I breed Papillons because I love the breed and love the whole experience. It's a wonderful feeling helping a puppy to take his first breath, or watching him open his eyes for the first time. I don't breed with the intention of creating a show dog, but rather a perfect family companion. If you choose to show a Papillon you purchased from me, that is wonderful. Many of my puppies are definitely show quality. But I would hope that any puppy you purchase from me is a cherished family member before being a show dog.
I thought about showing my papillons when I first became involved with the breed. I went to a few dog shows, and honestly, it wasn't for me. Many of the people I met were handlers and not the dog's owners, which made me realize this was more of a business than a hobby to enjoy with your dog. I also got the impression from a few people that dog shows can be very "political", and I just didn't want to deal with that. I'm not criticizing those who participate; it just isn't for me at this stage of my life. One day I may decide to get involved in agility competitions because that looks like a lot of fun, and I know the dogs woulds would love it. Scooter - a dog bred by Tysarh Papillons who now lives in Connecticut - used to participate in agility training with his owner. And Belle, another one of our dogs, has won ribbons in Obedience
NOW...back to my breeding philosophy. The health and well-being of my animals is first and foremost for me. My dogs are all treated exceptionally well....I love them and couldn't imagine my world without them. I'm proud of the love, attention, and care my dogs receive, and to me that is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect in any breeding progam.
I don't have a fancy "Butterfly House" in my back yard, nor do I have any structures on my property in which to raise our puppies. The ONLY place one of my puppies or dogs will ever be raised is in my home. And I don't mean in my basement or garage - I mean along side of me so I can give them all the love and attention they deserve. And therefore, our puppies are born in our living room, moved to the master bedroom for the first few weeks of their life, and finally to the kitchen and living room for socialization and playtime.
Sometimes, I have puppies sold before they're even born. What's great about this it is that the new owner can visit and bond with his or her puppy continuously from birth. I welcome new owners to stop by whenever they want to visit and watch their puppy grow. The downfall with choosing a newborn puppy is that the owner isn't making a choice based on the puppy's personality. I find, however, that many papillons have very similar personalities- they are all bright, happy, inquisitive, and good natured. I have never had an ill-tempered puppy leave my home.
Because I do not breed dogs for a living, some might question my experience and motives. I welcome these questions because it means people are doing their homework! Admittedly, I do not have years and years of experience whelping puppies, BUT, I have been doing this successfully for about five years. Additionally, I've done my research! I am in very close contact with my veterinarian, and I will gladly provide you with references to people who have purchased pups from me. All of our animals - whether we're breeding them or not - are screened for health issues yearly.
Several of the puppies that have come from Tysarh Papillons have been show quality. Some have not....but they are all adorable anyways. I do not breed with the intention of creating a show dog. The utlimate goal of my breeding program is to create a healthy, well-socialized, happy papillon. Believe it or not, even a puppy mill can produce a beautiful puppy now and then, but that doesn't mean it won't heave health and/or emotional issues down the road. Do you homework before buying a puppy because a bad decision may cost you in the long run.
Below are some pictures to give you an idea of how we prepare for puppies. Jesse can be seen digging through blankets looking for the perfect place to deliver her litter. Once the puppies are old enough, we set up a puppy play pen in our kitchen. We also spend time with them every day in the living room letting them run around and play with each other, their parents and the kitty cat.
