Papichon -- Continental Toy Spaniel X Bichon frise

		Papichon
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			France and Belgium -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Papichon

The Papichon is a hybrid dog breed, a cross between the Bichon Frise and the Papillon. Both parent breeds are attractive, the Papillon with its silky fur and large butterfly ears, while the Bichon is a woolly white bear of a canine companion. Papichons are a relatively rare hybrid breed, but their gentle personalities make them worth tracking down. Small to medium-sized dogs, they have abundant, fluffy fur and often have butterfly-colored rings and tipped ears. They love to be cuddled and their number one goal in life is to be with their owner. This has its advantages, but also its disadvantages, as they tend to get stressed when left alone and can start barking. On the whole, however, a well-behaved Papichon is a great pet and an invaluable member of the family.

History of the Papichon

Papichons are among the many hybrid dog breeds to have appeared over the past two decades. Although they are relatively new, their parent breeds have a long and venerable history.

	A little of the Continental Toy Spaniel
	The Papillon dates back to the 1500s and was originally established in France or Italy. Their name is very French, translating the word papillon in a nod to the shape of their ears. Adored by aristocrats through the ages, this high-flying social butterfly remains a sought-after breed that makes a devoted and docile companion.

	Standard of the Continental Toy Spaniel
	A little of the Bichon frise
	The Bichon Frise has an even longer history, dating back to the 14th century. It was thought that French sailors first adopted these dogs when they saw them in the Canary Islands. They must have been good sailors, as they also traveled on ships with Spanish traders. Like many popular dog breeds, they made their way to the French royal court to become another favorite. However, in the late 1800s, their fortunes plummeted when the breed became considered common and their numbers dwindled. Just over a century later, French breeders rediscovered the delights of the Bichon Frise and its newfound popularity.

	Standard of the Bichon frise

Appearance of the Papichon

Papichon's appearance can be based on one side of the family tree, or a mixture of both parents. Generalizations that can be made include having a small stature, without being too delicate. They are well proportioned, with a body a little longer than they are tall. Hair is coarse on the papilla with a typical layer of long, loose curls. Of course, they can also lean towards the soft, smooth hair of the Papillon or the luxurious curls of the Bichon. Their tails are carried high in a graceful sweep, generously feathered. The Bichon Frise is always white, so this color predominates in the Papichon, with a concession on the face. The Papichon tends to have a beige mask over the eyes, which extends into the magnificent ears. As a result, the Papichon often has a contrasting coat color, usually beige or red, on this part of the face. Finally, when it comes to ears, Papichons can have floppy Bichon ears, straight Papillon ears or something in between.

Temperament of the Papichon

Papichons have a beautiful, sunny nature. Their greatest pleasure in life is to be with their owner, whom they absolutely adore. Papichons are good-natured and generally know how to make themselves loved by everyone. In fact, when well socialized since childhood, they are also friends with strangers, whom they see as even greater potential sources of love. But here too lies their weak point. Papichons don't like to be left alone and can easily suffer from separation anxiety. This can manifest itself in destructive behavior, such as chewing, or more often in barking. In an apartment, this noise can quickly make you unpopular with the neighbors.

Needs and activities of the Papichon

The Papichon is active for its size, loves to explore, explore the family and will generally poke its nose into your business whenever it can. They enjoy a walk where they can greet and meet other dogs and people. It's a great way to get them to adopt a slightly wary attitude that these dogs can have if they're not properly socialized when they're young. They'll walk, run and play games as much as you like, and love challenges such as having to find a treat, fetch the ball or learn a new trick. Papichons love mental stimulation that satisfies their inquisitive nature. These little dogs are ideal in apartments as long as they get enough outdoor exercise. If your home has a yard, they'll take care of the security of the grounds. This little handyman is also a cuddle bug and will love all your attention and become a devoted friend.

Maintenance of the Papichon

Although puppies may vary within a litter, the Papichon's coat is normally soft, of medium length and can curl like the Bichon. The coat should be brushed at least twice a week to maintain its beauty and avoid tangles. If Papichon wears the Bichon coat, you'll need professional grooming every two or three months, just to keep it neat. Bathing is only necessary when they're dirty, using a mild dog shampoo to prevent allergies and retain the natural oil on the skin. While brushing the coat, check for wounds or cuts that may need attention. These little dogs can get into anything without worrying about the consequences, so keep an eye out for possible injuries. Brushing his teeth twice a week will promote good oral health, and gently trim his nails to a reasonable length. Next, all that needs to be checked are the ears or eyes, just to ensure good health. These areas are very delicate, so wipe them gently.