Papillon, << PAP uh lon or pa pee YAWN, >> is a small breed of dog. Most papillons measure from 8 to 11 inches (20 to 28 centimeters) high at the shoulder and weigh from 4 to 8 pounds (1.8 to 3.6 kilograms). The name papillon is French for butterfly and refers to the dog’s ears, which resemble butterfly wings when erect. Papillons have silky white coats with patches of color. The breed was developed in Spain in the 1500’s. See also Toy dog.
