Mary Allen
The breed has already been recorded in paintings from the 15th century and is now attributed to the Franco-Belgian area. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, education, and care of the Continental Miniature Spaniel (Papillon) dog breed in the profile.
However, there are also voices that suspect the origin of the toy spaniel to be more in China.
General Appearance
The little spaniel’s body is slightly longer than it is tall and is covered with long hair. The muzzle is only moderately long and shorter than the skull. The dog’s bearing is graceful and proud, the gait elegant. According to the breed standard, the fine, long coat of the butterfly dog should always be reddish-brown with white or black and tan with white. The characteristic of the dog is its large ears, which look like butterfly wings and to which the dog owes its nickname Papillon (butterfly).
Behavior and temperament
Papillons are wonderful, affectionate, and friendly pooches that have been popular family pets for centuries. The handsome little guy is also called “Butterfly Puppy” or – and this is the correct breed name – Continental Toy Spaniel because of his big ears. So he’s a mini relative of Cocker & Co. You should remember what that means: Even if papillons are usually cuddly and cuddly, they are also brave, robust little fellows who know exactly where to go.
Need for employment and physical activity
In everyday life at home, the toy spaniel is satisfied with shorter walks. However, you have to give him a really long run at least once or twice a week and basically play with him a lot. As far as physical exercise is concerned, you don’t have to be too easy on the toy spaniel: the little papillons are also enthusiastic about dog sports such as dog dance.
Upbringing
They are very friendly and docile. So they’re easy to train – if you start early enough.
Maintenance
Despite its long coat, combing through it every day is basically enough. Particular attention should be paid to the fur fringes on the ears, they must also be combed through so that no dirt can get caught or that no fur knots form here.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
You have to pay a little attention to the eyes, they sometimes tend to tear heavily. There is also a tendency towards dental problems.
Did you know?
The name “Phalene” also refers to the Continental Miniature Spaniel, but with hanging ears. However, you rarely see him these days.