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 









    

  








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