Buying or Adopting a Papillon
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Interested in the Papillon? Read each post on this page. Make sure the breed is right for you (and that YOU are right for the breed). Decide on sex and age. Then begin the exciting adventure of finding and evaluating breeders and rescue groups and selecting the right Papillon. Don't be in a hurry!
Don't set your sights on the Papillon until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Papillon the right breed for you?
Papillon Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Are YOU the right owner 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.
- Sufficient exercise – Papillons are more active than most other toy breeds and need enough daily exercise to stay slim and feel contented
- "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 2-3 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 – this is not a hypoallergenic breed
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Papillon, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Papillon?
Papillons are quite common in the United States. 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 often found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right 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 buy only an AKC registered Papillon puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs.
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.
Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know.
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.
Teach Your Dog 100 English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say.
11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy helps your dog live a longer, healthier life.Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.