Choosing and Ethical Papillon Breeder
Bringing a Papillon into your family is a commitment that can last 14–16 years or more. Taking the time to find an ethical, responsible breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make.
A good breeder is dedicated to preserving and improving the breed—not simply producing puppies. They will happily answer your questions, be open about their breeding program, and provide lifelong support for the puppy they have bred.
Health Matters
Papillons are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, but like all breeds, they can be affected by inherited health conditions. Responsible breeders undertake appropriate health screening before breeding and are happy to discuss the results with prospective puppy buyers.
Physical Health Screening
Ask whether the parents have undergone:
- Patella (kneecap) assessment to screen for luxating patellas, one of the most common orthopaedic conditions in the breed.
- Comprehensive eye examination (ACES) by a veterinary ophthalmologist to identify inherited eye diseases and monitor overall eye health.
- Regular veterinary health checks and dental assessments.
Essential DNA Testing
Responsible breeders should also screen breeding dogs for known inherited conditions found within the breed, including:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Pap-PRA1) – a degenerative eye disease that can lead to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.
- von Willebrand's Disease Type I (vWD1) – an inherited blood-clotting disorder that may result in excessive bleeding following injury or surgery.
- Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD – Papillon Type) – a severe neurological condition affecting coordination, movement and nervous system function.
- Factor VII Deficiency – an inherited clotting disorder that can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.
DNA testing allows breeders to make informed breeding decisions and significantly reduce the risk of producing affected puppies.
Other Health Considerations
Prospective owners should also be aware of other conditions occasionally seen in the breed, including:
- Open fontanelle ("soft spot")
- Dental disease, retained baby teeth and bite abnormalities
- Age-related eye conditions
As a toy breed, Papillons can be prone to dental issues if regular oral care is not maintained. Ethical breeders pay close attention to dentition and bite quality, and owners should establish a dental care routine from an early age.
While no breeder can guarantee that a puppy will never develop a health issue, ethical breeders use health testing, pedigree knowledge and careful breeding practices to produce the healthiest puppies possible.
Temperament is Just as Important
Papillons are intelligent, affectionate, outgoing and highly trainable. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family life. A well-bred Papillon should be confident, curious and friendly—not timid or aggressive.
Responsible breeders carefully select breeding dogs for sound temperament as well as health and conformation. Puppies should be raised in a clean, stimulating home environment with plenty of early socialisation and positive experiences.
Pet, Performance or Show?
Be honest with your breeder about what you're looking for.
- Pet companions make wonderful family members and are bred with the same care and attention as show dogs.
- Performance prospects may be selected for confidence, athleticism and trainability, making them ideal for agility, obedience, rally, tricks, scent work or other dog sports.
- Show prospects are puppies that closely meet the breed standard and show potential for the conformation ring. Even then, no breeder can guarantee how a young puppy will mature.
An experienced breeder will help match the right puppy to your lifestyle and goals.
Questions to Ask Your Breeder
A responsible breeder will welcome your questions. Consider asking:
- What health testing has been completed on the sire and dam?
- Can I meet the mother (and father if available)?
- How are the puppies raised and socialised?
- What support do you offer after I take my puppy home?
- Do you provide ANKC registration, health records and a written sales contract?
- Will you take the dog back at any stage of its life if circumstances change?
Beware of Red Flags
Avoid breeders who:
- Cannot provide evidence of health testing.
- Are unwilling to answer questions.
- Will sell a puppy without asking about your home or lifestyle.
- Do not provide registration papers or a written agreement.
Remember, ethical breeders are just as selective about where their puppies go as you should be about choosing your breeder.
The members of the Papillon Club of Victoria are committed to promoting responsible breeding practices and preserving the health, temperament and future of this wonderful breed. By choosing an ethical breeder, you are helping to protect the Papillon for generations to come.
Looking for a Papillon breeder in Victoria? Look for registered breeders on Dogz Online.