The papillon also called the Continental Toy Spaniel is a breed of dog of the Spaniel type. One of the oldest of the toy Spaniels it derives its name from its characteristic butterfly-like look of the long and fringed hair on the ears. A papillon with dropped ears is called a phalène (French for moth). The small head is slightly rounded between the ears with a well defined stop. The muzzle is somewhat short thin tapering to the nose.