This dainty, elegant breed appeared in European art as early as the 14th century and was a favorite lap dog of royalty. They appear in many old paintings and tapestries by Titian, Rubens, Boucher, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Fragonard. Madame Pompadour and Marie Antoinette of France owned Papillons, as well as Queen Ann of Austria and Queen Sophia of Germany. France’s King Henry the III carried them suspended from his neck in a basket.
Although the country of origin isn’t certain, Spain, France, Italy and Belgium all played a part in their development. In those days, they were known as Dwarf Spaniels or Continental Toy Spaniels. The original dogs had large drooping ears, but in the 1800s, a change occurred; some were born with erect ears. This characteristic quickly became favored over the other type, and the dogs were given the name Papillon, which is French for butterfly. The less popular, drop-eared variety is now known as “Phalene,” French for night moth.
This is an exceptionally intelligent breed with a charming personality–bubbly and friendly, gentle and affectionate. They do well with other pets, when raised with them, and are good with older, considerate children. Papillons can be a challenge to housebreak and may bark a little too much to make good apartment dogs. Other than that, they’re easily trained and excel at obedience.
The abundant single coat is long, fine and silky. There’s a profuse frill on the chest and “culottes” on the hind legs, but the hair is short and close on the skull, muzzle and leg fronts. And the ears are heavily fringed, giving them the look of a butterfly’s wings. This lustrous coat comes in white with patches of any color. A color other than white covers both ears and extends over the eyes. There’s usually a white blaze and noseband. The coat isn’t prone to matting and needs no trimming, just brushing a couple of times a week.
The head is small with dark, round, medium-sized eyes that wear an alert expression. Both the erect and the drop ears are large with rounded tips and set toward the back of the head. The muzzle is much thinner than the head and tapers to the nose, which is black. The body is slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and a tucked-up belly. The long, richly plumed tail arches jauntily over the back. Papillons are 8-11 inches tall, weigh 3-9 pounds and have a life span of 12-16 years.
Pekingese
Originating in China, the Pekingese can be traced to the Tang Dynasty (A.D.618-906), where it was considered sacred. Owned only by nobility, they lived a pampered existence–theft of these dogs was punishable by death. No wonder Pekes have a dignified, self-important bearing about them! They were known by three different names: Lion Dogs (because of the massive front, mane and slimmer hindquarters), Sun Dogs (because of the beautiful golden red color) and Sleeve Dogs (because the smaller ones were carried inside the long flowing sleeves of their royal masters).
In 1860, when the British invaded the Summer Palace at Peking, the imperial family killed their dogs rather than let them fall into enemy hands. However, five dogs were found behind some draperies and taken by military officers. One was given to Queen Victoria, who aptly named the dog “Looty.”
This breed is loyal, protective and affectionate with its family but not necessarily a lap dog. They’re not good with young children. Pekes are wary of strangers, independent, obstinate and courageous but not aggressive. Exercise needs are minimal. With their short faces and heavy coats, they’re prone to heatstroke and should be indoor dogs. They also may have breathing problems, difficult births and back problems.
Pekes have a long, straight, coarse-textured outer coat with a thick, softer undercoat. There’s extensive feathering on the ears, legs, thighs, tail and toes. This extravagant coat requires daily combing and brushing to keep it tangle free. It comes in all colors: red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white or parti-color.
The head is wide and flat between heart-shaped ears. Large, dark eyes are round and slightly prominent. There’s a short, broad, wrinkled muzzle, and the nose is black. This is a stocky, muscular, short-legged dog with a tail that lies over its back. The forelegs are bowed at the shoulder, giving it a rolling gait. Pekingese are about 6-9 inches tall, and weight should not exceed 14 pounds. The life span is 13-15 years.
Pomeranian
An unmistakable relative of the spitz family, the Pomeranian descends from the sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland. The name, however, stems from the region known as Pomerania (now eastern Germany). There, they were developed and bred down to a smaller size from an original 30 pounds.
The breed underwent further miniaturization in England. Queen Victoria owned many different dog breeds, but one of her favorites was the Pomeranian. One was lying in bed by her side when she died. Other famous owners were Martin Luther, Michelangelo, Isaac Newton and Mozart.
Poms are smart, inquisitive, spunky, happy and devoted to their families. It’s very tempting to spoil these appealing little puffballs, but they need more than a life on a lap. A little dog with a big attitude, Poms enjoy walks and playtimes. Children must be taught to treat them gently. They do have a tendency to yap and may not be friendly with strangers. Gum disease and tooth loss is a health concern, so frequent teeth cleaning is recommended.
The luxuriant, stand-off coat takes up to three years to reach full maturity and requires frequent brushing. This abundant double coat consists of a profuse, long and straight outer coat of a harsh texture with a softer, dense undercoat. There’s a profuse frill around the neck, shoulders and chest and a plumed tail. It comes in many patterns and colors: black and tan, brindle, parti-color, red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown or blue.
The skull is large in proportion to the sharp muzzle. The twinkling, almond-shaped eyes are medium sized and dark. Fox-like ears are small and erect. The nose is black or may be self-colored. This is a compact, short-coupled dog with fine-boned legs. The tail is set high and carried forward over the back, lying flat with the hair spread like a fan.
Pomeranians are 8-11 inches tall, weigh 3-7 pounds and have a life span of 12-16 years.
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This dainty, elegant breed appeared in European art as early as the 14th century and was a favorite lap dog of royalty. They appear in many old paintings and tapestries by Titian, Rubens, Boucher, Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Fragonard. Madame Pompadour and Marie Antoinette of France owned Papillons, as well as Queen Ann of Austria and Queen Sophia of Germany. France’s King Henry the III carried them suspended from his neck in a basket.
Originating in China, the Pekingese can be traced to the Tang Dynasty (A.D.618-906), where it was considered sacred. Owned only by nobility, they lived a pampered existence–theft of these dogs was punishable by death. No wonder Pekes have a dignified, self-important bearing about them! They were known by three different names: Lion Dogs (because of the massive front, mane and slimmer hindquarters), Sun Dogs (because of the beautiful golden red color) and Sleeve Dogs (because the smaller ones were carried inside the long flowing sleeves of their royal masters). 
An unmistakable relative of the spitz family, the Pomeranian descends from the sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland. The name, however, stems from the region known as Pomerania (now eastern Germany). There, they were developed and bred down to a smaller size from an original 30 pounds. 
