in the ring and the tail may flag a bit, but they should not carry it that way as an adult. Next you need to go down over the rear legs feeling the muscle tone and the angulation. Remember to check testicles on the males. The legs should be fine-boned, not heavy. As with most other breeds you check the stance of the hocks, neither in nor out. Then go forward to the front legs and look for the same fine-bone. Shoulders should be well developed so that the dog may move freely. Front legs should not be lifted as they move. Feet on all four legs should be elongated or hare-like. Too many are trimmed to look like cat feet. Dewclaws on rear must be removed. Front dewclaws are optional. Ask the handler to then take the dog down and back. This is a critical part of judging Papillons. They have exqui- site movement that in the standard is defined as “light, dainty and of lively action.” The behavioral characteristic that typifies the Papillon in the ring is the alert attitude and rapt attention displayed while showing. This and the lively movement have always made this breed a real show dog both in the
conformation ring and obedience ring. They are lovable, adoring companions and will do anything for their owners and handlers. One of the biggest misconceptions about the Papillon is that it is a cute little fluff ball like the Pomeranian. Not so! The coat of the Papillon is silky and lies flat. It is a single coat and you need to be able to identify it. A simple move- ment on your part will do this for you. On the table you can put your hands on both sides of the body and lift up the coat, let go and it should drop right down flat to the sides. A double coat will stand out. Some exhibitors will use heavy sprays or oil to tame the coat. A Papillon does not carry a heavy coat or one that is long and trailing in the rear and underneath the body, although many judges will not put up a dog with- out a lot of coat. Bitches in season will particularly have a difficult time growing a long coat since they drop it every six months after being in heat. I find that when I am showing my less than normal coat- ed bitch I have judges comment that they really can see the structure. They understand. This is one problem in
“THE COAT OF THE PAPILLON IS SILKY AND LIES FLAT.”
specialing a Champion Bitch. Our breed has an attribute in that the coat is lit- erally wash and wear as it dries in an instant. In an emergency you can bathe the dog an hour before going into the ring and with a little help from a drier he will be ready. A judge can feel this silky texture when checking the coat. Finally we come to color. They are parti-colored or basically white with patches of color. Among the colors there is no preference except to the breeder. I like my red/sables over any other color because that is the color I began with; however, I have both tris and reds. The color must cover both ears and extend from the ears to cover the eyes. If it does not we call it a mis- mark and should not be shown. White on the back of the ears spoils the butter- fly image and should be faulted. I find no reasoning in the past history of the Papillon in specifying color placement. Nor is there any indication for the abso- lute need to have a white blaze and nose band, just decisions of the majority at the time when proposing the standard. I find that judges are not overly critical on these points. Good! I would rather have a judge be judging more on struc- ture and soundness than color. There is a disqualification for an all-white dog. There have been some whelped, but have been placed as pets. Just remember the butterfly look, the light and lively movement when you go out and judge my breed. Have fun, as they are delightful little dogs with great personalities. ABOUT THE AUTHOR I have a history with the breed, but to be brief I have bred them for over 60 years and have been judging them for 49 years. Now I judge all Toys, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups, Best in Show, Misc. and Juniors.
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