Papillons & Irish Setters

Two entirely different breeds, yet both are very affectionate and beautiful, of course!

The Irish Setters are large and lovely, graceful and a bit goofy. They keep you smiling and love to be by your side or running around the garden in crazy spurts.

Did you know that Setters bred in Ireland throughout the 18th century and into the 19th century were both red and red and white. It was in the mid 1800s, when all-reds started to turn heads in the show ring, that they became increasingly popular. These setters were brought to the United States in the late 1800s to work as gundogs.

How did they end up here in Australia? Three Setters competed in Melbourne's first dog show, conducted in 1864. By 1882 when documenting registrations began, three more Irish Setters were registered as being imported. By 1909 another 10 were imported as well as an additional 60 registered as having been bred here. The breed became even more popular during the 1930's.

This is Clifford and Lord. Lord has gained the points required for Championship Shows.

This is Rosie, when she was a big puppy. Rosie still lives here with her sister Stella and daughter, Nova.

Sister Stella, when she was little. Stella is the mother of the most recent litters

The gorgeous Marcus

The Irish Setters and Papillons get on very well together but I have to keep a close eye on them, if they are together in the big garden, in case the Setters' big feet accidentally trample on them. They don't realise their own size and strength sometimes! It's all fun and games here. Never a dull moment and just the way I love it.

The Papillon is a toy breed with an elegant bone structure and dainty gait. But they're most known for their unique, butterfly-like ears. Papillon being the French word for butterfly. They are bred as companion dogs and want to spend time with their family above all else. They are an active and intelligent little dog.

The Papillon is one of the oldest toy breeds, with a history dating back 700 years. These little dogs travelled on trade routes between Asia and Europe, serving as 'lap warmers' for noblewomen in France and Spain. Papillons appeared in historic portraits and paintings of queens and princesses. Famous artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Rubens also included Papillons in their artwork. It was in 1949 that the first Papillon was brought into Australia.

Papillons love to be lying on your lap for hours, snuggling in and helping you to feel just as relaxed. They have so much character and gentle playfulness. Myally is 11 years old now and still doesn't mind a bath, although being dried is preferrable!

The second, rarer variety is the Phalene, which is the french word for moth. Phalenes have the fully dropped ears, which differentiates the butterfly from the moth.

Here is Jupiter, known as Joop. He is our handsome Phalene.