In continental Europe, as well as Great Britain, the drop-eared variety is called Epagneul Nain, although the breed as a whole carries the nomenclature of Papillon, as it does in this country. Here both types are judged together and with equality. Another change concerns color. Originally, almost all were of solid color. Today white predominates as a ground color, with patches of other colors, and solid-colored dogs are disqualified.
Papillons are hardy dogs.
They delight in country activities and are equally contented in apartments. As ratters, they are extremely useful. Too small to kill a rat outright, they will worry it until it is exhausted, then dispatch in quickly. As a rule the bitches whelp easily and give little trouble when rearing puppies. Although they have been exhibited for many years in the United States, it was not until 1935 that Papillons were represented in the American Kennel Club by their own breed club, the Papillon Club of America.