Frequently Asked Questions
I get many email's requesting information about papillons in general as well as specific
information about my papillons. Hopefully this page will help to address some of those
questions. For more breed specific information, you can also click here to learn more about
papillons. Of course, I am also available to answer any questions that may not be addressed
here. Email me anytime.
Q: How big are your papillons?
A: At adult weight, my papillons usually end up between 5 and 7 pounds. The breed standard
states that papillons should be between 8 and 11 inches at the shoulder and my dogs do fit into
this standard. Of course from time to time I may get a puppy that is on the bigger or smaller
side, but for the most part they always fit the breed standard.
I’ve seen many papillons that are well above the breed standard in regards to height. They of
course make wonderful pets as well, but a papillon is a toy breed and its appearance should
reflect this--fine, dainty and light in bone structure is what the correct papillon should be.
Q: Do papillons bark?
A: Yes they do! For the most part, I do not find my papillons to be excessive barkers but they
are intelligent, alert little dogs and do bark when they hear unfamiliar noises.
Q: Do papillons shed?
A: Papillons do shed. They are not a non-shedding breed however they are single coated
which means they have no undercoat. Daily combing can help to minimize shedding.
Q: Can I come to see your papillons?
A: Depends. My dogs are not a business, but a hobby so I am not available on a whim for
someone to just ‘drop by.’ During the week I work and many weekends I am away at dog
shows. Visits can usually be arranged at a mutually agreed upon time.
If you are still in the looking and investigating stage, a great place to see some papillons is at a
dog show. You can see the dogs, meet different breeders as well as see all the other breeds
out there. You can email me for more information about where and when there might be a dog
show in your area (Ontario and Michigan only--I don’t have information about other provinces).
Some shows I'll likely be attending in the near future:
Oct 18-19th--London Canine Dog Show in Tillsonburg
Q: Are papillons good with kids?
A: Sometimes. Papillons are fragile and need to be closely supervised with children. I do not
sell puppies to homes with very young children (toddlers).
Q: Are papillons smart?
A: Papillons are super intelligent! They are bright, active little dogs that excel at doggy sports
like obedience and agility.
Q: Can I buy a show quality puppy?
A: Probably not. While I believe that many of the puppies I place in pet homes are show quality,
I choose not to place them in show homes. I prefer to keep the best for myself and am happy to
place the other in loving pet homes.
Q: Can I place a deposit on a puppy?
A: I do not take deposits on puppies that are not born yet. Once a litter is born I do take
deposits to hold puppies (after many questions are asked and answered on both sides).
Q: Do I get to choose my puppy?
A: Usually you do not. Papillons tend have small litters so its not like there are 7 or 8 puppies
to choose from. I always get first pick…lol…then the person that has been waiting the longest
would get to choose next and so on. Very often though I have litters of only 1 or 2 puppies so
then of course, there would be no choice.
Q: Will you ship me my puppy?
A: Probably not. I have occasionally shipped puppies within Ontario however it is more
beneficial for you and your puppy if you can find a reputable breeder closer to your home. Visit
my links page to find the Papillon Club of America and Papillon Canada websites.
Q: Can I breed my puppy?
A: Absolutely not. My puppies are all sold on CKC endorsed non-breeding contracts as well
as personal spay/neuter agreements.
Finding A Good Breeder
Often when a breed begins to gain popularity people are attracted to the breed simply to try to make a
quick buck. These people tend to have very little regard for the quality of the puppy they are producing and
the quality of the entire breed can begin to suffer. This can make it difficult for a family looking for a quality
Papillon to know where to start.
While most people looking for a pet have no interest in showing or breeding, it is still important to buy a
puppy from someone who has the best interest of the breed at heart. These breeders are the ones who
spend years establishing a quality line of papillons and produce dogs that meet the breed standard in terms
of appearance, temperament and personality. Not only are you more likely to get a puppy that reflects the
true essence of the breed, but its likely to be healthier and correctly socialized.
Here are a few tips:
1. Do some research! The more you know about the breed, the easier it will be to ask questions of
breeders. Read some books, look at websites and view lots of pictures of papillons. This will help you get to
an idea of the ‘look’ you want your Papillon to have and where you can find it.
2. Ask the breeder questions. Check to see if the breeder is actively involved in showing as this will give
you some ideas about the quality of papillons they are raising. Not every dog in the household or kennel will
be shown, but many of them should have completed their championships. Lots of ‘breeders’ have excuses
as to why they don’t show--its too political, they don’t have the time, or its too expensive--this is not ok!
Breeders should be proud to show their dogs off in the ring. You should expect the breeder to ask you
some questions as well.
3. Ask if the breeder has the parents of the puppy on their premises. The majority of the time, the breeder
will have the mother. Sometimes the father may not be available to see depending on whether or not that
particular breeder own’s the dog. However, pictures should always be made available. Keep in mind, the
mother of puppies is certainly not at her best after having a litter--she may appear to be scraggly and have
very little coat as this is very common after raising a litter of puppies. But usually the breeder should be
able to show you a picture of the mother before the puppies. Sometimes the mother can also be a little
protective if the puppies or a little stand-offish. The male should be ‘in coat’ however and be a good
representation of the breed. He should be outgoing and friendly. The way the parents look is a pretty good
indication of how the puppy will look when it grows up.
4. Expect to sign a spay/neuter agreement.
More to come....