Paps were developed in Renaissance times by crossing existing toy breeds with spaniels, known as "dwarf spaniels", & were companions to the noblewomen, lap dogs of royal courts in Europe.  This may explain why these Paps are among the more athletic & biddable toy dogs in the canine kingdom. The first Papillon was registered with AKC in 1915.  Paps are happy, alert, & friendly, easily spotted a block away thanks to the large, wing-shaped ears that give the breed its name, which is French for "Butterfly".