As in many breeds, the origin of the Papillon is subject to many theories, however it is generally accepted that the breed is descended from the European Toy Spaniels that feature in many of the Court Paintings from the 15th Century onwards. These Toy Spaniels were firm favourites with the ladies of the Court and indeed it is rumoured that Marie Antoinette's own Toy Spaniel accompanied her to the guillotine. It is also generally accepted that the breed evolved in France or Belgium.

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