The Papillon is certainly one of the oldest dog breeds, its recorded history in Europe dating back nearly 700 years. In that time, this terrific little dog has been known by many names.
Because the artist, Titian, painted a number of these tiny spaniels, the dogs colloquially were known as “Titian Spaniels,” but they were also referred to as “Squirrel Spaniels” because of the tail’s long fringing tail and carriage over the back. Other names included “Continental Toy Spaniel,” “dwarf spaniel,” “Epagneul Nain Continental,” and the drop ear type, the Phalène.
Toward the end of the 19th Century, the erect ear carriage with its butterfly appearance became highly fashionable. It caught the public fancy and the new term, “Papillon,” quickly became the name for the entire breed (from the Papillon Club of America).
Image: “Snuggles” by Lyn Hamer Cook from DogArtByLyn
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