Why is it, if you have a dog or six, people automatically assume you know everything about all breeds???

A friend has asked me what Papillons are like - with nervous (ie squealy) children/teenagers, cats, large dogs, travelling/ease of potty training/obedience?

I've advised her to get her daughter a stuffed dog:rolleyes:

Any information/ammunition against buying one would be useful though.

Margot

Hi

I have Papillons and I don't know any reason not to buy one.

But if your friend goes to a reputable breeder who follows through and does
a proper home check I think you will find the scenario you describe may make
the breeder have second thoughts to placing a Papillon in this situation.

The only thing you could use is that people see Papillons as delicate (instead
of small and dainty), you could highlight the added risk to the Papillon of
broken legs from rough play or knocks from the larger dogs. 

Though in truth they are no more at risk than any other breed of dog if kept with
dogs of there own size.

Regards
Joan

i agree with what abbeypap has said  any good breeder would do a home check first  and then deside if it is the right home or NOT

Thank you both :)

Margot

I finally got one after over 30 years of wanting one and I have often thought that had I got Bobby FIRST (before Golden, Cavalier and Malinois), I'd never have had any other breed. There is no more perfect breed on earth. Bobby is only coming up to 2 and my husband is already talking about how on earth I'll cope when he dies as I'm so nuts about Bobby. :) I'm on a waiting list for another and it will hopefully be this year. :)

The breed club's website

They're big dogs in small packages and SO trainable, perfect for obedience -only drawback is you have a loooong way to bend down LOL. Overall very healthy and long lived breed as well. Only drawback not suitable with bigger dogs (far too dangerous because of the size difference), not suitable for young children, because of how fragile their bones are. Cats -depends on the individuals. You know I've lots of cats. When I got Bobby he was a tiny puppy, fitted in the palm of my hand almost, and a cat whacked him in the face and punctured his eye. The cat had just lost a litter so wasn't feeling well and Bobby jumped on her. He still jumps on all the other cats, he never learnt that lesson, but the others don't mind.

I could go on for hours. But as has been said -beware and go to a good breeder (which very often will mean a long wait as they only have small litters) -people are cashing in on the breed at the moment and charge ridiculous amounts for puppies bred just to make money.  It's almost as bad as with Chihuahuas.

Sorry, forgot to add the negative stuff! For children not used to dogs, I'd NEVER let one pick a Papillon up because of the delicate bones, and they can certaily be wary of people they don't know. Bobby met my ex husband yesterday and wouldn't go near him hahaha! They are VERY lively and very fast. Long mainly white coat means a lot of grooming and a lot of baths, and a very dirty dog this time of year! Eyes can be runny and stain a white face and need cleaning several times a day, and poo can get stuck to the trousers as the fur is so long. I definitely spend more time grooming Bobby than any dog I have. And of cruse, he is NEVER mixing with my big dogs with the one excepetion of Ripley the Malinois who doesn't play, but even then under strict supervision.

I currently have two paps, having previously owned 3 others.  I have to agree wholeheartedly with Goldmali and Abbeypap.  Both my dogs love children - one was brought up by the breeder (he was 10 months old when I got him) who had very young grandchildren.  The other, just likes children, but I wouldn't feel happy with him around toddlers as he really does have fragile bones.  Both dogs think they are big dogs;  they are good to train but can be a bit yappy.  My smaller dog would make a fantastic agility dog whereas the other one can't jump to save his life;  he'd enjoy obedience.  Unfortunately there's no such thing as dog clubs where I live so that's not going to happen.  My little pap has a rather woolly coat and is constantly filthy;  the other has a much silkier coat which rarely gets very dirty.  Both my dogs have enjoyed long walks with other breeds such as weimaraners, labradors, pointers and have lived with a whippet and collie (and some cats).  Much as I'd never have any other breed, I think with the children you describe I'd be more inclined to recommend a Cavalier.

do paps moult? i have always wondered?

Yes Papillons do moult.