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I have recently added an adorable little puppy to my family. Her name is Mitzi and she is a Papillon







Papillon History


The Papillon breed of dog takes its name from the French word for Butterfly "Papillon". An apt description of its widely set and erect but angled ears. It also has a thin white blaze between the ears, bisecting the face, that suggests the insects body. The older variety of Papillon called the Phalene has been known since the 14th century. The Phalene takes its name from the butterfly's cousin, the moth, another winged beauty that folds its wings at rest. Phalenes and Papillons can be born in the same litter, they are identical except for the ears, Phalenes, are down, while the Papillons are upright. Through out Europe, the dainty little Papillon was a favorite of the ladies of the court, especially in France. European artist as far back as the 14th century, included Papillons in their paintings of kings and princes. The royal families were the only ones who could afford to buy and breed dogs solely for companions. They were also the favorites of kings, who used them as a guard dog, the Papillon slept with the king, and barked an alarm if anyone entered the kings night chamber. King Henri of France disregarded his Papillons warning, and was killed by a trusted monk. Papillons were first registered by the AKC in 1915.

Country of Origin: France