Dwarf Papillons originated in Germany as Zwergschecken (“Dwarf Check”), with the modern concept taking shape after the 2015 Europa World Show in Metz, France, where Papillons from multiple European countries were exhibited under the name Nain Papillon. Following the importation of foundation stock from France and Switzerland—including six animals initially brought to the United States—an application for recognition as a foreign breed using the Zwergschecken standard was submitted in January 2015. A small core group established the breed in the U.S. under the name Dwarf Papillon, and in 2020 the Chocolate Dwarf Papillon was recognized by ARBA as its 50th breed.