Purchasing a Denzel Papillon

Denzel Papillons are known worldwide for their consistent quality, breed type, trainability, and carefully planned pedigrees. The Denzel breeding program, established over two decades ago, incorporates a multi-faceted approach placing equal emphasis on breed type and beauty, temperament, sound structure, and health which includes screening for genetic defects of the heart, eye, and patella.

Denzel puppies sold as companion pets (not for show competition) are typically not placed in new homes until at least 4 months of age, at which time they already have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, wormed, and permanently identified by AVID microchip. They will also have been given a clean bill of health by a vet including screening for heart defects and patellar luxation. During those first important months of life, all puppies receive extensive socialization in a family environment, leash training, crate training, weekly bathing and nail trimming, and introduction to teeth brushing. We want the transition to a new home to go smoothly and do whatever we can to ensure an easy adjustment for our pups. We also value the time spent watching growth and development, as this provides the critical data needed our breeding program's successful future. And by evaluating personality as it developments and individual traits become evident, we can more accurately match each puppy to its future home.

On occasion, some very special retired champions (spayed/neutered) are available to disciminating homes. These beautiful adult dogs are ideal for owners who are not eager to take on the challenges of raising a rowdy puppy.

Our well-developed system of socializing, training, and behavior evaluation has helped achieve an unparalleled reputation in the dog fancy for producing friendly, affectionate, trainable, adaptable, confident dogs that are not yappy and easily transition to new homes. All new owners receive detailed instructions on diet, grooming, and training. In addition, for the lifetime of the dog their owners have access to Tracy's 30 years of experience in dog care and training.

We take great care to match the individual puppy or dog (size, energy level, behavior traits, etc.) to the new owner. The screening and matching process begins with a questionnaire; please request one if you are interested and it can be emailed to you.  If we don't have the right dog for you, we will gladly refer you to other reputable, responsible breeders to help you find a quality Pap and avoid the problems that often come from purchasing your new companion from a large commercial breeder, backyard breeder, or pet store.

Please contact us (email or phone 240-254-2099) for specific information about available dogs or puppies. We are always happy to share our love and knowledge about the breed with those who can provide a wonderful home for a top quality Papillon.

Sources to find a Papillon
By Lori Bovee
Reprinted with permission

There are basically four possible sources for a Papillon:

A reputable breeder, characterized by:

• an on-going breeding program using dogs screened for genetic problems;
• one or both parents of every litter are show Champions (after all, don't you want your Papillon to look like a Papillon?);
• well-socialized puppies old enough to be safely separated from their mothers and siblings;
• willingness to support you, the new owner, and take the puppy back if ever you cannot keep it;
• extreme interest in you and the type of home you intend to provide for their puppy;
• absolute provisions for the reproductive future of the animal; and
• solid references from others who've acquired puppies from them.
• has dogs registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) , not alternate "internet" registries such as ACA, APR, or Continental Kennel Club.

A "backyard" breeder, characterized by:

• little or no knowledge about the breed standard or genetic issues of the breed;
• little or no knowledge of the dogs they're breeding - bloodlines, good and bad points, etc. - other than the fact that they're registered;
• neither parent has been shown, or otherwise independently assessed by someone familiar with the breed's characteristics, although Champions may be evident generations back in the pedigree;
• little interest in you beyond your ability to pay the price asked for the puppy;
• little interest in your future plans for the puppy, reproductively or otherwise; and
• no guarantee of support or willingness to take the puppy back if needed.

Pet stores and puppy mills, characterized by:

• large volumes of puppies produced and sold, often in multiple breeds;
• no assessment of quality or conformation to the breed standard;
• typically little evidence in the pedigree of conformation to the breed standard, i.e., no Champions or they're several generations back;
• sales through pet stores (almost always the source of pet store puppies);
• little or no regard for required socialization of puppies;
• little or no knowledge of the dogs used for breeding beyond the fact that they're registered; and
• nominal concern for optimizing health or quality of life for dogs bred - after all, they're not pets, they're livestock.

A rescue group:
These come in a variety of flavors too, but a good group is interested in informed adopters well-prepared to provide forever homes - they will screen thoroughly, keep dogs in foster care for thorough assessments, never place intact animals, and are available to support the new owner and take the dog back if needed. However, rescue groups generally have only adult dogs available for adoption, and there may be behavioral issues behind the dog losing its original home. A thorough understanding of any possible problems associated with a dog, provided by someone who has lived with the animal, is a key component in maximizing the potential for a happy placement.

Many people become interested in Papillons after seeing one on TV. Please realize they are not manufactured on an assembly line, and registration papers from any registry are typically only as good as the integrity of the breeder. Prospective Papillon owners usually initially try to find a dog through three sources - we call them them "the three P's" - Paper, as in local newspaper - some reputable breeders do advertise, but most do not. The typical newspaper advertisement for Papillon puppies for sale is a listing from a "backyard breeder" (see above). Pound - the local shelter - the Papillon is a relatively rare breed and (thankfully) not well represented in shelters. Pet store(s). Pet stores are sourced by puppy mills (see above).

Papillons and Kids
By Lori Bovee
Reprinted with permission

Small dog and small child, what could be cuter, right? Except the reality is that it rarely works out. Papillons are typically not a good choice for a household with very small children, or older children who want to be able to "roughhouse" with a dog, because of their small size. This breed also tends to have pretty high self-esteem; a Papillon will protect itself if it feels threatened or mistreated. While your kids are definitely angels and would never mistreat any animal, any home with a dog and children requires lots of extra commitment and constant supervision by the adults in the household to ensure that everyone treats each other responsibly. We find that when people add a Papillon to a household with children, the parents usually have a dog and have kids, but the kids don't have a dog. Please consider this if you're searching for a child's pet or a family pet.

Papillons and Other Pets
By Lori Bovee
Reprinted with permission

Papillons generally do well with other pets, especially other small dogs. Because they are small and fine-boned, Papillons can easily be injured or even killed by a large dog that views them as prey, is active and energetic, or just unintentionally steps on or stumbles over a Pap. If you have other larger dogs in your household now, please assess the situation realistically when considering adding a 5- to 12-lb member to your canine pack. Experience and commitment to close supervision and/or segregation is required when managing a multiple-dog household with any size disparity, to ensure everyone's safety and longevity.

Papillons and cats generally share households quite well and can even become fast friends and playmates. However, cat's claws may represent a danger to Papillon eyes, so initial contact should always be supervised.

Other Websites to help Find the Right Dog

How to Find a Quality Puppy and a Reputable Breeder:

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/responbr.html
http://www.dog-play.com/ethics.html

Choosing a Dog:

http://www.wonderpuppy.net/choose.htm

Purchasing or Adopting an Older Dog:

http://www.cyberpet.com/cyberdog/articles/findpet/olderdog.htm

©1999-2009 Denzel Papillons

Tracy Burdick / Denzel Papillons
Email: Tracy@DenzelPaps.com
Website: www.DenzelPaps.net