Some of the things you should look for when buying a Papillon.

Papillon Breeder Glossary

• Breeders
  
  There are three different kinds of breeders: Reputable, Backyard and Puppy Mills
  
  
  1. Reputable Breeders
        
     A reputable breeder is one who cares more about the dogs than the money.  They frequently lose money on each litter they breed because of the extensive testing they do to ensure a healthy, genetically sound litter.   Their passion and primary motivation is the creation of the perfect representative of their breed.  This is not the result of "boy meets girl" breeding, but rather an exhaustive study of genetics and pedigrees.  Breeding's are planned months in advance, and usually are breeding to keep a puppy for themselves. Often these litters are breed to be show puppies.
       
     These breeders love to talk about their breed, and will often tell you the good as well as the bad.  They may actually try to turn you off of their breed.  They're also the first ones to send you to someone else if they don't have what your family needs.  
        
     Another sign of an ethical breeder is they'll insist you neuter your pet unless you're going to show the puppy (and then they'll usually insist on co-owning the dog with you until the puppy has achieved his/her championship).  Many insist on "limited registration" from the AKC which means any litters produced by the animal are not eligible for registration.  (Should your little pet quality puppy grow up into a potential champion, the limited registration can be changed to full registration by the breeder.)
     
     The final sign of an ethical breeder is a contract.  Usually the contract does nothing more than stipulate that if there is ever a reason you need to place the dog elsewhere, that the dog comes back to the breeder.  Good breeders never forget their babies and always have an open door policy for all of their "kids".
        
     
  2. Back Yard Breeders
        
     Back yard breeders are frequently the "boy meets girl" breeders.  You'll see their ads littering the internet and your local paper.  Often what separates "BYB" from reputable breeders is knowledge, dedication, quality of dogs bred.
     
     A sure sign of a backyard breeder is the lack of contracts you have to sign and the lack of neutering requirements. It may sound good upfront: no contracts, no requirements, but it also means when you want or need information, the "BYB" probably won't be there or know the answers.  Also if tragedy strikes and you need somewhere for "Poopsi" to stay (either on a temporary or permanent basis), the backyard breeder is no where to be found.  
        
     Backyard breeders often don't test for genetic diseases either, which means your adorable little puppy may end up costing you more than a new roof in vet bills.  
        
  3. Puppy Mills
        
     First you must be aware no one wears the term "puppy mill" with pride.  They never, ever advertise that their primary motive is profit.  
     
     The image that comes to mind when you think of "puppy mill" may be one that you've seen frequently on the internet and local tv, of up to a hundred  matted, sick and lethargic dogs living in squalor and in cages with barely enough room to turn around. Those are indeed puppy mills, but their primary purchasers are large pet store chains.   Some puppy mills can  appear to be a clean, well kept kennel.  These puppy mills target the end consumer.  Remember, conditions alone do not define a puppy mill.  While searching for a breeder, do not hesitate to remove one from consideration if their kennel conditions are deplorable, do not choose one solely on this criteria.
     
     Beware the breeder who breeds several different breeds, does not show their dogs, or doesn't not belong to a breed club.     Also beware the breeder who's overly anxious to "sell" you a dog without inquiring about your home or other pets..  
        
     
• Show vs Pet Quality
  
  Frequently you'll hear reputable breeders talk about requiring their pet quality puppies to be spayed or neutered.  The difference between a pet quality puppy and a show quality puppy can be as little a freckle in the wrong place..  A show prospect puppy is one who shows promise of having excellent qualities for the conformation show ring.for meeting  the breed standard.  A pet quality puppy from a reputable breeder will make a fine pet and may look no different to the uneducated than a show quality puppy, however he/she may have:
  
  • bite is other than scissor
  • ears that are too small or set low or to high
  • incorrect coat texture or lacking in coat
  • temperament that would not make a good show dog
  • improper markings
  • to many freckles or ticking
  • height to small or to large
  • improper pigment
  • improper tail carriage
  • less the exceptional movement

  None of the above characteristics inhibit in any way your puppy's ability to love you, learn from you and give you his complete devotion. They are however deviations from the breed standard.  This means this dog should not be bred for he/she will pass these traits to his/her offspring.  Papillons should look like act like Papillons and there should never be any confusion between a Pap should not look like Chihuahua or Pomeranian .  

  One word of caution is due here.  When purchasing a puppy make sure it is healthy.  Your new puppy should come with a guarantee of good health or a veterinarian health certificate.  If the state you live in has a puppy Lemon Law, the breeder of your puppy should follow that law.Don't let a breeder let a breeder talk you into purchasing a puppy that you that is not what your looking for.  Do not purchase a puppy because you "feel sorry for them" and want to rescue them.  That breeder will only breed for more puppies.  Purchase a puppy because when you see it you and the puppy instantly fall in love and bond.  But also be realistic, if your purchasing a companion pet, don't expect all the qualities of a "Best In Show Dog".
     
  

• Breed Standard
  
  Each breed has a written standard of perfection which is called the breed standard.  It describes the perfect dog of that breed.  It specifies in great detail the dog's physical appearance, attributes and the dog's temperament.  The AKC's website lists the breed standard for each breed the organization recognizes.  Dogs shown in the conformation ring are judged against the breed standard "ideal". 
  
  
• Temperament
    
  Temperament refers to a dog's outlook and attitude.  In general, it's much easier to predict a pure bred dog's temperament than that of a mixed breed.  Ideally, you should meet both the sire and the dam of the litter you're evaluating. The breeder should have handled their puppies daily and the puppies should want to make humane contact with no fear of human touch. Chances are (if you're buying from a good breeder) that you are buying a puppy that has been cuddled and kissed from the day it was born.
  
  During discussions of temperament, three words frequently pop up:
  
  1. Dominant
     Dogs are pack animals, and each pack needs a leader.  Someone who establishes and enforces the rules.  With any dog it's important that YOU, the human be the leader. However, if you aren't willing to be the leader, breeds that are dominant in temperament are more that willing to step into that position of leadership.   As a matter of fact, dogs from dominant breeds will often challenge your position as leader, and try to "move up the chain" by challenging your spouse and children for their places within the pack.   One thing is for sure at Forevr...  We know who is the head bitch! <VBG>  In your household you must have your house, your rules, and have the pack follow.
      
  2. Balanced
     These breeds don't covet the job of leader of the pack as much as the dominant breeds do.  If you step in and fill the role of leader, these dogs will allow you to do so.  You'll only find trouble if you don't take on the role of leader.  (The leader disciplines the pack members and keeps them in line.)  They will step in to fill the void.
     
     These dogs usually have the confidence necessary to withstand the "tender affections" of children in the family.  
     
  3. Submissive
     These breeds have absolutely no desire to be the leader.  They'll readily accept anyone and everyone as holding a position higher than theirs in the pack.   These dogs are best for families with small children and people who have never owned a dog before.   They make incredibly poor watchdogs and protectors and need an owner that is as tender and gentle as they are.  Do not mistake timidity with submissiveness!  A shy puppy who runs and hides is not submissive, he's timid.   Such a puppy may respond to the children chasing after him to play by aggressively defending himself and biting.  
     
     
  Keep in mind that there are submissive members of dominant breeds and vice versa.  A good breeder doesn't try to produce either a very dominate or a very submissive pap.  They do like a temperament that is happy and not shy.  There can even be various levels of submissiveness and dominance within litters!  
   
• Pedigree
  
   A pedigree a dog's family tree on paper.  All AKC registered dogs have them.    Providing a pedigree is not proof that a puppy is of quality breeding.  Breeders that are members of the Papillon Club of America are required to provide a pedigree for all Paps that are placed or sold. When looking for a puppy, look for a pedigree that has several champions within the first three generations of the puppies pedigree.  For instance; if you see one or two champions in the pedigree  it just happens to only be the great great grandmother or great great grandfather, and the rest of the dogs are not champions, the odds are this puppy may not be of quality breeding.

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