How to Choose a Papillon Puppy for Mothers' Day

Papillons make excellent companions. They are bright, playful, and fun little dogs who love to be close at hand. Here is how to choose a Papillon Puppy for Mothers' Day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A little research
• A mother who wants a companion animal
• Patience

Choosing the right puppy...

1. There are several things to consider before giving Mom a Papillon puppy for Mothers' Day. Papillons, whose name means "butterfly," in French, are adorable little bundles of energy who love to be up close and personal with their owner. They are delicate and do best in homes without small children. They are a particularly good choice for the elderly or anyone with medical issues, especially sleep apnea. Papillons are very good at alerting owners who have stopped breathing. For those with sleep apnea who find breathing machines claustrophobic, a Papillon dog is a true lifesaving investment. Papillons' are wonderful lap dogs, as their light bodies do not cut off one's ciruclation as they perch on your leg. They love to nuzzle and will play at the toss of a ball or stuffed toy. Their eagerness to please can be intensely amusing, as they scramble to chase whatever you have thrown. They do need to have their claws trimmed, as these can get long and sharp quickly.
2. When choosing a Papillon for Mom, first do your homework. Make sure she wants a dog, and that she would enjoy a toy breed. Papillons are not outdoor dogs, so make sure your mother will be permitted to have the dog inside if she lives in an apartment.
3. Make sure your breeder is reputable, and is not running a puppy mill. Your dog should not have been removed from its mother before the age of six weeks. One sign of having been removed too soon is excessive cleaning.
4. Papillon's ears should be erect, eyes should be clear, coat should be somewhat fluffy around the face and neck, with a plumed tail carried over the back in a curl. Your puppy's fur will be much longer after about six months. Papillons whose ears are down are to be sold as Phales. They are still good companion dogs but will not have the distinctive "butterfly," ear conformation.Choose a breeder close to you, if possible. You will have to travel to pick up your puppy in person, otherwise your puppy may suffer dehydration or other problems during shipment.
5. When picking up your puppy, bring honey and water to the pick up site. This will take care of dehydration and keep your puppy feeling well. Be calm when presenting your mother with her new Papillon puppy, and give it time to adjust. Papillons are easily startled by noises and must be patiently taught not to bark at everything. They must also be reassured that they are safe. A gentle massage of the back at the base of the neck and going toward the hindquarters is a good way to calm and reassure your new Papillon. Papillons sometimes have fake "attacks," sounding like they are coughing up a hairball or having an asthma attack. This is called "reverse sneezing" and is common in small breed dogs. Once you have had your dog checked with a veterinarian to ensure the attacks are not genuine, respond by only paying attention to the dog when it is not having an attack. If the attacks were fake, they should eventually lessen. If they do not, return to your vet and make sure your puppy does not have a genuine problem.