Papillon History

PAPILLON HISTORY
by Lee Weston

     The Papillon has one of the oldest recorded histories of any of the toy breeds, dating back perhaps more than 700 years. Where did the Papillon have its beginnings? There has been many debates on this question and as many answers. It has been narrowed down to Asia, Latin America, Italy, Belgium, France or Spain. More than likely, Latin America can be eliminated due to the existence of the breed even before the conquest of Mexico, as can be seen from dated tapestries existing in European courts. So most of the speculation has centered around Italy and Asia. The travels of Marco Polo into Asia, and opening up the overland trade routes to China, the importation of the Papillon into Italy is very likely. The Italian merchants brought the dogs into the countries in baskets on the back of mules. It is possible that the French and Spanish courts were fascinated by this unique and very personable dog when they first traded for them with the Italian merchants. The Belgium's were also involved in the breeding and the popularity of this breed. As to which country most influenced the final outcome of the physical features it is still highly debatable. The idea of the Papillon originating in Spain is questionable simply because at this time, around the 12th century, the dog had to have function and purpose. The thought of a "companion" dog simply did not exist. It must also be considered that the Papillon was known as a "Dwarf Spaniel". The word "spaniel" means "a dog of Spain".
     The European royalty became fascinated with the Papillon, because it was personable, intelligent, easy to train and was easily carried around. The Pap had a very dainty appearance, was outgoing, happy and also long-lived. One should be aware that the Papillon breed does have two varieties: there is the Papillon, which came into being during the late 1800's, which is the erect-earred dog that we are familiar with today. There is also the older of the two varieties, the original, called the Phalene, or the "night moth". Both the Phalene variety and the Papillon, can appear in the same litter. Today many countries judge these two varieties as separate breeds, this is according to F.C.I.rules. Only the U.S. and the U.K. judge them as simply varieties of the same breed.
     The Papillon got it's name from the French word for "butterfly". The French court ladies would never consider a portrait of themselves as being complete without their Papillon somewhere within their picture. The Papillon can be seen in portraits, sculptures, and tapestries dating back to the 1300's.
     The Papillon has had several different names down through time. Some of these are:
            Epagneuls Nains
            Dwarf Spaniel
            Continental Toy Spaniel
            Little Squirrel Dogs
            Belgian Toy Spaniels
     The interesting part to all this is that the Papillon does love to hunt and flush. Despite its diminutive size, the little Pappy loves to flush birds (small ones), butterflies, moths, and mice. The Papillon cannot be used in field trials, although it must be said that the breed has more courage than common sense. The dog is simply too fine-boned and dainty for rough-and-tumble antics. It may be a good watch dog, however, asking it to be a guard dog, or attempting schutzhund ranking, is asking too much. The spirit is willing, the body cannot do it.

Even though the Papillon was known in Europe by the ruling families, Great Britain did not get the Papillon until 1905. The A.K.C. recognized the Papillon breed in 1915. The first champion (Cruft's) Papillon was not born until 1922. The Papillon Club of Britain was founded in 1924. The Papillon Club of America was finally formed in 1935.

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