Papillon Advice Please?

[MummyMoving]

Hi there,

My 8 year old DD is keen to get a Papillon puppy and there is a Kennel Club registered breeder near us. Does anyone have any tips? This would be our first dog as a family.

Thanks

No idea. How are we supposed to know where you live?
Have you contacted the breed club/used the KC find a breeder tool?

Also do you want a papillon? Does it suit you family/lifestyle?
Or are you planning on buying dog because your child likes how they look?

Sorry OP just realised I misread - that'll teach me! Hopefully my comment came over as tongue in cheek though - that's how it was intended

The other questions still stand - is this breed one that will suit your family. Remember you breeds are tiny and often fragile.
Speak to the breeder but many decent ones would be leery of placing a toy breed pup in a hone with a child

Being blunt, this shouldn’t be about what your 8 your old wants.
Have you all discussed as a family and truly looked into what taking on any type of dog entails? Can you cover all the ongoing costs? Do you know how much hard work a puppy can be? Are there people at home all day every day to look after it properly?

Why a papillon in particular? Have you met many? Does it fit your family needs for a dog?

My family had one when I was your daughter's age, and he was the dog I grew up with. In my eyes he was perfect, and naturally the dog against which all subsequent dogs will be measured Very biddable, friendly to everyone and eager to please, though some of his less appealing habits were indoor weeing (he was never neutered, and enzyme cleaners weren't a thing in those days, so this need not be an issue with others), and counter surfing. He even managed to retain his sunny disposition after being badly attacked by another dog in the park and having to have his head stitched back together again.

They're commonly used in agility because they are energetic intelligent little things, so they need plenty of walks (a small dog does not mean little is needed by way of walkies!) and grooming too.

YY to previous posters on the front that this isn't your daughter's decision. You will be responsible for this dog. It's common for them to live to the age of 16 - are you prepared to look after this dog until your daughter is 24, and has long since left home, unable to take the dog with her?

But - if you're looking to definitely get a dog and are just now choosing a breed - you could do a lot worse than a papillon.

An 8 year old probably wants a papillon puppy because it’s cute.
Taking your daughter out of the equation do the rest of you want one and is it the right breed for your family?

Hello - I second the poster who mentioned their energy and being great for agility training, they are often known as a big dog personality in a small dog body! So will need a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Can be a bit barky but great characters!