Which breed's name means 'butterfly' in French?

The Papillon is the breed whose name means “butterfly” in French.

The name refers to the breed’s large, erect ears, whose fringed shape is said to resemble butterfly wings. The breed is formally known in many countries as the Continental Toy Spaniel, or Épagneul Nain Continental. Its drop-eared variety is called the Phalène, meaning “moth” in French; both ear types can occur within the same breed.

Papillons are small, fine-boned companion spaniels with a long, silky coat, a plumed tail, and distinctive facial markings. Although they look delicate, they are generally lively, intelligent, and athletic. Their history can be traced through European paintings from at least the 16th century, where small spaniels resembling them appear beside aristocratic sitters.

A common mix-up is assuming the name describes the whole coat pattern or color. It specifically describes the upright ear shape. The Papillon is also not a separate breed from the Phalène in major breed classifications; the two are varieties distinguished primarily by ear carriage.