New Zealand Papillon Club - Member Profile

What positions have you held within the club ?
Secretary & Treasurer.

Where do you live and how long have you been there ?
Templeton, Christchurch for 15 years, although most of my life I have lived in Christchurch.

When did you get your first Papillon ?
We bought our first Papillon girl in 1986. My first association with the breed was in 1976 when my parents purchased April Of Shelley Grange from the late Edith Shaw.

What made you choose this breed ?
We always loved April. When she passed away we tried to buy another Pap for my mother. All the breeders in the south were elderly and no longer breeding. We made friends with Sheila Tullitt and all her dogs, made contact with Desi Brown, now Wilkins, and from there bought Tres Amour Renee, from a photo of her and her sister to join our family and to show. From there our lives changed. We are glad we didn't let the breed fade any more. We have always had other breeds but the Paps are and will be our main one. Thanks to Sheila and Desi.

What is your kennel name and why ?
Emperor. We wanted a name that fitted in with both Papillons and Japanese Chins which we already had and hoped to breed. ( Japanese Chins were the Imperial House pets ). As emperor is the name of a butterfly it seemed appropriate for the two breeds.

What do you love most about your Papillons ?
Their companionship and loyalty, together with the willingness to share life with whoever comes their way. Two legged or four legged young or old. Yet they never forget who Mum is.

Do you have a favourite Papillon book ?
Not really. I have read most of them and find them all good for different reasons. Even the handbooks are good for reference.

What has been your most memorable moment for you and your Papillons ?
There have been many memorable moments with each dog we've owned, bred or shown over the years. Maybe the times that most come to mind are:

1986 Tres Amour Renee ( 5 months old ) Baby Puppy in Show at the McKenzie Highland All Breeds Championship Show.

1992 Enchanto Of Emperor ( Pierre ) first Papillon to qualify for Puppy Contest of New Zealand by winning Puppy in Show at the Southern Classic.

2000 Emperor Smarty Al The Way ( Sheradon ) winning Puppy in Show at Southern Ladies All Breeds Championship Show, making him the 4th in New Zealand to qualify for the Puppy Contest.

There are many more from breeding our first litter and then seeing them win in the show ring to having them win with someone else showing them. We are proud of them ALL.

Do you have any other breeds or animals ?
Cats, Japanese Chins, Lowchens, Shih Tzus, English Springer Spaniel all live at our place. Daughters leave home but their dogs don't.

What advice would you give to a new Papillon owner ?
Never expect to own a Papillon they will own you. Give your Pap plenty of love and attention and they will give you a life full of enjoyment and companionship. Warning: most people find they cannot own just one.