Continental Toy Spaniel - Papillon dog breed, photo. TopDog - International dog shows

Continental Toy Spaniel - famous European breed miniature dogs, whose history began in the 13th – 15th centuries. It was then, during the Renaissance, that many paintings and frescoes appeared depicting noble people surrounded by these cute dogs. The breed took its name from the French word Papillon or papillon– butterfly, due to the ears resembling butterfly wings. This similarity appeared due to the long flowing hair on the ears.

This breed owes its origin to two countries: Belgium and France, since it is generally accepted that several types of toy spaniel were bred by crossing dwarf spaniels of a certain line, bred in both countries at the same time. The closest relative of this breed is the dwarf German Spitz.

Only two types of continental toy spaniel have survived to this day - the Papillon and the Phalene, distinguished by their drooping ears. The Papillon is an ideal companion dog, capable of being devoted to its owner. Its cute appearance and miniature size have allowed this breed to become very popular among indoor dogs.

Breed standard

This breed was first discussed at a congress in 1934 in France. It was then that the first standard for the Papillon and Phalene toy spaniel breed was established. In the process of long-term selection, the breed repeatedly changed its size and external signs. Today, Toy Spaniel dogs must meet the standard established in 1990.

• Height: male 25 – 28 cm; bitch 20 – 25 cm.
• Weight: male 3 – 5 kg; bitch 2.5 – 5 kg.
• Lifespan: 12 – 15 years.

Appearance

The Papillon has a compact, slightly elongated body. The small head is proportional to the size of the body. The graceful miniature muzzle is quite elongated towards the pointed tip of the nose. The nose is small and black. The eyes are quite large, usually brown with a darker rim.

Quite large erect ears are set almost on the back of the head, located at a maximum distance from each other at an angle of 45 degrees. The Toy Spaniel's neck is relatively small. The back line is almost straight. The spaniel's limbs are quite thin, straight, spaced across the width of the body. The tail is set high and has the shape of an arch, curved upward. The tip of the tail is covered with long hair and may lie on the upper thigh.

Wool

Toy spaniels have a very beautiful flowing coat ranging from 7 centimeters at the withers to 15 centimeters at the tail. On the head and muzzle the hair is much shorter and lies tightly to the skin. The peculiarity of the breed is presence of long hairs on the dog's ears, on the back of the limbs and on the tail.

Color

Primary coat color of Papillons white. Several spots of brown, red or black shades are allowed. The head should be predominantly black or brown with a marking of a lighter shade located in the middle of the muzzle.

Character

Toy spaniels are very friendly dogs with a balanced psyche. They are capable of learning commands and behave adequately indoors and outdoors. Papillons are wonderful companions for people of any age, including children. Despite their size, these dogs are good guards, capable of warning household members in time about danger with their ringing bark.

Spaniels are wary of strangers. But they show boundless devotion and strong affection to their owner. The toy spaniel does not tolerate loneliness well, so it is not advisable to leave it alone all day. Papillons get along well with other pets, but they may bark at other dogs on the street.

Miniature size and gentle disposition allows you to keep a Papillon in any conditions, including in a small city apartment. Dogs do not require a lot of space in the house, but they love long walks, during which Papillons frolic to their hearts' content.

Despite the long coat, the Toy Spaniel does not have an undercoat, so you should avoid being outside for long periods of time. winter period. In the summer heat, dogs of this breed are recommended to be walked in shady places, avoiding direct sunlight. The Papillon is a fairly clean dog and will never get into the mud or impassable thickets.

Care

First of all, toy spaniels are decorative dogs that require attention to their appearance. special attention. Brushing your dog's fur daily will help prevent tangles and tangles. Periodic washing and grooming will give your pet a neat appearance.

Feeding

The Continental Toy Spaniel needs a balanced diet from puppyhood. It is recommended to feed puppies up to 6 months 5-6 times a day with finely chopped offal, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.

We must not forget about mineral supplements and vitamins for the full development of a growing pet. You can also replace natural products with special dry food. A six-month-old spaniel can be transferred to regular food 2 times a day.

Training

The Continental Toy Spaniel is different high level intelligence and is able to remember and execute many commands. Training must begin with early age 3 – 4 months. First, the dog needs to be taught the basic rules of behavior, what can and cannot be done. The process of training a puppy should take place calmly, without raising your voice and preferably with treats as a reward for correct execution teams. In addition to the basic dog commands “sit”, “lie down”, “voice”, Papillons are capable of performing various tricks, for example: walking on their hind legs or spinning around themselves like a top.

Diseases

Toy spaniels have good health. But some representatives of this breed have a tendency to the following ailments:

• Dislocations knee joints, the cause of which may be a poorly developed musculoskeletal system.
• Formation of tartar.
• Ear infection.

Choosing and purchasing a puppy

The best age for a Toy Spaniel puppy to be adopted new family, - from 3 months. Before buying a pet, you need to check the documents about the puppy’s pedigree and the presence of all vaccinations. When meeting your baby for the first time, you should pay attention to his mobility and display of curiosity. The puppy must be active and sociable with people. average price on a toy spaniel with documents is 15 – 25 thousand rubles.

Breed photo

Brief characteristics of the Continental Toy Spaniel dog breed

• Other possible dog names: Continental dwarf spaniel, Papillon, Papillon, Phalene, L’epagneuI nain continental, Papillon, Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel.
• Kinds: the Papillon (which means “butterfly” in French) with erect ears, and the Phalene (“moth”) - a dog with drooping ears.
• Height adult dog: from 22 to 28 cm.
• Weight: 2 weight categories - from 1 to 2.5 kg, from 2.5 to 5 kg.
• Characteristic color: spots of any shade on a snow-white background of the main tone of the coat.
• Wool length: on the body up to 7-8 cm, and on the tail - up to 15.
• Lifespan: 12-15 years old.
• Advantages of the breed: remarkable intelligence and general gentleness, even tenderness, of character. These are very energetic and nimble dogs who love walks. fresh air and strongly attached to their owners.
• Difficulties of the breed: The breed does not tolerate heat well. And the fact is that, having a tendency to form tartar, that spaniel needs constant care and brushing your teeth.
• How much does a dog cost: the price for which you can buy a Papillon puppy varies on average from 250 to 500 dollars.

History of the Continental Toy Spaniel

The first mentions of these crumbs date back to 11th century. They are considered to come from the famous Belgian Epagnole-Nen breed, although the Papillon (bred much later) also has German ancestry dwarf spitz. The homeland is considered France and Belgium simultaneously.

Since those spaniels could not be particularly useful on the farm, they became amusement for many centuries, and even a real one. attribute of the nobility. Who sincerely admired the beauty, sweet character and sharp mind of these dogs. Their fans included many royals, and simply representatives of eminent families of France, Spain and other European countries.

The breed, unfortunately, lost its former popularity among the European bourgeoisie in the 19th century due to its strong association with royalty. But still, not a single decent dog exhibition is still complete without those spaniels, depicted even on the canvases of many great painters (Titian, Rubens, Clouet, Mignard, etc.).

As they are rightly called, the toy spaniel is "companion dog", "dog friend", as well as a “watchdog”, sensitively and attentively monitoring strangers who visit the house. And not just a decorative cutie, whose purpose is to add a touch of glamor to the drab everyday life.

This breed is also great for doing things like this. canine species sports like flyball or agility. Or take part in pet obedience competitions.

By the way, if we recall the ancient use of continental toy spaniels, it would not be out of place to mention that once upon a time, in medieval Europe, their trained to hunt rats, which were a real disaster for many cities.

Without exaggeration, we can say that continental toy spaniels famous for their good-natured and playful nature. They are friendly towards adults and truly love their little owners if they are socialized in time.

With pleasure communicate with other animals, Truth small sizes, because large ones can bark. And they get along very peacefully with their pet neighbors: cats, parrots, turtles and others like them.

The intelligence of this breed can only cause admiration, since out of 79 dog breeds tested, they occupy an honorable 8th place. Mood swings healthy one spaniel practically never happens, although you should always take into account that this breed is quite jealous and the dog can sometimes be offended by the owners for paying attention to someone else.

Video review of the Papillon and Phalene dog breeds

We invite you to watch a video about this charming and smart breed dogs.

The optimal age when Continental Toy Spaniel puppies should be taken from their mother is 12-15 weeks. Before 8 weeks you should not take it, since the baby is not yet ready to start an independent life.

When choosing you need to pay attention to the puppy's behavior, for its activity and manifestation of any reactions, carefully examine and make sure from the breeder about the health of the mother, the documents have already been correctly drawn up for the litter.

You can also take an adult, because the good character and the ease of training of dogs of this breed usually does not create any special problems for the new owner.

Toy spaniel standards are considered:

• a rounded head with a straight back of the nose and a tapering muzzle, the nose itself is small and black, thin lips are also black;
• large, almond-shaped, dark eyes;
• the ears are large and widely spaced closer to the back of the head (erect in Papillons and drooping in Phalenes);
• the body is slightly elongated, with a sunken belly and broad chest;
• the paws are straight and thin, reminiscent of the paws of a hare in their elongation, with well-developed nails of different colors;
• the tail is quite long and set high, decorated with a wool tassel; the hair is thick, slightly curly, shorter on the front of the body and longer (with fringes) at the back;
• the color is dominated by white, against which there can be any color spots However, it must be remembered that the predominance of white on the head is considered a major fault.

Nicknames for the Continental Toy Spaniel

Nicknames for the litter are given, as a rule, with a certain letter, sometimes adding to it the brand name of the breeder, if it is registered (for example, Amanda from the Northern Lights, or Raoul from Reflections, etc.).

But the most important thing is that it is much better if the name given to this funny and cheerful creature is the same light and graceful, maybe even carrying a certain poetic flair and reflecting the essence of a newborn pet. Although, of course, the decision always remains only with the owner of the animal.

First of all, the continental toy spaniel is indoor dog. Moreover, it belongs to those few breeds that do not require obligatory walking several times a day.

But loves walks very much due to his lively character and passion for outdoor games. The owner must remember this and not skimp on toys.

In general, caring for this breed is not particularly difficult or whimsical. That is why sometimes the toy spaniel is even called “a dog for lazy people.”

What to feed your continental toy spaniel

The diet of this breed, like any other, needs a complete composition and balance. It can be provided with dry Papillon food or natural food. Continental Toy Spaniels need both plant and animal fresh food.

1. Up to six months, puppies need to be fed 6-7 times a day, gradually reducing the number of meals and after 7 months switch to 2 feedings a day.
2. Being small, they need mineral and vitamin supplements.
3. They should not be overfed due to the sensitive reaction to this from the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Since the toy spaniel belongs to the category of small beggars, it will be better if during the master’s meals the dog is in its place and not next to the common table.

To forbidden food includes: sweets, spices, citruses and any bones. about feeding puppies...

Since continental toy spaniels are unusually intelligent, they They are quite easy to train.

However, if we take into account that the breed has a certain desire to dominate, then it is better to start the process itself as early as possible. This will make it much easier for the puppy and help him develop the necessary reflexes.

Of course, you need to start with the basics - the baby must understand where his place is and know the intonation and wording of the command. Then he must clearly understand where he can empty himself, and where such disgrace is prohibited. Having taught this, you can move on to the next stage of classical dog education - the commands “sit”, “lie down”, “voice”, etc. Communicate with that spaniel calm and gentle is best, since a good-natured puppy will only be afraid of excessive aggression, without having learned anything.

Pros and cons of the Continental Toy Spaniel

To the advantages Spaniels are certainly credited with their intelligence, kindness, cheerfulness and touching devotion to the whole family. Well, the unpretentiousness of the content.

To the disadvantages One can also attribute a tendency to certain problems with the musculoskeletal system, sometimes leading to dislocations of the kneecaps. And natural cunning, which, combined with their intelligence, can teach these dogs to gradually manipulate their own owners. And aggressiveness towards children if the dog was not socialized in time.

The miniature Papillon dog is one of two subspecies of the Continental Toy Spaniel breed.

The subspecies differ only in the shape of their ears. Some dogs have erect ears, widely spaced, resembling the spread wings of a butterfly. Hence the name papillon, which translates from French as butterfly.

The rarer subspecies phalene has ears that droop down like the wings of a moth.

This breed has many names - butterfly dog, butterfly dog, squirrel dog, royal, Belgian, dwarf spaniel, papillon, papillon, phalene. The generally accepted international name under which dogs take part in exhibitions is the Continental Toy Spaniel.

The first mentions of small multi-colored dogs date back to the 11th-13th centuries. According to one version, the dogs were brought from China by Venetian merchants. According to another, France is considered the ancestral home of small dogs, but the version about Spanish roots is considered more likely. Moreover, the name “spaniel” is translated as “Spanish dog”.

In the 18th century, nobles fleeing the revolution brought toy spaniels from France to Belgium, and in late XIX Belgian and French breeders have already started breeding the breed seriously.

In 1934, at a congress of French dog handlers in Lille, a standard was officially approved for two varieties of continental spaniel - Papillon (Papillon) and Phalene. In 1915, dwarf spaniels were recognized as independent breed in the USA, and in 1903 in Great Britain.

In Russia, breeding work with Papillons and Phalenes has been carried out since 1995. Since 2002, official patronage of the breed in the Russian Federation has been carried out by the National Club of the Papillon and Phalene breeds.

Description and appearance with photographs

Descriptions of the Papillon breed are available in English, American and Australian versions. In Russia they adhere to the standard developed and recognized by the International Cynological Organization FCI.

The breed standard describes appearance and papillon dimensions:

1. The continental dwarf spaniel (Epagneul nain continental) originates from Belgium and France. The dog is classified as a miniature (dwarf) companion dog.
2. Gives the impression of a small, well-proportioned dog with long hair on the body and rich feathering on the ears, chest and limbs. The posture is graceful, aristocratic. The movements are light and elegant.
3. The format is elegant, slightly stretched, harmonious. The bones are thin and strong. The height at the withers and length of the body are approximately the same.
4. With an acceptable height of up to 28 cm, the standard designates two weight categories for Papillons. The first category includes dogs weighing up to 2.5 kg, minimum -1.5 kg. The second category included males weighing from 2.5 to 4.5 kg and females weighing from 2.5 to 5 kg.

The proportions and shape of the head, muzzle, nose, eyes, ears are important:

Important. When crossing Phalenes and Papillons, puppies are often born with partially drooping ears, which, together with the pointed tips of the ears, is considered a serious fault.

The characteristics of the breed are also:

Coat type and color

Papillons have a long, thick coat consisting of elastic guard hairs. There is no undercoat. The coat is soft, smooth and silky to the touch. The coat is slightly wavy; pronounced curls are not allowed by the standard.

Wool lengths vary:

• on the head, muzzle, on the outside of the front legs, on the underside hind legs the coat is short and smooth;
• on the body the hair is of medium length, forming a luxurious collar-front on the neck and chest, and the length of hair on the body reaches 7.5 cm;
• on the inside of the forelimbs, long thick hair forms bristles, the hind limbs from the croup to the knee are covered with thick hair;
• The longest hair is on the tail - up to 15 cm.

Papillons resemble butterflies not only with their “open” ears, but also with their variegated colors. Spots of any color (except blue) on a predominant main white background are acceptable.

The main requirements for the color of Papillons:

• a white background prevailing over the colored spots on the body, limbs, paws;
• White spots with the outline of a wide star are desirable on the head;
• a white blaze in front of the lower part of the head is permissible, predominance white on the head;
• Pure white ears are classified as a fault by the standard;
• A symmetrical arrangement of colored spots on the head and muzzle is desirable.

There are three main colors of Papillons with various variations:

• black and white;
• white-red (white-sable, sable);
• white with black and tan markings (hound tricolor).

There are also black-sable, white-lemon, lemon-sable and snow-white colors.

Two-tone color is considered preferable. Color defects include the absence of colored markings above the ears and eyes, the presence of white hairs inside the ear, blue or liver markings.

Important. The color of Papillons can change dramatically after changing their puppy coat at six months of age. After seasonal lines, the colors may also change slightly.

Character and temperament

A restless character is inherent in all spaniels. Papillons are active and expressive, but good upbringing They know how to control themselves, so they make excellent companions for older people and children's playmates.

They have a balanced strong type temperament. They are inquisitive, playful, friendly, courageous and loyal to their owner. Endurance, patience and high learning ability make them desirable participants in competitions, inserts, and shows.

Dogs get along easily with cats. With relatives of other breeds they are sometimes cocky, showing their tendency to dominate. During walks, Papillons must be closely monitored so that they do not start a quarrel with larger dogs.

Dogs are wary of strangers, but do not show aggression. Sensing danger, they warn with a loud bark.

Important. If there are children in the family, they need to be taught how to carefully handle miniature dogs. Excessive child caresses, pranks, and careless handling can harm fragile animals, especially puppies.

Features of training and education

Papillon - active dog, a born leader, if you do not start training from a very early age, she, despite her small size, can cause great inconvenience to the owner.

As soon as the puppy crosses the threshold of the house, they begin to accustom him to a nickname, a place, and are not allowed to sleep on the bed, bite his owners, or ask to be held.

When developing the necessary reflexes and memorizing the rules of behavior with your pet, you should remember the character traits of Papillons:

1. During training, only the taste-based method is used. Menacing shouts, spanking, and jerking with a leash are not acceptable when raising and training a Papillon. Rigidity when interacting with toy spaniels often leads to character deformation: the dog becomes fearful, aggressive, and loses interest in learning.
2. When developing the desired skill, it is better to use games and rewards, but treats cannot be given just like that. The dog must understand that she deserved it by following the command.
3. The student is carefully observed, studying character, preferences, trying to use natural abilities and already established habits during training.

To toilet train a puppy, you will have to be patient. They begin to train him immediately after he gets into the house. If possible, at the slightest sign of urge, after every meal, sleep, and play, the baby is taken outside. In this case, you should follow the same route, go out through the same door, and put it in the same place to empty it. To consolidate a skill, as a rule, 2-3 weeks are enough.

Important: Until the puppy gets used to the place of walking and begins to ask to go outside on his own, he must be taken out and not led along. Without understanding what is wrong with him, the puppy may not be able to resist and begin to defecate on the go, dirtying the floors and himself.

When the owners are busy and it is impossible to constantly go outside, , for this:

• when bringing the puppy into the house for the first time, he is immediately placed on a pre-spread diaper;
• as soon as the baby goes to the toilet in a designated place, he is immediately praised and rewarded with a treat, the diaper is not removed for some time - the baby remembers the “smelling” place;
• puddles in in the wrong places wipe with a napkin, which is given to the dog to sniff;
• in 3 one month old the Papillon begins to be trained to use the litter box, at the same time they begin to wean him off from rewards for defecating in the right place;
• from 3.5 months they begin to walk with the baby on the street, they walk every three hours, but the tray is not cleaned;
• By carrying the puppy out 8-9 times a day, in just a month you can achieve desired result, protecting yourself from possible future troubles.

If there is a lack of time, weaning the puppy from the litter box and accustoming the puppy to using the toilet outside begins at 5 months. Three months is enough for the puppy to learn to endure need before going for walks.

Training

Butterfly dogs easily master the course general training, are happy to take part in competitions in agility, freestyle, and obedience.

Intelligence, high learning ability and love for activities with the owner make it possible to teach the dog many commands without the help of a trainer. Papillon quickly remembers the simplest commands: “stand”, “walk”, “near”, “fu”, .

After these commands are finally consolidated, you can begin to study more complex ones: “serve”, “die”, walking on your hind legs, circling around, fetching, overcoming obstacles and barriers, and sliding down a hill.

Dogs can also learn to guard a car, country house, apartment, silently notify the owner of the approach of a stranger, look for lost things, bring slippers, close and open doors.

Care and maintenance

Keeping Papillons in an apartment is not particularly difficult. Even grooming the coat is not complicated and consists of combing the dog once every 7-10 days, sorting out the pellets, bathing with shampoo and drying with a hairdryer. If necessary, you can trim overly long whiskers, claws and hair between the toes. Considering the small size of the dog, all procedures require no more than 1-2 hours per week.

You will have to spend more time on your ears. It is advisable to take apart the fur on them and comb them daily, at the same time checking the ears for mites, diaper rash or irritation. It is also better to comb the fluffy hair on the tail every day after a walk.

Papillons often develop tartar. For prevention, teeth are cleaned with a special toothpaste. The procedure is carried out twice a week. Chewing toys, cleaning bones and ropes are good for cleaning teeth and strengthening jaws.

Proper nutrition for Papillon

Care and nutrition are organized taking into account physiological characteristics miniature breeds. Dwarf spaniels are active and spend a lot of energy. In the body of small dogs, metabolic processes. When choosing a feeding scheme and diet, you should take into account that dogs require high-calorie and easily digestible food with sufficient amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins.

There are general rules for feeding miniature breed dogs:

When preparing a diet from natural products take into account that in the past the Papillon was a hunting dog.

The menu must include foods containing a lot of protein:

• lean meat (lamb, goat);
• poultry meat;
• boiled low-fat sea ​​fish(pollock, hake, navaga, cod);
• offal (lung, heart, stomach, cartilage);
• boiled yolk no more than once a week;
• fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, dried hard cheese).

The diet is enriched with:

• dried apricots;
• vegetables with the addition of vegetable oil (raw grated carrots, cauliflower, zucchini);
• apples.

Rice and buckwheat porridge are sources of essential fiber. Millet, barley, semolina and pearl barley are poorly digestible by small dogs and are not recommended to be included in the menu.

Papillons should not be given:

• pork, fatty meat, lard (fatty foods cause various diseases stomach);
• liver;
• sausages;
• smoked, hot, spicy, too salty and sweet foods;
• products containing soy;
• egg whites;
• potato tubers and stems, tomato greens, mushrooms, legumes, citrus fruits;
• products containing alcohol, caffeine, preservatives;
• products made from yeast dough;
• whole milk, sour cream;
• onions and garlic in any form;
• baby food, cat food, vitamins for people.

Feeding dry food is no worse than feeding natural food. Dry food, canned food and pouches labeled “for small dogs” are suitable for the Papillon.

It is very important to follow the diet and frequency:

• after the puppy is separated from its mother, it is fed 5-7 times a day;
• three-month-old puppies are transferred to 4 feedings a day;
• from six months to one year, babies are fed 3-4 times a day;
• after a year, dogs are fed morning and evening;
• Dogs over 7 years of age are fed 2-3 times a day, depending on their activity and well-being.

Important. In hot weather, Papillons often become less active and lose their appetite; you should not feed your dog treats; one meal is enough for them.

Life expectancy and health

The average lifespan of Papillons is 12-15 years. Dogs have good health and good immunity, but no breed is immune from hereditary diseases. The most common diseases of the breed are diseases of the joints, eyes, ears, and hypoglycemia.

Congenital dislocation (subluxation) of the kneecap

Often leads to lameness. Usually diagnosed at 4-5 months of age. In case of timely detection it helps therapeutic treatment(diet, vitamins and nutritional supplements, limitation physical activity, chondoprotector drugs). Launched form the disease requires surgical intervention.

Entropy of the century

The skin of an incorrectly folded eyelid irritates the cornea. The dog's eyes are constantly watery, squinted or completely closed. You can relieve the pain with skin softening cream, veterinary eye ointments. In most cases, the problem is solved surgically.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Pathology of the retina leading to vision impairment and blindness. Papillons are characterized by a late developing genetically determined form of atrophy. The first symptoms appear at the age of 5-6 years. The disease cannot be treated. Dogs suffering from PRA are not allowed to be bred.

Cataract

Most often, problems with the lens begin at 7-8 years of age. It is impossible to cure cataracts with medication; surgery is necessary. On initial stage can be used ultrasonic method cataract removal (phacoemulsification). It is important to notice the symptoms in time (deterioration of vision, clouding of the lens) and consult a specialist.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is caused by a variety of reasons:

• violation of feeding regime;
• unbalanced diet;
• change of feed;
• overheating and hypothermia;
• stress.

The attack is manifested by weakness, apathy, drowsiness, and lack of appetite. If glucose is not administered in time, a drop in sugar levels will lead to fainting, convulsions, paralysis of the limbs, collapse, and coma.

Important. If your Papillon is prone to hypoglycemia, you should always have glucose tablets with you, and also better ampoule with 40% glucose in order to provide first aid in time.

Deafness

Partial and complete deafness in Papillons is a hereditary or acquired disease. Typically hard of hearing or completely deaf, Toy Spaniels adapt to the disease. Their lack of hearing is compensated by their heightened sense of smell and vision; they easily learn commands with gestures, but they are always rejected and not allowed to breed.

Kennels that value their reputation test puppies for hearing pathology using the BAER method. When purchasing a puppy, the future owner has the right to request from the breeder a certificate certifying the absence of a genetic disease.

The cause of acquired deafness in Papillons is most often otitis media, for which they have to “thank” their big ears. Deafness is also caused by blockage of the ear canal. foreign objects, insects, eardrum injury, age-related changes, infectious diseases. Depending on the diagnosis, therapeutic or surgical treatment is prescribed.

Paroxysmal breathing

Convulsive gusty breathing, hoarse “grunting” cough or sneezing, increased salivation, spasms of the abdominal muscles, and falling on the front legs during an attack are signs of paroxysmal breathing, also called reverse sneezing or reverse cough. Most miniature breed dogs, including Papillons, are susceptible to such attacks.

The causes of paroxysmal breathing are not fully understood. Among the most probable are the anatomical features of the structure of the nasopharynx of small dogs, pathology of the soft palate, viral infection, allergic reaction.

In most cases, the attack stops spontaneously and does not pose a danger to the animal. If reverse breathing occurs frequently, your dog should be seen by a veterinarian.

How to choose a puppy

Buying a Papillon puppy is a kind of lottery. An active, fluffy baby can radically change color by the age of one year, replace puppy fluff with not very thick fur, and turn out to be timid and fearful.

To avoid such surprises for your future pet, it is better to buy from trusted breeders or nurseries. When purchasing, be sure to check documents confirming the origin and pedigree of the parents, veterinary certificates, certificates of genetic testing, vaccination and vaccination records.

It is best to take a puppy between 1.5 and 2 months of age. This is due to the fact that at the age of 45 days, according to the rules, an official examination (certification) of puppies is carried out. Based on its results, a conclusion is prepared about the condition of the puppy, the presence or absence of defects, and the admissibility of breeding. The procedure involves official confirmation of the puppy’s origin, issuance of a puppy certificate and branding of the pet.

A purebred puppy costs from 15,000 to 50,000 rubles. The price of babies imported from foreign nurseries can reach 60,000 rubles.

If you don’t get hung up on shows and breeding, you can take a closer look at puppies with color defects, malocclusion, which do not affect health, abilities, character, learning ability.

A faithful friend can be bought for much less money, given that such dogs are officially allowed to compete in agility, freestyle, obedience, and OKD.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

Papillons have many advantages:

• compactness,
• flexible character;
• high intelligence, good learning ability;
• no difficulties in care and maintenance;
• good looking.

The disadvantages include:

• predisposition to genetic diseases;
• the need for prevention and treatment of tartar, otitis media;
• poor heat tolerance;
• aggressive attitude towards children, dogs, cats with poor socialization.

> King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) The smallest of the King Charles spaniels, he has the most charm. The combination of long, flowing ears, expressive big eyes and a short muzzle develops into the appearance of a modern representative of the breed. They find similarities with the pug, Japanese chin, Pekingese, and Papillon. These dogs may have been used in breeding the King Charles. But by nature it is still a spaniel - active, cheerful companion with the soul of a hunter.

Appearance

Visually, the King Charles Spaniel is a stocky and compact dog, not devoid of grace. Height at the withers reaches 25 cm at maximum weight about 6 kg. The large head of the animal has a rather convex skull with a clearly visible transition from the muzzle to the forehead. The muzzle is square and upturned. Lower jaw wide. The teeth close together with a slight overshot. A tongue falling out of the mouth is unacceptable. The lips are closed tightly. The nose is short and raised. The lobe is black. Cheekbones are well filled. The eyes appear large, widely spaced, and dark in color. In combination with a dark outline they give a cute expression to the face. The long, low-set ears fit rather tightly and are abundantly covered with hair.

The neck is of medium length and has a smooth curve. The chest is deep and of normal width. The back is short and straight. Elbows fit snugly to the ribs and stay straight. The limbs are quite short, straight, with strong pasterns. Hind limbs muscular, with well-defined hock joints. The tail had previously been docked. The long tail should be in harmony with the size of the dog. In both cases, the tail does not rise above the level of the back and is not thrown over it. The English Toy Spaniel moves elegantly, with a free, energetic gait, with good drive from the hind legs.

The Toy's coat is long and silky. A slight wave is acceptable, but ideally the coat should be straight. The dog's ears, tail and legs are richly decorated. The standard defines four color types for this breed. The black and tan has bright red spots on the paws, chest, eyebrows, muzzle, under the tail and on the inside ears. White marks are excluded. The Blenheim color consists of regularly distributed red spots on a white background. The peculiarity of this color is a wide blaze with a diamond-shaped spot on the dog’s head. Tricolor color consists of white and black colors with tan marks. The fourth, ruby ​​color, should be solid and have a chestnut-red hue.

Lifespan

The King Charles Spaniel lives for about 12-15 years.

Features of maintenance and care

Toy spaniels differ from the larger Cavalier King Charles not only in size, but also in character. But they need identical care. Only 15 minutes a day are spent on tidying the fur. For grooming you will need several different brushes and a comb to remove tangles. The Spaniel's short stature is the reason for the appearance of debris and dirt in its coat. The dog needs to be bathed regularly, at least once a month. Special attention is given to cleansing the ears, because a poorly ventilated auricle promotes the growth of bacteria in it.

Toy spaniels can be prone to allergies, which can result in dermatitis and thinning hair in some areas of the body. The disease can be prevented by balancing the diet and supplementing it with vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids. You shouldn't overfeed your dog either. Like all spaniels, Toy is prone to getting fat. He needs brisk walks to stay in shape. In extreme heat, individuals with very short muzzles may have breathing problems, so walking in the sun is not recommended.

Flaws

King Charles Spaniels are quite expensive. They require careful care for their coat, eyes and ears.

Who is the King Charles Spaniel suitable for?

Toy spaniels are beautiful, loving and loyal. They are affectionate with children, but sudden movements and loud screams can frighten a puppy or young dog. This the breed is suitable balanced people, families with school-age children who are able to care for a toy and take into account the needs of a small creature for periodic rest.

How to choose a King Charles Spaniel puppy

Puppy from good producers must have the correct color and harmonious build. Baby King Charles Spaniels have a square body shape and charming “doll” faces. It is worth paying attention to the eyes: they should be clean, not overly bulging. The lower jaw closes tightly with the upper jaw. The ears should be clean, without foreign odors from the auricle. Healthy puppy well-fed, cheerful, active, willing to make contact.

Continental Toy Spaniel - Papillon

FCI standard: Group 9. Section 10. Breed 77 Weight: 3-5 kg ​​Height at withers: 20-28 cm Color: spots of any color on a white background, white markings on the muzzle Origin: France Life expectancy: 13-15 years Recommended: for keeping in the house. A wonderful companion for the whole family, a playful and devoted friend.

History of the breed

There is a strong argument for the ancient origins and enduring popularity of the Continental Toy Spaniel. His cute face is depicted in many paintings from the 14th century. He appeared in the paintings of Watteau, Rubens, Rembrandt, Boucher, Van Dyck and Fragonard, usually sitting on the laps of their mistresses. This little dog was the most popular companion for noble people throughout Europe. Traders transported it in baskets on donkeys through France, Italy and Spain.

Throughout its history, the Continental Toy Spaniel has been favored by members of royal families. The trendsetters for this dog were the Italian kings and nobility, who made it a custom to give puppies of this breed to the rulers of other countries. In this way she came to the Polish royal court, and she was brought to France during the reign of King Francis I. In this country, the fashion for the continental toy spaniel very quickly spread among ordinary people. It was only after the French Revolution that this breed gained wide popularity among the inhabitants of Belgium. Some early speculation suggests that the Continental Toy Spaniel may have originated in China, from where it was introduced to the rest of the world through that country's centuries-long trade relationship with Venice. Indeed, the Chinese bred a dog with a similar build and color. Another theory states that the Continental Toy Spaniel's pedigree originates in Spain, because. The word "spaniel" means "Spanish dog". The third opinion denies the last statement and refers us to the French court of King Louis XIV, where in the 17th century a small spaniel with erect ears was bred, which was given the name Papillon for its resemblance to a butterfly. It is generally accepted that the Continental Toy Spaniel is a stream of the Spanish Dwarf Spaniel. Over the centuries of its existence, the breed has been known by various names, including the Belgian Toy Spaniel, the Little Squirrel Dog, the Royal Toy Spaniel, the Butterfly Spaniel, the Dwarf Continental Toy Spaniel, the Phalene, the Papillon, and many others. Until the 16th century, there was only one variety of continental toy spaniel - the Phalene - a dog with floppy ears. A variety of Papillon (dog with erect ears) was first documented in the 16th century and became extremely popular by the 19th century. Both species can be born in the same litter. Although the Phalene was the original variety of the breed, its popularity has declined significantly over the past two centuries, but today it is successfully winning it back.

The Continental Toy Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1915. The breed was brought to England in 1901, but the English Kennel Club (England) recognized it only in 1923. In the first half of the 20th century, the number of this dog decreased very significantly, as dog lovers switched their attention to other miniature breeds. However, the last forty years have seen a revival of interest in this magnificent dog. Breeders from America and Europe worked hard to restore its population to its previous levels. Today, the Continental Toy Spaniel is kept as a companion dog in many countries around the world, and its long-term existence is no longer in danger.

Appearance

A tiny “deluxe edition of the spaniel”, of normal and harmonious build, with thick hair, a modest muzzle length (it is shorter than the skull), with a graceful, but nevertheless intelligent expression, a proud gait and free elegant movements. The length of the body is slightly longer than the height of the dog.

Head

The parts of the head are proportionally related to each other, the head as a whole is comparatively lighter and shorter than the head of high and medium spaniels. When viewed from the front and side, the skull appears somewhat rounded between the ears; in some individuals there is a hint of a depression. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, thin, tapering towards the nose, but in no case should it be raised upward. The bridge of the nose is straight and, when merging with the forehead, forms a clearly defined angle. In heavier dogs, the base of the bridge of the nose is not as distinct as in smaller dogs, although the angle should not be straight.

Teeth

Quite strong, even normal bite.

Eyes

Quite large, well open, very wide, almond-shaped, not protruding, rather low set - in line with the base of the bridge of the nose. The eyes should be dark and expressive, the eyelids should be well pigmented.

The skin of the ears should be thin but strong enough to hold them open. Both in the subspecies with erect ears and in the lop-eared variety ear cartilage should not end in a too noticeable bump (checked by touch). The ears are set closer to the back of the head and spaced apart at a distance at which a slightly rounded skull is visible. Ears are set high ears wide open. In a normal position, the ears are raised and form an angle of approximately 45° with the head. In no case should they be pointed, similar to Spitz ears. The latter deficiency should be severely penalized. The inside of the ear is covered with silky wavy hair that reaches the edges; the outer side is covered with a long wavy fringe, which greatly overlaps the edges of the ears. The result of mixing the two subspecies is often a dog with partially drooping ears (only the tips of the ears hang down). This position of the ears is a serious disadvantage.

Nose and lips

The nose is small, black and round, slightly flattened on top. The lips are highly pigmented, thin, dense. The teeth are quite strong, even, normal bite.

Normal length, withers slightly sloping.

Frame

The chest is wide and arched. The girth is measured between the last two ribs and should be more or less equal to the height at the withers. The ribs are well distributed. The line of the back should not be too short, neither convex nor sunken; The loin is strong and slightly arched.

Tail

Set on high, rather long, with long fringe forming a beautiful plume. When the dog is animated, the tail is curled high above the body; the tip of the tail may lightly touch the back; The tail should not be curled or lie flat on the back.

Limbs

The shoulder joints and shoulder blades are well developed, proportional, form a normal angle and are well supported. Front and hind legs straight, rather thin, although the dog should not look long-legged. The knees are normally bent and all four legs are parallel when viewed from both front and rear. The foot should be oblong (hare-type), resting entirely on the pads. The claws are strong, ideally black; brown and white dogs may have slightly lighter nails (white nails are not considered a fault in all-white dogs, or in dogs with white feet if the overall pigmentation is normal). The soles are thin and well padded; tufts of fine long hair forming points may be noted between the pads.

Wool

Dense, shiny and wavy (but not curly), without undercoat. The hair is not soft, but elastic and silky in appearance; smooth and relatively thin. In general, the coat resembles that of a small english spaniel, but differs significantly from the Pekingese; on the other hand, it should under no circumstances resemble the coat of a Spitz. On the head, the front side of the paws, the back side of the paws from the knees down - the hair is short and smooth; on the body, the hair is of medium length, lengthening in the neck area, where it forms a shirtfront that elegantly falls onto the chest. The ears and the back of the front legs are covered with long hair; the back of the thighs is covered with thick hair. Thin tufts of long hair between the pads are acceptable as long as they do not give the leg a clumsy appearance, but, on the contrary, make the foot appear more graceful and elongated. The hair length of some dogs with thick hair reaches 7.5 cm at the withers, and long hair on the tail can reach 15cm.

Color

Any color is allowed. All dogs, even all-white dogs, should have well-pigmented lips, eyelids, and in most cases a black nose.

Vices

Any deviation from the above points should be considered as a defect or defect depending on the degree of severity.

Disqualifying characteristics include: Pink nose, or nose with pink speckles. Deviations in any direction from correct bite(upper and lower incisors do not touch), motionless or constantly protruding tongue.

Males should have two normal-looking testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Movements

The gait is proud, free, light, graceful.

Health

The most common diseases of the breed include:

Dislocation of the kneecap;

Epilepsy;

Ear infections;

Fractures (of traumatic, not genetic origin);

Eye problems.

Temperament and character

It is impossible to draw any specific conclusions about the temperament of the Continental Toy Spaniel. Some representatives can be brave and daring, while others can be cautious and timid. However, some number common features can be isolated for this breed. The behavior of the average Continental Toy Spaniel differs significantly from that of most others. small breeds. The vast majority of representatives of this breed are lively and expressive animals and, certainly, not couch dogs. Despite the fact that most continental toy spaniels will choose an active pastime rather than the comfort of their master’s lap, they are certainly companion dogs. This breed develops close relationships with all family members, but some members can become especially attached to one person. However, for the most part, these dogs are equally affectionate towards all family members. The Continental Toy Spaniel is child friendly but is probably best suited to children aged 8-9 years and older. They can be trained to properly handle this dog because it has a fragile build and is easily injured, especially when it is still a puppy. Without proper training, some members of the breed may try to use aggression in response to careless handling, but most will still try to run away and hide.

In general, the Continental Toy Spaniel behaves well around strangers, although it may show some reserve when interacting with them. Over time, the dog will accept and love the new person in its life, but poorly socialized members of the breed are often shy around strangers and sometimes even show some aggression. In fact, the Continental Toy Spaniel will bark when a stranger approaches, making this dog an excellent watchdog. Many Continental Toy Spaniels have some problems with other animals, although these are usually not serious. This dog will in most cases be happy to have another dog in the house, but can become quite aloof and wary in the presence of unfamiliar dogs. In general, unlike other small breeds, it tends to be much more aggressive in its desire to assert its dominance. This breed can try to stand up to dogs of any size, so its owner must carefully monitor these outbursts of aggression towards its larger brothers, otherwise he puts his pet at risk of serious injury or even death. The Continental Toy Spaniel retains a much stronger hunting instinct than other toy dogs. Therefore, it is not recommended to keep this dog with small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, pet rats and similar pets. An appropriately socialized dog will get along with domestic cat, but only if she is not trying to intentionally harm the dog. Although it is also worth considering that the Continental Toy Spaniel will from time to time pester the cat in an attempt to play with it.

Training

The Continental Toy Spaniel scores the highest of all small breeds when it comes to trainability and intelligence. His achievements are particularly outstanding in the field of obedience training and in steeplechase competitions, where the dog has earned a reputation as one of the most capable of all existing breeds. This breed is capable of catching even the most difficult things on the fly. difficult tasks and is known to be easy to train when provided with appropriate positive reinforcement and consistency in training. At the same time, the continental toy spaniel always has its own opinion and knows how to avoid some uncomfortable rules imposed by its owner. There are two difficulties that a trainer may encounter when training this breed. One of them is that the Continental Toy Spaniel is comparatively more difficult to socialize. Therefore, it is worth making sure that enough effort and time is invested in showing your dog possible ways behavior with children, strangers and other animals. Another challenging task is toilet training. The main reason for this is that the Continental Toy Spaniel's small bladder takes longer to fully develop, so he cannot control his natural urges at an early age. Moreover, due to the dog's tiny size, its initial mistakes may go unnoticed and not corrected in time.

The long coat of the Continental Toy Spaniel requires much less grooming than it might seem at first glance. It is necessary to lightly comb the dog several times a week. The good news is that it doesn't take more than an hour a week to keep your dog's coat in good condition. You should prevent tangling and the formation of pellets in a timely manner so that they do not cause big troubles in the future. For this breed, bathing and shampooing are integral parts of systematic grooming procedures and can be done as needed.

Close attention should also be paid to the ears of the Continental Toy Spaniel. Your dog's ears should be examined regularly and carefully to prevent potential infection or irritation from developing.

Other (or outdated) breed names

Papillon

Dog butterfly