Customer Reviews

A New Owner's Guide to Papillons

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I have recently read everything I can find in order to prepare to own one of these wonderful little dogs, and this is the most complete, most up-to-date volume that you currently offer. While many breed books offer almost generic photos and simple, common-sense dog-raising advice, with a sprinkling of breed-specific discussion, this book is Papillon-specific -- with excellent advice on just about every area of importance. Breeders will recognize many, if not all, of the beautiful photographs of important recent champions. Novices like me will appreciate advice on the right sources for a new dog; feeding and housetraining it; avoiding the dangers that sometimes befall a toy dog; looking out for knee and eye health issues; and getting into competition. Few Papillon books, if any, rival this one in discussing belly-bands for precocious young males and reverse sneezing, recent topics of discussion among some of the internet discussion groups. Ms. Wood even alludes to current controversies about vaccines and non-commercial foods - but without pretending to have the final word. This all adds up to an enjoyable, easy-to-read book from an author who does not preach or lecture to her readers but who clearly loves her subject. Indeed, she will bring many a happy smile to owners who can relate to her descriptions of Papillon behavior. A delightful book and, in the opinion of this outsider, very much the volume that fanciers say they have been waiting for.

Deborah Wood is a professional writer, journalist, and dog trainer, whose latest title provides us with the very model of what a breed book for beginners (and beyond) should be. As with most authors, she begins with Papillon history, which extends back several centuries, and includes some wonderful illustrations. However, while others are content to proceed with generic descriptions and vague generalizations, Wood tells about today's Paps as only one who has spent many years in their company can. Papillons are delightful, energetic, and smart, the author advises, but certainly not the breed for everyone, and she cheerfully acknowleges some characteristics that may make the prospective pet owner think twice. In addition, she discusses variations in physical type and temperament; health, grooming and nutrition needs; housetraining; and how to deal with the shy, possessive, or excessively rambunctious individual. Finally, she leaves the reader with some idea of the range of activities in which this breed has excelled, from agility to tracking to assisting those with disabilities. Whether you are thinking of adopting a Papillon, or have owned one for a dozen years, this excellent book belongs in your collection.

Although the outside of the book may look like a generic TFH product (you know, 10pages of out of date breed info and 40 pages about Nylabones and pictures of various kinds of worms dogs can get) , the inside is a treasure trove of sound, intelligent, up-to-date and breed specific information for the new Papillon owner. Ms Wood's experience with, and love of, the breed shines through on every page. The fact that she has intimate, well researched and thoughtful historical information at hand, has trained 3 of her own Papillons to numerous titles and does therapy work with the breed adds tremendous authority to the work. She understands, and addresses, that Papillons are not a "cookie cutter" breed and that there is a variety of temperments, sizes and personalites in the breed.

Finally! There is a reasonably priced, EXCELLENT source book for anyone interested in the breed...newcomer, or experienced owner alike. If I were a breeder, I'd give out copies of this book to every new owner.

Please do read up on these small wonders before you let one own you. All dogs are beautiful, all unique, find exactly the qualities best suited to you and your life style.

I must have contacted a dozen breeders and asked hundreds of questions, read for months before I adopted my two year old Papillon. And still, he surprised me, he surprises me all the time. It's like having children, people can tell you all about it, but until you have one of your own it's hard to imagine.

I would not part with Rudy for all the world now. Yes, being a rescue, he did have some baggage, and we're working on that. Brave little soul that he is, he was willing to take a chance on me.

Thanks to Deborah Wood's insights, we will have a better understanding of one another.

One of the things she mentions that really delighted me, and I have not found information to suggest otherwise, is that these dogs can live fourteen to sixteen years, and perhaps longer, if well-cared for and in good health. I certainly hope so.

But I do not find, as she states, that Papillons are as delicate and easily injured as she fears. Compared to other toy sized dogs I have owned and known, Rudy seems quite sturdy. I often refer to him as my pocket sized Border Collie for that reason, and because of his high energy ball-chasing games.

There are pictures of a couple of injured dogs in the book (nothing graphic), but had my Poodle or Pom pulled capers as Rudy does, neither would have lived to tell about it. The other two would have broken a leg taking the leaps he enjoys. This guy climbs ladders. It's enough to scare Mommy to death! And there he is, at the top smiling.

He is definately one of the most intelligent dogs I've ever seen. Is there nothing he can't learn or figure out? He uses his front paws much like hands, hides toys inside boxes and bags so he can later find them, and that sense of smell is really something too. He even throws his own ball if nobody else will.

The author gives very good advice on finding the right puppy after telling you what this breed about, the variety of personalities you may find, the behaviors to expect and so on, so you can decide if this is truly the dog for you.

I'm glad to see there was a brief mention about adopting - I have no qualms about buying from reputable breeders (some people are on the breeder team, or the adopter team, and won't see the good side of the other for nothin' - I am not that girl. I know there is room for both. I adopt because that's what I do, it's what is right for me). I only wish she'd have put a little more effort into that, as it is a complicated matter and there is much to be said.

There is as much to discuss about finding a decent adoption agency and how to check out a rescue dog as there is about buying a pup from a breeder. I'm sure the rescue she mentioned would have been thrilled had she asked for their advice on the topic.

Overall, I think you'll find this book a delight to read. The pictures are beautiful. And it seems even if you've had a Papillon for a while, you'll get a lot of useful information. Even if you only buy it to read the training section, it's worth the money. It's not just about housebreaking; it's that, problem behavoirs, plus all the wonderful things a smart pooch can learn. I knew Pap's did agility and assistance, but dog dancing? Who knew dogs so tiny could do that? And the advice on the barking is priceless!

This book is awesome for the new Papillon owner. I'd recommend buying it BEFORE you get your dog. It's one of the more recent breed books, one that isn't outdated and old fashion.

It begins with the dog's history, and follows on to all that other important jazz, like selecting a breeder, the right puppy, care, and so on. It also goes into feeding and training your dog in simple obedience.

There were some things though that left me with questions. They didn't talk too much about the dog in different climates, they do say it's an adaptable dog, but I'm thinking super cold running around in the snow. I have seen pictures of the Pappillon playing in snow, but because of their long fur, they had clumps of snow stuck, which I can imagine uncomfortable. A good question to ask your breeder.

They also talk about an "ear leather". Being a first time dog owner I don't know what this is. Having other dog books, I realized they had diagrams of dogs describing certain body parts. This seemed to be lacking in this book, which might've helped in answering some glossary terms. If you're really new to dogs and you don't know what a dew claw is, that might come as a shocker! I didn't find out until my friend two summers ago received a new puppy who still had theirs. Again this is a good question to bring up to your breeder.

Overall, this book is great, I was reading it at dinner and every server who brought food oohed and awed- JUST AT THE BOOK. No doubt it will be a great resource, but your breeders will be even better. A good breeder will always answer any question even if it's the mundane!

I adopted a rescue Pap several years ago and enjoy reading up on the breed, though I have no interested in breeding or showing. This book covers some familiar ground, but has lots of very useful information, and the author is honest about the fact that these dogs are not for everyone. Her advice on how to deal with barking was a revelation! Highly recommended.

This book was recommened on a Papillion list im on and Im so glad it was.ITs a jewel.its loaded with up to date info..Im a pet person and found it perfect for my reading before getting my Pappy and now still refer back to it now that shes 6 months old this month.ITs a very well written book.Mrs.C

This was a very informative book about Papillons. It was especially helpful to me because I am a new owner of a Papillon and I learned a lot. It discussed a wide variety of topics from obedience to health issues. The pictures were wonderful and enjoyable also!

Was very dissapointed. Did not think this book was as breed specific as other reviews claimed. Most advice seemed very generic. Housebreaking section was very limited and did not offer advice for difficult dogs. Also, another problem I was experiencing; teething, biting and chewing, was not even addressed in the book. Good for history of breed, but advice section was extremely limited. Would not recommend if you are looking for advice with various problems.

This ia a small yet very informative book for anyone who wants to learn about the breed. I am the first time owner of Papillon and this book was a lot of help. Along with other valuable information I learned from it that Papillon is a very fragile dog that gets along well with cats and most small dogs, but should never be around large dogs, also is not a very good pet for small kids. I also enjoyed the friendly manner in which the book is written and very nice color pictures.