Papillons are charming dogs with developed intelligence. Unlike a phlegmatic York or a hysterical chihuahua, representatives of this breed will not irritate their owners. Owner reviews about papillons are the most encouraging. Dogs are praised for their noble behavior and mental qualities.
Origin
This is a small breed of dogs, the fame of which spread in the XII-XIII centuries. In Europe, papillons were popular along with pugs. It is believed that the spaniel, now undeservedly forgotten, became the ancestor of the breed. A representative of the breed was taken to France, where they were crossed with a local dog. As a result of painstaking selection, there appeared something remotely similar to the current papillon.
In the 16th century, Belgians joined the French breeders. Surprisingly quickly they managed to bring out the papillon. The breed practically did not change for several centuries.
Interesting Facts
Reviews of the papillon testify to its unique mind. A small dog is perfectly trained, in terms of mental development it can be compared with a four-year-old child.
At the end of the XVI - beginning of the XVII centuries, charming babies gained popularity among the French nobility. It is known that the king of France Henry III was the owner of the papillon.
Marie Antoinette in all her portraits was depicted with a favorite - a female papillon.
Before the French Revolution, everything was wonderful. But the sweet time was replaced by an almost complete extermination of the breed. Papillons were destroyed only because they loved to know. The surviving representatives of the breed were taken to Belgium. Until the middle of the 19th century, animals were there. And only in the 1850s they returned to France. Here, the restoration of the breed began.
Character
The papillon dog breed, according to reviews, is just wonderful. A number of characteristics can be distinguished regarding its qualities:
- Mind. The breed is among the ten most intelligent in the world. Its representatives are easily trained, understand at a glance what they are told.
- Devotion. Charming babies are literally in love with their master. Accompany everywhere and always want to be around. Any separation seems too long to them. If the owner is not around for a very long time, the dog can get sick from longing. Refuse food and water, so hard for them without a host.
- Activity. Getting a papillon, do not count on the fact that the dog will sit next to the sofa. This dog is not for those who do not like an active lifestyle. In a tiny body fits a whole power station. Papillons live by the principle "movement is our everything." They need outdoor games, and walks at least three times a day.
- Memory. In representatives of the breed, it is well developed.
- Curiosity. The baby needs to know everything and be everywhere. The pet will actively study everything that it can reach.
- Loyalty to children. The fragile dog is hardly suitable for families with very young children. For a child of eight years and older will be an excellent companion and ally in games.
- The need for socialization. Despite their size, these dogs are very sociable. And if you do not engage in their socialization in puppyhood, the pet simply will not be able to throw out this sociability. This will lead to unmotivated aggression. Such a dog can not only growl and bite, but also rush even at its own owner.
Appearance
Papillons, according to reviews, not only have an excellent character. They are very cute in appearance. Huge and fluffy ears alone are worth something. For these ears, the dogs got their name "butterfly."
Very small breed. Her weight ranges from 1.5 to 3 kilograms. Height over 28 centimeters is considered a deviation from the standard.
Most often there are white dogs with black and red spots in the head and muzzle. The babies have very expressive eyes: oval, large, dark brown.
Care and maintenance
Reviews of the papillon indicate that the dog is a little whimsical in grooming. The fault is her thick coat, which needs daily combing. You don’t need to wash your pet at all, but you can not do without combing.
Let's open a secret: if you need to bathe a pet, use a shampoo for platinum blondes. This will help maintain the color of the coat.
Trim your baby's claws regularly. The procedure is carried out once every three to four weeks.
It is worth paying attention to the eyes. Noticed discharge - remove them with a wet swab. If the discharge does not stop, this is an occasion for a visit to the veterinarian.
Walk with your pet 3 times a day, at least 30 minutes. They play outdoor games on a walk, since papillons are very gambling comrades.
As for feeding, the food from the table is not for this dog. Breeders recommend feeding papillons super-premium feed or holistic.
Parenting and training
It all starts from the moment the puppy appeared in the house. This does not mean that from the first minute they take him in an armful and begin to train. But education has not been canceled yet. Three basic rules for raising a dog:
- From simple to complex. According to reviews, the teams for the papillon go simply with a bang, if you start small. And do not force the dog to complete the entire complex of obedience in three minutes. First, we teach the team “near”, then “to me”. And then everything else. Unsure of your abilities, go to a dog handler.
- Consistency in action. If every day 20 minutes are practiced with a dog, then this is forever. Whatever it is: New Year, birthday, stormy party. In all sequence, all in time.
- Once the owner said no, then this is prohibited. If today the papillon is forbidden to jump onto the sofa, and tomorrow it is allowed, then the pet will simply lose respect for such an owner. And it will begin to make independent decisions.
Do not forget about the promotion. Delicacy and praise are a must in the upbringing and training of a dog.
Owner reviews
Owner reviews about the papillon dog are the best. Read and see for yourself:
Will win the heart with just one look.
It destroys the idea of small breeds of dogs.
A true friend for a child.
The smartest breed among the smaller ones.
Conclusion
Many people know what the papillon breed is. This smart and charming dog deserves close attention. For those who need a friend and an active companion, but there is no way to get a large dog, the papillon will have to go to court.