JUDGING THE
PAPILLON
by Angela Pickett
F ine-boned, dainty, elegant, hap- py, alert, and friendly. These key words from the standard should be in the forefront as you walk into your ring to judge Papillons. These words, along with a good understand- ing of the fine points of the breed, will result in recognizing proper breed type—which is most important when judging this wonderful breed. Several points can be evaluated on your first look at the dogs in a class. Step well away from the class to check for proper proportion, size, and outline. The height standard is wide at 8-11 inches at the withers, and disqualifies at 12 inches. All Pa- pillons within the size range are to be judged equally. An 8 inch dog and an 11 inch dog should both be fine-boned in substance. Should you have any question on any exhibit being over 12 inches, please call for the wicket. The proportion should be slightly longer than tall. There is nothing dainty or elegant about a long and low or a cob- by Papillon. The topline is level, with a neck that is of medium length. The tail is set high and should be well- arched over the back. The best de- scription is that of a “teacup tail.” The outline of a Papillon is lost with a flat tail or a flag tail. The neck, tail, and topline all come together to complete the unmistakably elegant outline of the Papillon.
After the look from afar, a check down the line will help to start your evalu- ation on ear set, expression, and tem- perament. You should see an alert expression, with ears at 45 degrees on a Papillon, and ears completely down on a Phalene. The Phalene is judged by the same standard except for the ears. The large, round, well-fringed ears are the hallmark of the breed and should be evaluated carefully, both on the ground and on the table. They should never be pointed, high set or small, which are faults. You should never think of a Chihuahua, Pomera- nian or a rabbit when looking at a Papillon! Papillons should never shy away from a judge or have their tail down. You will find them to be a bit naughty and extremely happy instead of being reserved. They are not statues and should not be penalized for being a bit over zealous. Papillons should be able to stand on their own and be free-baited. Hand-stacking a Papillon on the ground gives the appearance of hiding a structural fault or a tempera- ment fault. Make it a “save the han- dlers’ knees” ring for Papillons! Now, it’s time to take the class around. The standard calls for “shoulders well developed and laid back” and the rear is to be “well developed & well angu- lated.” The standard goes on to state that the gait should be “free, quick, easy, graceful” to further emphasize
no restriction in movement. With proper construction, they should have balanced, effortless movement with reach and drive. The topline should remain level, with the tail over the back. A Papillon with fluid move- ment is breathtaking! “THE LARGE, ROUND, WELL-FRINGED EARS ARE THE HALLMARK OF THE BREED AND SHOULD BE EVALUATED CAREFULLY, BOTH ON THE GROUND AND ON THE TABLE.” Please approach a Papillon on the table as you would any other dog, with a straightforward approach. Don’t try to slowly sneak up on them or “baby talk” to them. They are very intel- ligent and will wonder what you are up to. Never try to bait them yourself while they are on the table to check
52 • T op N otch T oys , A pril /M ay 2021
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