Buying or Adopting a Papillon
Is a DOG really the right pet for you?
I've been helping people choose and find dogs for over 35 years now, and I have to say that for many people, dogs are not ideal pets.
Should you get a purebred, crossbred, or mixed breed dog?
Don't set your sights on any purebred dog until you read these three eye-opening articles:
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Is a Papillon the right breed for you?
Papillons: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
Are YOU right for a Papillon?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No large dogs in the household (safety issue)
- Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your Papillon, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high furniture, keeping small objects off the floor so the dog can't choke, closing all gaps in fences and gates, etc.
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Papillon stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate
- Trimming – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Papillons are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with average shedding, and housebreaking (sometimes) going more slowly than with larger dogs
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Papillon to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Papillon, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Should you get a male or female Papillon?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
What age should your new Papillon be?
Where can you buy or adopt a Papillon?
Papillons are quite common in the United States (I have one!). Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Papillons rank 53rd. This breed is not hard to find.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Papillons are sometimes available from Dog Rescue groups. Papillons may be turned over to Rescue because they're more active and less of a lapdog than the owner expected. There might be barking issues. Other Papillons are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Papillons are rarely found here. Papillon Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that a Papillon turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Papillon from a show breeder, who breeds Papillons to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Papillon from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Papillon puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have normal knees
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Papillon ends up with cataracts and bad knee joints.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Papillons are quite often found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Related Articles
How To Choose a Good Papillon Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Papillon puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you consider buying only AKC registered Papillon puppies? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.
My puppy training book is Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old, this highly-acclaimed training program is based on respect. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all great family dogs need to know.
If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want 
Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.
Do the 11 Things in my dog health care book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, and your dog will live a longer, healthier life and seldom need to visit the vet.
My dog buying guide, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, will teach you everything you need to know about finding a good-tempered, healthy family companion.