This a brief history of the Papillon

     It will never be know for sure what little dogs were bred together to give us our beloved little butterflies.  We do know that in royal homes of Europe as early as the 1200's, lived the Continental Toy Spaniels, the ancestor's of today's Papillon and Phalene.
     The amazing butterfly ears of the Papillon (PAP-ee-yawn) developed in the late 1800's to early 1900s. The Papillon name came from the French word meaning butterfly, due to their large erect ears uncanny resemblence to the butterfly in motion.  In the 1940's the Phalene, (FAY-leen)  a drop ear Papillon, was named for the closed wings of the Phalene moth.  Papillons and Phalenes can be born in the same litter.  The drop ear Phalene is judged right along with the Papillon in AKC conformation.
     The Papillon became well known in the USA, when CH Loteki Supernatural Being, more commonly know as Kirby, won Best Of Show at Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 1999.  Note Levi's pedigree.
     The Papillon was never bred to be a working dog or a hunting dog, they have always been our little lap warmers and loyal companions.  That does not mean that they can not do any thing else.  The Papillon excels in agility and obedience.  They have trained as service dogs and gain honorably titles such as Canine Good Citzen.  The Papillon will adapt to your life style, no matter how sedate or active you may be.