SHOW QUALITY? Usually a puppy’s structure at eight weeks will predict what you might expect, but there can be surprises. For me, a litter of two or three puppies is the norm and often all are of show qual- ity. I must determine which is superior, which takes time to evaluate. As there are so many facets of development that I enjoy watching, I like to wait until they mature before making any decisions. As I breed infrequently, I have the luxury of keeping them at home as long as I like. Fortunately prospective pet own- ers have sought out my spayed or neu- tered adults and provided excellent for- ever homes. 11. WHAT IS THE GREAT- EST HEALTH CONCERN FOR YOUR BREED TODAY? After research and conversations with those informed, the consensus is that our breed is fortunate to have so few health concerns today that cannot be well managed by using available health testing and DNA genetic test- ing. Many years of intense research have pinpointed genetic markers which can help us to make informed breed- ing decisions. I would say the greatest health concern for our breed today is the breeders who choose not to avail themselves of the health testing and DNA genetic testing.
12. IF YOU WERE NOT INVOLVED WITH SHOWING DOGS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? I would have more time to spend with my precious grandchildren! I have four children, three grandsons, two granddaughters and my younger son and his wife are expecting their first baby in the spring. ABOUT THE AUTHOR What an incredible honor to be included here in the Papillon edition of TNT’s Breeder Forum! I had no idea that three judges had referred me to TNT as an outstanding breeder. I feel grateful and humble for this recogni- tion and hope to contribute something of interest and value. I am a relative newcomer to the world of show dogs, finishing my first Papillon Coco in 2005. The first litter I bred was whelped on July 23, 2006. With carefully researched pedigrees and the advice of friends in the Papil- lon Club of America who welcomed and encouraged my breeding pro- gram, Prana Papillons has been for- tunate to reach a level of excellence and achievement in the ensuing ten years. My Kiki has surpassed all of our expectations, becoming MBIS MBISS Platinum GCH CH Prana Fenice Merry Mystique. With Ellen Perry on the lead,
Kiki was Best of Breed at the 2016 Papil- lon Club of America National Specialty under Toy judge Mrs. Vicki L. Abbott. Kiki was the #1 Papillon Bitch in 2015 and is currently the #1 Papillon Bitch for 2016. She won the Papillon Club of America Silver Butterfly Award and was voted to receive their People’s Choice Award. At Westminster 2016, Kiki was Select Bitch. My gratitude to the judges who have awarded Kiki and other Prana Papillons with their recognition is overwhelming. They have allowed me to experience validation of the goals that I hold dear in our breed and sport. Their expertise in judg- ing other groups translates into their approval of the structure and move- ment that I have been striving to achieve. The many friendships and joys shared create a spirit of competi- tion and collaboration in the world of show dogs. I am forever grateful for this privilege.
with MICHELLE NAVARRE
INTERNATIONAL BREED. THOUGHTS ON IMPORTING AND EXPORTING? We keep our numbers very small and not been involved with importing and/ or exporting. I have seen many beau- tiful dogs imported by those with the ability to do so and many quality Ameri- can bred dogs have contributed to ken- nels outside this country. 4. TO DATE, WHICH DOGS DO YOU FEEL HAVE CON- TRIBUTED MOST TO YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM? Without a doubt my go-to guy was BISS GCH CH Micdic’s Olympic Gold, CD, RN, SOD, NV. His call name was Ohno and he produced many champi- ons across many lines. I am eternally grateful to those who produced his lines and since we lost him this year,
1. WHAT BREED CHAR- ACTERISTICS ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU WHEN YOU PLAN A MATING? I look for elegance and attitude. Papillons to me should be ethereal, no excess movement, no pounding the ground and no hackney movement. Atti- tude affects all dogs. No one wants the puppy hiding under the couch. I think bold outgoing parents tend to produce those personalities in their puppies. 2. WHICH DOG THAT YOU HAVE BRED DO YOU FEEL COMES CLOSEST TO THE STANDARD IDEAL? I tend to be the sire owner more often than the breeder of record. I’ll leave this answer to the breeders. 3. PAPILLONS ARE AN
I look forward to continuing to see his progeny in the ring.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PET PEEVE IN THE SHOW/ BREEDING WORLD?
My pet peeve is that this is the only sport where amateurs and profession- als compete head to head. I come from the horse world and amateur to ride is a classification the dog world could use. Post entries are another possibility AKC should initiate. 6. HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU CONSIDER GROOMING WHEN YOU ARE SHOWING? Grooming is very important to the look of the dog in the ring. Judges have two minutes to decide. So, if pre- sented with a clean nicely presented specimen or a stained one looking like
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