Questions & Answers

Most reputable breeders will breed for "show quality" puppies. If a puppy does not have all the traits for a show quality puppy, it is deemed "pet" quality. For instance: proper coloring, size, temperament, etc. A pet quality puppy is usually sold with a contract & understanding that it will not be bred & will be spayed/neutered.

A show quality puppy is usually sold with a contract that it must be shown to Championship before it is bred. If it cannot attain Championship, it should be spayed/neutered.

Papillons are generally a healthy breed, but there can be genetic problems that affect some individuals. One is Patellar luxation. Puppies can show clinical signs of abnormal hind leg carriage & function from the time they start walking. Signs vary dramatically with the degree of luxation. Another inheritable defect is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). A proper eye exam must be done to ascertain the true diagnosis. A dog with either of these defects should not be bred.

There is a breed called "PHALÈNES". The Phalène (drop ear or "moth") was the original variety of the breed with the Papillon being a considerably later development. The erect ear Papillon is also known as the "Butterfly" dog.

We feed free-choice "Royal Canin" for mini dogs #27. Royal Canin also has a "light" formula & a "puppy" formula. We also give them a small amount of "Home made" dog food in the mornings. Have plenty of fresh water available always.

Q. How much do you expect the specific females do weigh and how tall do you expect that they will be?

The puppy can grow as tall as either parent or if it is a "runt of the litter", it may be small. It's really impossible to tell.

Q. How tall are each of her parents? How much do the parents weigh?

Charley is 7 lbs, 10 1/4"
Vicki is 6 lbs,
Meadow is 8 lbs, 10 1/2"
Zoe is 9 lbs, 10 3/4"

Q. How long have you been breeding?

We've had Papillons since 2000 & began breeding in 2002.

Q. Have you been breeding for a certain trait?

We breed for a good blaze, large ears, excellent conformation, & single coat fiber.

Q. Is the litter already pre-registered and will you have the paperwork available so that I can register her?

All our dogs & bitches are AKC registered & all puppies come with AKC papers.

Q. Are their ears already standing?

The ears are not standing up when they are born. They usually start to come up between 7-10 wks.

Q. Are the tails curling over their backs already?

Their tails curl up over their backs when they start walking.

Q. Is her health guaranteed?

We recommend that they be taken to your vet within 24 hrs of purchase. They need to become familiar with your vet on a non-emergency basis. Show/breeding quality puppies are guaranteed through age 3 to be reproductively sound. We recommend that females not be bred until 2 year old & no more than once a year.

Q. Have the parents been tested for any health problems?

All of our breeding dogs & bitches have been checked for luxating patella, PRA, & Brucelosis & are negative.

Q. What color are her eyes? Will they stay that color?

Their eyes are dark & will remain dark. Their noses & lips are all black.

Q. What are each of the individual female's personalities like?

Zoe is very affectionate & an excellent mother.
Meadow is very shy.
Vicki is very outgoing.

Seven Foundations of a Successful Dog Breeder