FAQ'S

Between 8-11 inches at withers (shoulders). Some may go over or under but the standard is 8 to11 inches.

Diffilcult but possible. I begin using litter training very early. This consists of a washing machine laundry pan lined with newspapers. I tried using squares of sod once to simulate the outdoors. They shredded it and I spent the night cleaning dirt and grass out of every crevice in the kitchen. (They will initially shred newspaper too but at least it's easier to clean. I don't use pellets as they find them appetizing. As the males age a belly band comes in handy. I wrap this around their waist and monitor them as they go through the house. This gives you the opportunity to give a sharp "No" when you see them hike their leg while the band protects the surface of your floor.

Cost

Papillon pups from show homes typically range from $1500 - 1800 for pet quality and $2200 - $5000 for a show prospect depending on the dogs pedigree.

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Agility

There are many papillons being used in agility today and quite successfully. I myself do not approve of using them for this purpose. A papillon by standard should be fine boned. I truly believe these dogs should be lap dogs as they were bred to be. The stress the agility course puts on a dog's legs, in my mind, is not worth the risk. A broken leg on a toy dog can run into the thousands depending on your location.

Picking a pup - Tempermant

Papillons are typically non aggressive tail wagging good dogs. They are not all stranger friendly and can be protective of their family. Tempermants vary with the bloodlines. Things to consider before picking your pup and how its tempermant may affect your daily life.

1. Do you entertain frequently - if so let your breeder know your puppy will be exposed to a number of strangers and look for bloodlines that are friendly and playful.

2. Will your dog be traveling to different locations with you - if so you will need a pup that shows alot of confidence so he will be able to cope with different surroundings on a day to day basis.

3. Do you prefer spending quiet evenings at home - look for the true pap that was bred for royalty. Calm, relaxed and content to be in your lap.

4. School age children- again look for the friendly and playful but also consider size. A papillon on the larger end of the height scale with a larger bone structure would be better suited for a child.

I have been bitten only when a dog has panicked, such as the time one of my babies caught his leg in a towel rack and without thinking I quickly went to his resuce. Unfortunately for me he was at that time in a blind panic and I was nipped while he was thrashing about. This falls in line with basic instinct, when backed in a corner, trapped or hurt, yes they will bite.

So remember when you reach to pet that beautiful dog someone is holding- consider this - They don't know you. In their mind they are cornered (in the arms of someone else) and can't back away. You might earn yourself a nip.

Most show breeders will require that you you spay or neuter your pet. The reasons are simple to them and a source of irritation for those who would like to breed for profit. The term pet quality indicates that the animal should not be used for breeding. There are many reasons why. Not all indicate a problem with the animals health. Some are as simple as a slight overbite. Hardly noticiable to anyone, but bred to another dog with a similar issue the problem could begin to manifest itself and corrupt the bloodline. Bad teeth can cause health problems within canines just as it does in humans. Perhaps the color or pattern isn't right for future generations. You might think she's beautiful and she is - but remember the AKC breed standards are specific in some areas and if you give here and there eventually you have lost the breed type.

The papillon standard for ear placement, fringe, coat and height should all be factors in determining show/breeding quality along with genetic health profiles. Many dogs that are bred may have faults but a good breeding program seeks to improve and would not cross faults.

I have seen some of the pups from commercial breeders. The lack of forethought that must have went into those matings have produced dogs that barely resemble the breed they represent.

I have received emails with one simple sentence. I need a female papillon for breeding do you have any available? I keep my answer just as simple - No.

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