Origin
Papillons are popular little dogs that over time have found their way into the hearts and homes of many people both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world and for good reason. Not only is the Papillon adorable looking, but they rank number 8 out of 79 other breeds when it comes to intelligence. Interestingly, both France and Belgium claim these little dogs and indeed both countries are listed as being the breed’s home whether it’s the drop-eared dog known as the Phalene or the Papillon with their upright ears.
There are records of the Papillon that date back 700 years, but the exact origins and where the breed first appeared remains a bit of mystery with both France and Belgium claiming that the breed belongs to them. What is known is that their origins belong to the European Toy Spaniel and that during the 16th century these little dogs were a firm favourite with royals and the nobility alike.
The breed came about by crossing various toy spaniels and the end product was a small dog that either boasted erect ears or dogs with drop ears. Papillons have upright ears whereas dogs with drop ears are known as Phalenes which translated means "moth". The breed was recognised here in the UK by The Kennel Club in the mid 1920's and from then onwards, these little dogs found their way into the hearts and homes of people both here in the UK and elsewhere in the world including the States thanks to their charming looks, their intelligence and their affectionate, loyal natures. The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1935.
