Animals

Papillons, which used to only have large, drooping ears, were known in the 16th and 17th centuries as Dwarf Spaniels and were often depicted on the laps of French and Spanish noblewomen. Over time, an erect-eared type, fringed as to resemble the ears of a butterfly, developed (Papillon means “butterfly” in French). In the United States, Papillons (erect-eared) and Phalenes (drop-eared) can be born in the same litter and are shown together as one breed.

The Papillon is a small, friendly, elegant toy dog with a fine boned structure. He is light and dainty, yet still lively, and is distinguished from other breeds by his beautiful, butterfly-like ears. They are known to be happy and alert little dogs that are not shy or aggressive. The breed must be either parti-color or white with patches of any color.

Papillon means “butterfly” in French – a name likely given the breed thanks to it’s ears, which, when erect resemble the butterfly. The white blaze that runs down the top of the Papillon’s head adds to the butterfly appearance. Papillons measure just eight to 11 inches at the shoulder. The Papillon’s fine, soft and silky coat is white with patches of any color or tri-color (black and white with tan markings) The nose, eyes and lips are black, and the gorgeous tail is thickly plumed and carried proudly over the body.

The Papillon is a great choice for elderly or disabled dog owners, since it’s exercise needs are minimal. The Papillon dog breed is well suited to apartment living and city life. The Papillon makes an excellent family pet for any size accommodation and is ideally suited to the stay-at-home. Loyal, loving and protective, Papillons make good watch dogs, too!

The Australian Silky Terrier is often said to be the result of a planned mating between an Australian Terrier and a Yorkshire Terrier, but because stud records were not kept in the early days this cannot be proved. In 1900 the Australian Terrier Club was formed, but folded a couple of years later leading to the formation of the Victoria Silky and Yorkshire Terrier Club. In 1904 this new club drew up a standard for the breed. Soon after breeders in Sydney formed the Sydney Silky Club and developed a separate standard for what was to be known as the Sydney Silky.

Even today, Australian Silky Terrier breeders will receive requests for Sydney Silkies from throughout the world. And it was not until 1959 that the Silky was recognised as being a breed and was given the name Australian Silky Terrier and the official breed standard drawn up.

Full of energy, this versatile breed will adapt to any situation, making it suitable as a companion in a one-bedroom apartment or as a family dog. It usually devotes itself to one particular family member (usually the one who feeds it). The Australian Silky Terrier is great with children and will play with them for hours. Their small size makes them ideal household pets.

The Australian Silky Terrier is friendly to all the family, but will usually attach itself to one member and be friendly with the rest. It will tolerate strangers, but no more than that. It will love children if raised with them, but it doesn’t enjoy being fussed over or being treated like an animated toy and prefers to be treated as an equal.

The Silky is classified as a toy dog because of its size, but it is far removed from the usual lap dog. It has the true smart and forceful character of a terrier and it has all the advantages of a small dog in suburban life, not being too big for the children, the car or the garden.