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The Papillon is a small dog breed with distinctive large, fringed ears that earned it its name, the French word for butterfly. The Papillon is believed to be one of the oldest of the toy breeds. The Papillon has an abundant, flowing coat, short on the head but with a profuse frill on the chest. Even though the breed has the connotation of a dainty toy breed, many owners will claim that they act like big dogs in small dogs' bodies. It has been a popular pet of aristocracy throughout its history, and famous Papillon owners include Madame de Pompadour, Henry III and Marie Antoinette.