How to Show a Papillon
Papillons are one of the oldest known of the toy breeds, with roots in the royal houses of France and Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Papillons have only recently begun gaining notoriety in American show rings.
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Instructions
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Confirm that your Papillon meets the breed standard as defined by the American Kennel Club. Your dog will be judged on how well it exemplifies the standard.
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Register as an exhibitor for shows coming up in your area. You may also be expected to present proof of your dog's bloodlines to certify that your Papillon is indeed a purebred.
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Get your dog's health certified by your vet. You will be required to present your health certificate to the show's organizers before you will be allowed to exhibit your Papillon. This is done to prevent the spread of communicable disease among all the dogs at the show.
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Train your dog for the show ring. Basic obedience and leash training is essential. While still a puppy, work with your Papillon to become comfortable with the holds a judge will use to evaluate your dog. Your dog will also need to be trained to hold the standard poses best suited to showing off a Papillon's stance and gait.
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Groom your Papillon for the ring. The Papillon is a natural coated breed, meaning the coat is allowed to grow freely without a breed-specific cut. Tufts of fur on the feet are acceptable. A well-brushed, plumed tail is desirable. The ear feathers should be long and silky, giving the head a butterfly-like appearance. Ears, eyes and teeth should be clean and free of debris. Leg feathers should be long, silky and well developed.
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Exhibit your Papillon. Dog shows are typically segmented by age. When your category is announced, take your dog to the show ring to be evaluated. The judge will be examining your dog's conformation to the breed standard, stance, gait and personality.
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Tips & Warnings
Papillons can become stressed by the commotion of a dog show. Provide a comfortable kennel for your dog to help it feel secure.
