By the Renaissance, the breed was well established and had become continental court favorites. Although the breed was often called the Dwarf Spaniel because of its drooping ears, puppies soon began to appear with pricked up ears, resembling butterfly wings. Such famous persons as Madame de Pompadour, King Henry III of France and Marie Antoinette have owned Papillons. These dogs do excel at obedience training, make excellent watchdogs, and can be readily trained to household routines. Some serious owners and breeders display their Paps in the breed ring, otherwise known as Conformation Showing.
Obedience classes are great fun and can be rewarding for both dog and owner.
They become very loyal, one-person pets, but can also do very well in families with older, more considerate children. They require little exercise, making them wonderful apartment pets. In addition, they make excellent watchdogs. They are bright, and get along well with strangers and other pets. Because of their responsiveness to obedience training, these dogs make fine pets for novice owners.