and drafts so that the dogs do not overheat and do not catch a cold. Near Papillon puppies, while they are growing, there should always be toys that they can gnaw on, otherwise they will take up the master's slippers and other things they like.

Butterfly dogs are small animals, about the size of a cat, so you can put a tray in which they will go when they need to. But this does not mean that papillons do not need walking. It is necessary to take the dogs for a walk at least once a day, so that they run in the fresh air. A prerequisite for walking is the use of a leash that will protect the pet from unforeseen situations.

From a young age, a Papillon puppy needs to be introduced to the necessary hygiene procedures:

  • bathing;
  • combing wool;
  • washing paws after a walk;
  • ear cleaning;
  • trimming the nails.

Especially these dogs need regular grooming. It needs to be brushed at least 2 times a week to keep it always in excellent condition. During the periods of molting, in spring and autumn, the frequency of combing the Papillon must be increased. You need to bathe the dogs with a special dog shampoo, which should not leave a yellow tint on their snow-white coat. It is important to thoroughly rinse the shampoo with warm water so that there is no trace of this product on the hair.

Feeding Papillon babies is not much different from feeding other dogs. It should be based on protein foods - meat or fish, but you can’t feed dogs only with them. The ideal ratio of products should be:

  • 1/3 lean meat or sea fish;
  • 1/3 porridge with the addition of fresh or boiled vegetables and fruits;
  • 1/3 sour-milk products and boiled eggs.

It is important to ensure that the pet's diet is complete and balanced in terms of essential nutrients. Protein-rich food often leads to the development of allergies and malfunctions in the proper functioning of the digestive system of dogs. You can understand that the diet is chosen incorrectly by looking at the eyes of the pet - they will water. In order not to bother with the correct selection of all ingredients, you can feed the Papillon with ready-made dry food, which are designed separately for puppies, juniors and adults.

Raising Butterfly Dogs

It is necessary to raise a small Papillon puppy from the very first days after purchase. First you need to choose a nickname for him and teach him to her. To do this, you need to pronounce his name whenever you need to feed him or take him in your arms. At the same time, a small pet must be taught to use the tray or that he should go to the toilet only on the street. To do this, you need to take it out more often and make sure that it does not spoil indoors. If, nevertheless, the pet made a puddle in the wrong place, it must be scolded, but in no case be beaten.

It is also necessary to ensure that the puppy does not touch things in the house, does not gnaw on furniture and does not sleep on the master's beds, which Papillons love to do. Therefore, if this is not included in the plans of the owner, such attempts must be stopped in every possible way. You also need to teach the papillon not to bark at guests and strangers, but to calmly greet them.

Features of feeding butterfly dogs

Their health, state of excellent coat and mood depend on how the nutrition of these decorative dogs is established. The diet of Papillons at any age should be varied - it should be based on animal products, and the rest - vegetable. Only in this case, the digestion of dogs will function correctly.

Papillon puppies from birth to 5-6 months old should be fed at least 5-6 times a day strictly at a certain time so that they get used to the established schedule.

From the age of 8 months, dogs can be transferred to 3 meals a day. Such a plan corresponds to the feeding of adult animals.

Two-three-month-old puppies need to be fed:

  • pieces of boiled lean meat and offal (veal, chicken, kidneys, heart);
  • boiled fish;
  • oatmeal or rice porridge with seasonal vegetables;
  • low-fat cottage cheese, kefir.

From the age of 4 months, Papillon puppies can be fed with fresh grated fruits, boiled eggs and gradually accustomed to raw meat. You can also feed them dry pellets, but they must be soaked before serving. You can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and grated fresh vegetables to them. Do not mix dry food with other natural food. In general, in any case, you need to provide your pet with the necessary amount of clean water and keep the food bowl clean. Papillons should not be given salted and spicy foods, smoked meats, bones, too fatty foods, all kinds of sweets and muffins.

Papillon training features

All papillons are easy to train and train with pleasure, but you need to know how to do it right. It is necessary to start teaching the puppy traditional commands when he is old enough, that is, not earlier than 4-7 months. The best time to train your dog is when your next meal is approaching. For training, you will need a collar, a leash and a rewarding treat.

To teach commands to a puppy, you first need to call him by name, and then say a command, for example, "Sit" or "Lie down." After the puppy has done it correctly, praise him in a calm voice and give him a treat. Repeat all the steps 5-7 more times so that the puppy remembers everything well. No need to yell at the animal if it does not understand the commands the first time. All that such treatment can achieve is to discourage the dog from any desire to learn further.

In the same way, you need to teach the Papillon the rest of the commands, the standard set of which is known to any dog ​​owner. It is important not to overdo it and teach only one command at a time. The duration of the "lessons" at first should not exceed 20 minutes, so as not to overwork the puppy. In the future, it can be increased to 40 minutes. At the end of each lesson, you need to repeat the commands already learned and praise the pet for its efforts.

How to choose a papillon puppy

It is easiest to buy a thoroughbred puppy of a butterfly dog ​​in a kennel. There is a guarantee that the animal will be purebred, which means it will have all the distinctive features of the breed. This can be confirmed by the Papillon's pedigree, in which all his ancestors are marked. It is desirable that among them there are winners of competitions and exhibitions.

The puppy itself must fully meet the breed standards, be proportionately built, without physical defects and flaws, healthy, active and well-fed.

He should not be aggressive and nervous, should not be afraid of people, it is easy to make contact with them. It is from such balanced and calm animals that faithful and devoted companion dogs grow up.

In contact with

In this article we will talk about the wonderful and amazing dog breed french papillon. It is worth noting that this is not the only name of this breed, many breeders cannot unanimously decide how to call it correctly: Papillon or Papillon, therefore both names are widely known, this breed is also called the dwarf continental toy spaniel, and many simply call this dog Papillon "butterfly" because of its unusual ears. However, she has long hair only on her ears, so we attribute her to.

The French Papillon dog got its name due to its original ears.

So, what are the main advantages of this breed? You can immediately answer this question and confidently say that it has a huge number of advantages. and much more than disadvantages. In this article I will try to briefly present the features of the breed, but then we will definitely talk about them in more detail.

The size

This breed is very miniature. The Papillon has similar dimensions to the long-haired Prague Ratter and, yes, the appearance is also more or less similar. Recently at an exhibition I saw a lovely young one who looked so much like a Papillon that even I almost confused them.

  • Height is about 27cm,
  • Weight can reach up to 5 kg.

Its small size is perfect for apartment living., travel and other pastime.

Appearance

One of the main advantages is the appearance of this wonderful dog. In addition to being small in size, she is also extraordinarily beautiful and luxurious. These dogs have a beautiful, harmonious physique, puppet muzzle, rich coat, expressive eyes. The hallmark of this breed are the ears, which are much larger than those of other dogs, but firmly set and resembling butterfly wings. But this is not the most important characteristic of the breed. Much more important is her ingenuity.

Mental capacity

These dogs are incredibly smart.. The Papillon breed has a high intelligence, it even takes the 7th position in the list of the smartest dogs. These are very sensitive pets. They capture the mood, intonation well, they understand their masters perfectly. In addition to great mental abilities, nature also rewarded them with an excellent memory.

Interesting photo




Character

Papillon butterfly dog ​​has a unique character. First of all, this is a very devoted animal that loves its owners very much and can hardly endure long separations from them. Also, these dogs are very active, energetic, playful and joyful, they can always cheer up their owners and entertain children. But it is worth noting that due to the fact that they are very accustomed to and attached to their owners, they can be jealous, touchy, vulnerable. Papillon has a peaceful nature. He does not like to be scolded and may be offended by even a slight increase in his voice.

Price

This breed is quite expensive.

If you chose her, get ready for serious costs. If you do not plan to attend exhibitions and you are indifferent to breeding, it is better to be satisfied with a puppy without a pedigree, bought from advertisements in specialized publications. It's not the best option, but it still exists. In this case, you will have to spend 10 - 15 thousand rubles.

If you want a truly thoroughbred pet, then you will have to spend about 30 - 40 thousand rubles. Yes, I agree, these are serious expenses, but they are worth it. Definitely! In addition, it is possible that, after a long search, you will get an adult Papillon, the price of which also starts from 30 thousand rubles.

Upbringing

AT Raising this breed will also be a pleasant process for you. Since the representatives of this breed are very smart, they lend themselves well to training, but they need to be brought up from the very puppyhood.

Papillon dog is inquisitive, open, loves to explore the world around them, and shows excellent results at various exhibitions and competitions. In this it is similar to some other breeds.

Care

It's not with her luxurious long hair. Papillons are quite unpretentious dogs and do not require serious, expensive care. The most important thing for them is your love and care. Grooming for the Papillon mainly consists of cleaning the ears and teeth, grooming the coat in the form of weekly combing, daily walks, trimming the nails, and proper nutrition.

Useful video

If you are interested in this article, watch a very interesting video in which you will not only be told about this wonderful breed, but also show its representatives.

Conclusion

This is not all the advantages of this wonderful breed. If you want to make yourself a real devoted and affectionate friend, then the Papillon Butterfly dog ​​breed is perfect for you.

The name of the breed is translated from French as "butterfly". The resemblance to this insect is given to Papillons by their elegant ears, decorated with soft long hair. The progenitors of the "butterflies", continental toy spaniels, were very popular with the French and Belgian beau monde, starting from the 14th century. In different eras, the breed was preferred by such famous personalities as the Marquise de Pompadour, Marie Antoinette and even Louis XIV himself. And the king of France, Henry III, was so dissatisfied in his love for these cheerful fluffies that he spent a good third of the state treasury on their purchase and maintenance.

By the XVI-XVII centuries. continental toy spaniels have become real celebrities of the canine world. Animals posed for artists for group portraits, accompanied their owners to balls and receptions, in general, led the most secular lifestyle. Moreover, especially lucky pets received whole palaces as a gift from their owners, in which they could freely do whatever they wanted.

At the end of the 19th century, butterfly dogs crossed the Atlantic and reached America, and in the 20s of the 20th century, British breeders finally became interested in them. To give the animals even more external gloss, European breeders conducted several experiments on crossing the Papillon with the Spitz, thanks to which the favorites of the French monarchs acquired a fluffy fur coat. In addition, in the offspring born after the mating of representatives of these two breeds, the tip of the tail changed position - it moved to the upper line of the back. In 1923, the English Kennel Club recognized the Papillon as an independent breed. And 12 years later, the American Cocker Spaniel Club did the same.

Video: Papillon

Papillon Appearance

American breeders divide butterfly dogs into, in fact, papillons and phalenes (translated from Belgian - “moths”). The latter are very similar to papillons, but they have hanging ears. However, European breeders categorically deny the Phalenes as relatives of the Papillons, seeing them as a separate breed. Experts justify their decision by the fact that offspring born as a result of mating "moth" and "butterfly" inherit significant defects in appearance and, therefore, cannot take part in prestigious exhibitions and dog shows.

It is quite easy to confuse the Papillon with a Spitz and even easier with a long-haired Chihuahua, although in fact the “butterflies” are not related to representatives of these breeds. The average weight of a papillon is 2.5-5 kg, but often among them there are real babies weighing up to 2.4 kg. One of the signature features of the breed is the “smile”. The half-open mouth, from which a neat pink tongue protrudes, in combination with lively shiny eyes, gives the dog a special charm, making it look like an expensive toy.

Head

The Papillon's head is in proportion to the body. The skull is not too rounded and much longer than the muzzle. The transition from the head to the muzzle in small individuals is very clearly marked, in larger ones it is slightly smoothed out.

Nose

The lobe is medium-sized, rounded and black in color. Slightly flattened at the top. The bridge of the nose is straight.

Teeth and jaws

The teeth are strong, closely spaced and completely conceal the tongue. A tongue protruding beyond the jaws is considered a serious defect.

Eyes

Large, but without excessive prominence, the shape of the eye is almond-shaped. Set low. The color of the iris is dark, the eyelids are brightly pigmented.

Ears

The cartilage is thin but strong enough to hold the ear funnel in a straightened position. The tip of the ear should not be excessively pointed. The ears of the phalenes are set high and down, but at the same time they are quite mobile. The outer side of the ear cloth is covered with soft wavy hair.

The Papillon ears are also set high enough, in a calm state, the ears are noticeably raised, and their inner part is open. Outside, they have a long fringed coat that hides the ear edge. The inner region of the ear is covered with fine curly hairs, which can sometimes protrude beyond the edge of the funnel.

An important point: all papillons are born with hanging ears, which rise only at 2-4 months of age.

Neck

Medium, with a slightly arched nape.

Frame

The line of the back is smooth, without excessive bulges and dips. The loin is slightly protruding. Chest broad, with arched ribs. The line of the abdomen and the inguinal zone are moderately tightened.

limbs

The legs are straight, graceful, of medium length. The shoulders are normally developed and tightly pressed to the body, the shoulder blades are long. The angles of the hocks and humeroscapular joints are normal. Papillon paws are elongated. The toes are strong, with hard hard pads and black nails. For individuals with white legs, milky-white claws are allowed. Between the fingers often protrudes dressing wool (psovina).

Tail

Set high, with a luxurious falling suspension up to 15 cm long. During the movement of the animal, it is fixed along the upper line of the back or touches it with its tip. In a purebred Papillon, the tail never twists into a "donut" and does not fit on the back.

Wool

Long, wavy, with a characteristic silky sheen, but not too soft. The undercoat is practically absent. In general, the coat of the Papillon is similar to that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. On the muzzle, head, frontal part of the forelimbs and metatarsus, the coat is short. On the body, the hair is noticeably longer. There are feathering on the ears and the back of the front legs, as well as a fluffy collar and "panties" on the hips.

Color

The FCI standard for Papillons allows any type of color with a dominant white background on the body and legs. However, most often animals have white-sable, white-black and also three-color colors. The sable color can be muted or bright (red sable). The three-color version also has two varieties: the classic (white and black with a slight tan in the eyes, cheeks and ears) and the hound (with large areas of red hair). It is also acceptable to have white markings on the head.

Disadvantages and vices of the breed

Individuals whose appearance has any deviations from the standard are considered defective. These are usually a flat or overly convex skull and a poorly pigmented nose. In order for a show-class animal not to be allowed to participate in exhibition events, it is enough for him to have a pink nose and a tongue that constantly falls out of his teeth or is paralyzed. An incorrect bite (overshot / undershot bite) can also spoil the exhibition “karma” for papillons.

Also undesirable:

  • straight or excessively disheveled coat;
  • convex or vice versa concave muzzle;
  • back with a pronounced hump or dip in the lumbar region;
  • clubfoot limbs;
  • dewclawed toes.

papillon photo

papillon character

Papillons are dogs that almost never have a bad mood. These fluffy naughty look at the world through rose-colored glasses, being able to find the positive in the most seemingly ordinary everyday situations. They are interested in every little thing, therefore, during walks, animals develop such a vigorous research activity that a professional archaeologist would envy. At the same time, the inner world of butterfly dogs is rather fragile: rudeness and psychological pressure from the owner plunge the animal into a deep depression, causing serious behavioral deviations.

In general, daddies are considered to be one of the most “comfortable” decorative breeds. They are not capricious, easily adapt to life both in small apartments and in private houses, and are quite loyal to children. Papillon does not see a personal enemy in every stranger who steps on his territory and does not raise a fuss over trifles (of course, only if he is properly brought up). Leaving a representative of this breed alone at home, you can not be afraid to return to the "ashes". Of course, the dog will be bored, but never spoil the furniture and turn the apartment upside down.

By the way, so that the pet does not suffer too much from loneliness in your absence, breeders recommend adding some friend to it, which can be a second papillon or at least a cat. However, keep in mind the fact that “butterflies” are wary of large-sized four-legged counterparts, so keeping a shepherd dog and a papillon in the same territory is not a good idea.

Training and education

At first glance, continental toy spaniels seem to be soft and completely manageable creatures, and yet you should not let the process of their socialization take its course, especially since these perky kids are always willing to learn something new. The lively, sharp mind of the dog allows her to quickly learn the training material and apply the knowledge gained in practice. By the way, papillons and phalenes not only remember commands perfectly, but are also able to understand the meaning of other words that make up the owner’s active dictionary.

During training, you should not be led by the fragility and defenselessness of the papillon. Moderate severity and small restrictions are only good for him. All commands should be given in a serious even tone so that the animal immediately understands that it is not worth counting on concessions. Be sure to use standard dog treats during training and do not get too carried away with punishments: representatives of this breed perceive them very painfully.

Before you settle a butterfly dog ​​in your home, get the necessary belongings. In particular, the papillon will need a soft bed with a removable mattress, two bowls made of metal or ceramics, a comb for combing, and toys (preferably latex). For walking, you need a soft leather collar, tape measure and leash. Breeders advise not to get involved in walking an animal on a harness, as this accessory can provoke an eversion of bones in an unformed puppy.

A place for a couch should be selected taking into account the physiological characteristics of the breed. Papillons are afraid of drafts and even more heating devices like radiators and convectors. So that the pet does not get bored, the sunbed is placed in such a way that the dog has sufficient visibility and can observe the owner. Papillon puppies discover the world around them by the “by the tooth” method, therefore, when settling in a baby’s apartment, be prepared for damage to shoes, wires and other small items that accidentally appear in the dog’s field of vision. By the way, with age and as they adapt to new living conditions, most individuals usually lose this passion. Papikov walk a couple of times a day for half an hour or more.

Hygiene

Papillons and Phalenes have no undercoat, so these adorable fluffies' seasonal shedding doesn't feel like a natural disaster (assuming you take the time to brush your pet for a few minutes a day). The rest of the time, it is enough to walk the comb through the dog's coat a couple of times a week.

Important: you can only comb clean and pre-moistened with water or conditioner wool. Combing the papillon "dry" leads to brittle hair.

To make it a little easier to care for an animal, you can shear it. Usually daddies shorten the hair on the body, and also cut off the tufts of hair between the fingers, in the inguinal and anal areas. At the same time, it is better to entrust the grooming of show class individuals to a specialist. Bathe the animal as it gets dirty. Be sure to dry your pet's coat with a blow dryer, as naturally dried papillon hair tends to curl, making combing difficult.

If it is not possible to systematically arrange a bath day, buy a protective overalls for your pet and walk him in it. This will help keep the coat clean for a longer period. For the most part, “butterflies” are very neat and don’t get seriously dirty during walks, so after the street it’s sometimes enough for an animal to simply wash its paws.

Nails should be cut immediately after taking a bath, after they have softened under the influence of warm water. However, such a procedure may not be required if the animal is often and for a long time walking: in such cases, the claw plate grinds off naturally. Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the pet's oral cavity. To remove plaque from the teeth, you can use a regular toothbrush with a cleaning composition applied to it. Do not use toothpaste intended for humans. To prevent the appearance of tartar, it is useful to treat the Papillon from time to time with special dog chips.

Care for the eyes and ears of representatives of this breed is quite primitive. The former are wiped with a cotton pad dipped in chamomile infusion, while the latter are cleaned with a soft cloth or cotton swab with a disinfectant gel applied to them.

Toilet

Despite their excellent memory and developed intelligence, little Papillons do not immediately comprehend such a science as using a home toilet. To speed up the process of skill formation, you can cover the floor in the room where the puppy lives with diapers, gradually reducing the amount of bedding. And so on until the baby develops an association: diaper = toilet. Sufficiently effective methods are considered to be putting a piece of cloth into the dog's tray, on which she relieved herself earlier, as well as seating her in the aviary alone with a clean tray. If you notice that the papillon has begun to do its “things” on the carpet or parquet, in no case do not shout, but simply take the dog and carefully take it to the toilet.

Feeding

The dog should have two bowls: for food and for water. It is best to purchase dishes on an adjustable stand, which will help form the correct posture of the papillon (the so-called exhibition stand). The main source of protein for the animal should be lean meat. Before giving the product to the dog, it is pre-scalded or lightly boiled and crushed. It is not recommended to give minced meat, since the proteins from it are poorly and incompletely absorbed. Some caution should be exercised with chicken, to which the "butterflies" are often allergic.

Since Papillons have a fragile skeleton, calcium-rich foods should be included in their diet more often. Puppies can cook calcined cottage cheese: heat 1 liter of kefir on the stove and pour 2 tablespoons of calcium chloride into it before boiling. In addition, it is useful to mix bone meal, milk powder, chalk and chopped seaweed into the feed. For daddy owners who decide to transfer their pet to “drying”, breeders recommend purchasing grain-free varieties of super premium industrial feed.

  • Offal.
  • Kashi (rice, millet, oatmeal, buckwheat).
  • Sea fish (without bones, or with bones, but ground to a puree state).
  • Fruit slices, greens.
  • Egg / yolk (1 time per week).
  • unrefined vegetable oil.
  • Stewed vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, beets, tomato).
  • Sweets and confectionery.
  • Potatoes and legumes.
  • Pork and any fatty meat.
  • River fish.
  • Tubular bones.

Up to two months, dogs are fed 6 times a day. Starting from the age of two months, the number of feedings begins to be gradually reduced, and by the year the animal is completely transferred to two meals a day.

Papillon health and disease

Papillons and Phalenes are healthy enough dogs that can meet their own 15th birthday while still in a quite cheerful state. There are few classic ailments that a dog can suffer from. Most often, eye diseases are found in papillons, such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy and inversion of the eyelid. Patella (patella luxation) occurs in many individuals and is usually preceded by trauma. Another scourge of the breed is congenital and incurable deafness.

How to choose a puppy

Give preference to catteries with a history that have already gained some experience in breeding Papillons and are able to provide the buyer with information about previous litters by year. Carefully study the documents of the animal's parents, not forgetting to clarify which club they were issued by. Today in Russia there are several alternative cynological organizations, but the metric issued by the RKF continues to be the most prestigious. It is not forbidden to study the puppy's veterinary passport: ideally, the animal should be put up for sale only after the basic vaccinations.

Important: test your puppy for congenital deafness by clapping your hands loudly over his head. A healthy animal will definitely respond to a sudden noise.

Next, we evaluate the appearance of the animal. A responsible breeder has a Continental Toy Spaniel that is well groomed, clean and cheerful. The baby's dewclaws must be removed, and a brand must be affixed in the ear or groin. A strict no to animals with bloated tummies, which signal that the baby has digestive problems or worms. Unfortunately, sometimes it is not possible to check the puppy for compliance with the standard of appearance, since the physiological development of most Papillons is uneven. In such cases, it is better to involve a professional who can determine the thoroughbredness of the Papillon and its real price.

Photo of papillon puppies

How much does papillon/falen cost

Butterfly dogs are not the cheapest pleasure. The average price tag for a thoroughbred papillon with a pedigree ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 rubles. For a puppy from parents with champion titles, they can ask from 70,000 rubles. and higher. Plembrak will cost between 10,000 - 15,000 rubles. As a rule, these are quite healthy and funny animals, but slightly out of line with the breed standard.

Care

3.0/10

Health

4.0/10

Character

8.0/10

Activity

10.0/10

Tendency to train

10.0/10

Attitude towards children

7.0/10

Security and guard qualities

0.0/10

One of the most beautiful decorative dogs is the Continental Toy Spaniel. There is another, more well-known name for the breed - Papillon or Papillon. Among the people, a dog with an extraordinary appearance is affectionately called an elegant French flower, butterfly or moth.

All due to the fact that representatives of the breed have ears resembling the spread wings of a butterfly. They are the main decoration and hallmark of Papillons. Surprisingly, these fragile creatures are endowed not only with a beautiful appearance, but also with unsurpassed intelligence. Such a pet is able to decorate the life of all family members.

The history of the breed

In the distant past, the breed of butterfly dogs had only one name - the continental toy spaniel. Then another name arose, which today is considered the main one - these are papillons with erect ears resembling the wings of a moth. There is another variety of the breed, which differs from the first in hanging ears - phalena.

Unfortunately, it was not possible to establish exactly when, in what year the history of the Papillons began. There are suggestions that butterfly dogs appeared about 800 years ago. There is also no consensus among researchers about the circumstances of the origin of the breed, about its first representatives. There are two versions of these questions:

1. In 1099, Gottfried made another crusade, it was then that the duke brought from Lower Lorraine to Jerusalem a pygmy dog ​​with ears similar to butterfly wings.
2. The first representatives of the Papillon breed appeared in the fourteenth century.

There was a very interesting and glorious period in the history of Papillons, when such pets were called "pet dogs of queens and kings." According to historical facts, butterfly dogs were the favorites of such regal, famous people as Louis 14, Louis 15, Louis 16, Marie Antoinette (ruler of France), Marquise de Pompadour.

Naturally, at that time the breed was at the peak of fame and popularity. King Henry III of France was also captivated by the beauty and unique mental abilities of the Papillons. Many representatives of the breed were kept at his palace, it is known that the monarch spent huge sums from the royal treasury on their maintenance and breeding work. There is an interesting legend regarding Henry the Third and his Papillons, whether there is some truth in it or is it just fiction, it is impossible to say for sure:

“One day a monk came to Henry the Third. This visit was not easy, the monk's mission was to kill the monarch. The most beloved of all available butterfly dogs sensed danger and began to bark loudly. Everyone decided that the animal was in hysterics and expelled the protector of the king from the throne room, where the killer monk was to be received. As a result, the assassination took place, despite the best efforts of a devoted papillon.

In 1934, the breed standard was approved. Modern continental toy spaniels differ significantly from their distant ancestors who lived in the royal chambers. The fact is that breeders at the beginning of the twentieth century came up with a wonderful idea. To improve the appearance of Papillons, they crossed representatives of this breed with. The result exceeded all expectations. The resulting offspring were distinguished by an improved coat, it became much healthier, thicker. The coat of modern Papillons is luxurious and shiny. In addition, after crossing with Spitz, the Papillon received a fluffy tail thrown over its back and well-furred ears.

breed standard

The Continental Toy Spaniel is a small lap dog with a harmonious build and luxurious long hair. Growth of adults about 28cm. The weight depends on the type of breed. The Papillon is more elegant and smaller than the Phalene, it weighs from 1.5 to 2.5 kg. Phalene weight from 2.5 to 5 kg.

A neat little head rests on a neck that is not too long, slightly curved at the back of the head. The ears are large and set wide apart. In papillons, they are erect, planted high. The auricles are open, look to the sides. According to the standard, similarity with the ears of a Spitz (perpendicular set) is unacceptable. The spectacular appearance of the dog is given by long strands of hair, resembling a luxurious fringe and extending far beyond the edge of the ear.

Phalenes have hanging ears. Despite the fact that the ear is long, its hanging part is quite mobile. The beauty of this variety of breed lies in the very long strands of hair that adorn the hanging part of the ears of the phalene.

Large dark eyes are not protruding, have the shape of a wide almond, wide open. Round shape, small nose, slightly flattened, black. The muzzle is pointed, it is unacceptable to be upturned. Jaws strong, scissor bite.

The back is straight, the loin is slightly arched. The abdomen is slightly tucked up. The chest is wide. The limbs are strong, straight, set parallel. They shouldn't be too long. Paws are long, "hare", nails are strong, fingers with strong pads. The movements are graceful, light, the gait is proud, “royal”. The high-set tail is adorned with long, luxurious hair, which gives the impression of a fountain. It is long, thrown on the back or on the thigh. Ring tail is not allowed.

Coat of medium length, strong, shiny, wavy without curls. The outer hair is thin. There is no undercoat. On the neck there is a magnificent jabot covering the chest, on the ears there is a luxurious fringe, on the legs there are “pants”. On the tail, the length of the hair can reach 15 cm., on the back - 7-8 cm.

The color of the coat is white with the addition of spots of different colors. The main color options are: tricolor, white and sable, black and white. According to the standard, pure white color and white ears are not allowed. The muzzle should have a white streak. With any color there is pigmentation of the nose, lips, eyelids. Also, in any case, the white color prevails over the complementary ones.

Papillons are very gentle, vulnerable creatures that need comfortable, ideal conditions. Representatives of the breed do not tolerate high humidity and low temperatures, such conditions can provoke health problems and even death. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to keep them in the yard; such pets should bask in an apartment or in a house on a couch. For a miniature dog, you can even buy and install a whole house.

The Papillon loves to play and can't stand being alone. So that the dog does not get bored, provide him with various toys, long-playing vein bones, balls, etc. The pet needs to be walked twice a day. In summer, walking time is unlimited, walk with your dog at least all day long, but not under the scorching rays of the sun. In autumn and winter frosts, walks should not be long, a small dog can freeze and catch a cold. If there is a strong frost or rain, it is better to refuse walks altogether. In such a case, there should be a toilet tray in the house, to which the dog is taught from puppyhood.

At first glance at the luxurious coat of the Papillon, one gets the impression that it is difficult to care for such a pet. In fact, there are no special difficulties and problems with care, although the coat really takes quite a lot of time for combing and bathing. You also need hygiene procedures that help maintain the beauty and health of the dog:

  • Wool. We comb out daily using a special mitten and combs. Particular attention is paid to the fringe on the ears, jabot on the neck and "pants". It is noted that the coat of black-and-white and red-and-white Papillons is much drier than that of other representatives of the breed, so it is recommended to buy special moisturizing creams. Bathe your pet when it gets dirty with dog hair shampoos. Such products help preserve the natural shine and saturation of the color. Human shampoo can harm and cause an allergic reaction.
  • claws. Trim as it grows. This procedure is complex. If there is no experience, you can injure the animal. Therefore, it is recommended to take the help of a specialist. Between the claws of Papillons thick hair grows, it needs to be cut regularly.
  • Teeth. Clean regularly with a special paste purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Brushing will help keep your teeth healthy and prevent bad mouth odor.
  • Ears. Once a week, we wipe the auricles with a special solution and inspect for inflammation, excessive ear discharge. If you notice these signs of infection, contact your veterinarian immediately.
  • Eyes. Wipe, removing discharge from the eyes as needed. Make sure that there is no inflammation and excessive discharge, if any, this can be a sign of a disease.

We feed adult dogs 2 times a day, puppies, depending on their age, we feed 6 to 3 times a day. For normal growth and good health, nutrition must be balanced, and the pet must also receive the right amount of vitamin and mineral supplements. If the dog eats dry food, all the additives are already present in it.

One of the features of feeding Papillons is that they absolutely cannot be overfed. Obesity can lead to serious health problems. In the normal state, the ribs are well felt in an adult Papillon. After each feeding, the pet should be able to rest, lie down. The diet should not contain sweets, bones, spices, smoked meats and leftovers from the master's table.

To ensure that your pet has an even posture, place bowls of food and water on a stand. Adjust the height to the height of the dog so that it does not bend over while eating or drinking. It is important to feed at the same time, water should always be available.

Health

The average life expectancy of papillons is 13-17 years. But with proper care, pygmy dogs can live longer. There are cases of longevity up to 19 years.

The owner of the Papillon should familiarize himself with the list of diseases that representatives of this breed are prone to:

hypoglycemia- Decreased blood glucose levels.
open fontanel- a developmental defect or even a disease (hydrocephalus).
Dislocation of the patella.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy- a set of pathological processes with dystrophic degeneration of the retina.
Collapse of the trachea- a disease that cannot be cured completely, but in most cases it can be controlled.
Entropion– torsion of the eyelid, often seen in newborn puppies, is eliminated surgically.
- characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye.
Deafness- In most cases, it is congenital.

With regards to the health and treatment of Papillon, there is an important nuance. The fact is that representatives of the breed are extremely sensitive to anesthesia. Therefore, any surgical intervention must be approached very carefully, referring only to experienced veterinary specialists.

Character

Many ignorant people believe that decorative dogs do not have intelligence, they are like living toys that are not able to think. In fact, this is not so, Papillons, although miniature, are extremely smart and quick-witted. In the list of the smartest dogs in the world, this breed ranks eighth.

The papillon becomes attached to its owner "tightly", he cannot be without him for a long time, he is jealous of everyone. If he is at home, the dog tries to be around all the time, while subtly feeling the mood of the owner, and accordingly attaches himself. Leaving such a pet alone or with strangers for a long time, you put him in danger of getting stressed and even seriously ill.

The papillon treats children well, being playful by nature, the dog is happy to play with the kids. Only leaving one for one child and dog is not recommended. Children can inadvertently harm a fragile animal, otherwise, in turn, they can bite for the offense. So their games should be supervised by adults.

The character of the papillon is formed depending on the upbringing. If you do not teach your pet the rules of behavior, both in the house and in public places, from puppyhood, he can become uncontrollable and even aggressive. An uneducated papillon can bite, this behavior will become a habit. So early socialization and upbringing is essential.

Training and education

The butterfly dog ​​is rightfully considered one of the most intelligent and easily trained. She is very inquisitive, active and smart. She has an excellent memory, which allows you to quickly memorize commands. Papillon is an eternal child, the dog loves to play and frolic even at a respectable age. Based on this, the training program should be organized in a playful way.

Never make concessions, always get the dog to follow the command. In this case, you can not scream and beat the dog. Papillon is able to be offended even by one shout from you. Clearly and confidently let us understand what is required of him. A smart dog will quickly master science, for which do not forget to reward with treats or stroking.

  • Papillon means "butterfly" in French.
  • Papillons were very much appreciated at the royal courts of France.
  • Pictures painted by medieval artists (Rubens, Boucher, Fragonard, etc.), which depict papillons, are in the most famous museums in the world.
  • Not a single portrait of Marie Antoinette was painted without the presence of a butterfly dog ​​on it.
  • For several decades, the Papillon has been ranked eighth in the ranking of the smartest breeds.

Pros and cons of the breed

Papillons are suitable for any family, but there are some features of their content and character that you need to pay attention to before buying such a pet. This dog is very loyal, if you do not have the opportunity and desire to spend enough time with a dog, this breed is not for you. If you want to have a faithful, cheerful, smart friend nearby, feel free to go for a Papillon puppy. To make the right decision, check out the main pros and cons of butterfly dogs.

Advantages:

1. Spectacular appearance.
2. Loyalty.
3. Friendly disposition, playfulness.
4. Ideal for apartment living.
5. Does not require mandatory walking, quickly gets used to the toilet lot.
6. Mind and ingenuity, easy to learn.
7. Cleanliness.
8. Sheds little.
9. Barks very rarely, only in extreme cases.

Disadvantages:

1. Choice in nutrition.
2. Does not tolerate loneliness.
3. In the cold season, you need to dress.
4. Complicated hair care.
5. Poorly tolerates anesthesia.