Continental Toy Spaniel

Continental Toy Spaniel
Papillon type
Phalène type
Other names
  • Épagneul Nain Continental
  • Continental Miniature Spaniel
Origin
  • Belgium
  • France
Traits
Height
not over 28 cm[1]
Weight
Coat long, fine, wavy, single-layered
Colour white, with patches of any colour
Kennel club standards
Société Centrale Canine standard
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Épagneul Nain Continental or Continental Toy Spaniel is a Belgian and French breed of dog of spaniel type and of miniature or toy size. It has two sub-types, distinguished only by the shape and carriage of their ears: those of the Papillon ('butterfly') are erect, while those of the Phalène ('moth') are pendent; in all other respects they are identical.

History

Lapdogs of miniature spaniel type appear in paintings from the sixteenth century onwards,[2]: 335  in the works of Titian, Paolo Veronese, Pierre Mignard, Gonzales Coques, Antoine Watteauand Jean-Honoré Fragonard among others.

The Papillon was first recognized by the AKC in 1935[3] with the formation of the Papillon Club of America.[4] By the end of World War 2, the club was no longer functioning, but it was reactivated in 1948, with its first postwar specialty held in September 1954. In 1999, Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being (call name "Kirby") owned and handled by John Oulton of Norwalk, Connecticut, became the first Papillon to win the prestigious "Best in Show" at the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show.[4][5] Kirby also won international success for the breed by taking the World Dog Show in Helsinki, Finland, and the Royal Invitational in Canada in 1998.[4] Papillons also enjoy success today in competitive fields outside of conformation, including obedience and agility.[4]

In 2019, Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers (call name "Dylan") became the first Papillon to win Best in Show at Crufts.[6][7]

Characteristics

The coat is predominantly white, with patches of any colour; only on the head the extent of the colour exceeds that of the white.[8] The maximum height at the withers is approximately 28 cm; there are two classes for body weight, 1.5–2.5 kg and 2.5–5 kg.[1]

Two ear variations of this breed are seen, the completely upright ears of the more common Papillon, and the dropped spaniel-like ears of the Phalène. The Phalène are likely a throwback to their spaniel ancestors. The American Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) consider the Phalène and the Papillon the same breed.[9]

  • Papillon sub-type, with upright "butterfly" ears
  • Phalène sub-type, with pendent ears

Health

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 14.5 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.[10]

Papillons have only minor health concerns, although patellar luxation, seizures, and dental problems can be issues.[11] Additionally, they can be at risk for progressive retinal atrophy, intervertebral disk disease, and allergies.[11][12]: 352 

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Papillon dog.
  1. ^ a b c d Epagneul nain continental (in French). Aubervilliers: Société Centrale Canine. Accessed March 2026.
  2. ^ Mark Hengerer, Nadir Weber (editors) (2020). Animals and Courts: Europe, c. 1200–1800. Berlin: De Gruyter Oldenbourg. ISBN 9783110544794.
  3. ^ "Papillon History." Archived November 2, 2014, at the Wayback Machine American Kennel Club. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  4. ^ a b c d "Papillon FAQ." Papillon Club of America. Updated August 19, 2000. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  5. ^ "Best in Show Winners." Archived December 25, 2007, at the Wayback Machine The Westminster Kennel Club. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  6. ^ "Crufts 2019: Dylan the papillon crowned best in show". BBC News. March 10, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  7. ^ "Crufts 2019 Results". The Kennel Club. Archived from the original on March 7, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  8. ^ FCI-Standard N° 77: Épagneul Nain Continental (Continental Toy Spaniel). Thuin, Belgium: Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed March 2026.
  9. ^ FCI breeds nomenclature: Épagneul Nain Continental (77). Thuin, Belgium: Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Accessed March 2026.
  10. ^ Kirsten M. McMillan, Jon Bielby, Carys L. Williams, Melissa M. Upjohn, Rachel A. Casey, Robert M. Christley (2024). Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 14 (1): 531. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w. .
  11. ^ a b Zech, Elaine S. (2009). "Health Concerns of the Papillon". Papillon Club of America. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2012.
  12. ^ Caroline Coile (2006). Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, second edition. Hauppauge, New York: Barron's Educational Series. ISBN 9780764157004.
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