Breed Type
By Roseann Fucillo
This article first appeared in the December 2004 AKC GAZETTE

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There are several features essential to creating the Papillon breed type and setting it apart from all others.  First and foremost are the ears – the breed’s most important characteristic, for which it is appropriately named.  The ears are large, well fringed, with rounded tips, set at a 45-degree angle on tip of a beautiful head, and are carried proudly like the spread wings of a butterfly. 

A Papillon head should never be confused with a Chihuahua’s; the ear set, ear shape and head configuration are totally different.  Papillon ears are larger, rounder, and are not as widely spaced.  They don’t have a large round head separating them, only a smaller, slightly rounded one.  Papillon ears are set at a 45-degree angle when alert, while the Chihuahua’s ears are at a 45-degree angle when at rest.

Pretty heads seem to be the hardest trait for most breeders to achieve, due to the many components that must be well proportioned and placed just right to achieve a total pleasing effect.  This includes even the black pigmentation on the eye rims, which helps to give the Papillon his sweet expression.  If the eyes are not round, dark, or level with the stop, they can change the entire look of the head.  If the eyes are set too close and too high, they can give a mean expression.  A flat skull and a shallow stop, combined with a long muzzle, can make a Papillon appear more like a Sheltie, while one having too much skull can give a Chihuahua-like appearance.  If the muzzle is too long or coarse and not abruptly thinner at the tip, it can give a plain “pet shop” or “common” look, while high-set ears can give a terrier appearance.

The tail-set is important to the overall balance.  It should be arched high over the back, like the handle of a teacup.  This adds so much to the outline, which can be lost with a tail-set lying too flat to the back or a low tail-set that sticks straight up in the air.

Another characteristic of the breed is the wonderful hare-like feet.  They should be elongated and oval in shape and never rounded or catlike.  They add elegance to the dog’s fine-boned legs.  While the front legs should be straight, not bowed or down at the pasterns, they should be set back at the shoulders.  The rear should be well angulated to properly balance the front and allow for a free, quick, easy and graceful movement.  Descended from the spaniel, Papillons should move well and cover ground, pulling the ground under them, like a true sporting dog.  However, they should not be rewarded on movement alone, particularly if the dog is totally lacking in breed type.

A silky coat is also an important feature adding to the breed type.  It should not be wavy, should lie flat, and should never be sculpted or carved.  It has been said that having an abundance of coat, ear fringe, a white blaze, noseband, and symmetrical markings are like having the icing on a cake.  It is not essential, but it sure it sweet when you have it all.

Published with permission from the AKC GAZETTE.  This article is not to be copied, whole or in part, without written permission from the author.

Roseann Fucillo