Live Life Team
While the Papillon dog breed has a French name, it actually is said to originate from Italy, Spain or Belgium before the year 1500. The exact heritage and lineage is not accurately known. The Papillon, also known as the Continental Spaniel Dog, Butterfly Dog and Squirrel Dog, its name is also French for ‘Butterfly’. This is because of the dog’s unique look. As the dog becomes an adult, the hair on its head grows longer and hangs down from its erect ears. This gives the ears the appearance of a butterfly and is one of the favourite distinguishing features of the Papillon dog breed.
Although the Papillon does have a long, silky coat, it does not require extra grooming. Brushing the dog once every week or two should be enough to keep it looking well. Papillons have a coat colour of white and one other colour. This other colour can be anything from red, brown, sable, lemon or others. It is rare for a Papillon to be completely white or to have no white at all. Dogs of this colouring are disqualified from most kennel clubs.
The Papillon is a toy dog breed so it is very small. They are light and weigh in at only between 3 and 5 kilograms. They stand 20 to 28 centimetres tall on average. Although they are a toy breed, they have a lot more energy and athleticism than other breeds of this size. They like to exercise on a regular basis and can even be taken on long walks.
