Papillon, from the French word for 'butterfly,' is also called the Continental Toy Spaniel. The history of the Papillon is traced through works of art. The earliest toy spaniels resembling the papillon are found in Italy. The Venus of Urbino is a 1538 oil painting by the Italian master Titian. It depicts a Papillion dog in the background. There is also one pictured in a family portrait of Louis XI
V on display with the Wallace collection in London. The Papillon's history and long association with royalty have led to many stories about the breed. Marie Antoinette is said to have walked to the guillotine clutching her small dog under her arm. According to the story, her pup was spared and cared for in a building in Paris still called the Papillon House.
