Who We Are
We are a small hobby kennel in Northeastern, Iowa. Well, not a kennel, but a
suburban home with beautiful, high quality papillons (and now Phalenes!) as part of our
family. Our pets live with us night and day. We have no other breeds, (nor any other pets for that matter). Our paps are happy dogs
who bring joy to our lives, and brighten our days! It is my intention to share the happiness of papillons with others through an
occasional breeding of a litter. And my primary goal in breeding papillons will always be to produce healthy
and beautiful dogs who conform to breed standard so that, true to breed,
they will become loving companions who will live their lives
in a happy home. Because there are many risks, dangers, costs and time commitments to breeding, I will only be breeding occasionally to develop my lines, and share what I can offer beyond that, on a limited basis, because it costs far more to breed than could ever be compensated for through the sale of a papillon. These costs include the monetary costs, time (oh my goodness! forget sleep), and that's not to mention the stress of worry over these little precious charges until mother and pups all safely reach weaning. When I do have a litter now or in the future, I am most interested in finding high quality family
homes for the beloved babies I will not keep for myself.
If a potential owner purchases a show prospect, and then chooses to show their dog competitively, I want my dogs to rank with the best, but this is secondary, and practically irrelevant in light of this long-lived breed who will spend most of its days curled up at your feet, or on the back of the couch wrapped around your neck as you type words like these. Papillons are amazing people dogs, and deserve loving homes; foremost.
Breeding at Ailebelle Kennel
Why Papillons:
I personally feel that papillons are among the very few breeds I would ever consider as ideal companions in a modern world, and among the most wonderful breeds of dogs that I know of, and there aren’t enough well-bred papillons in the world. I think the world is a happier more beautiful place because of papillons. Even though papillons are among the oldest established breeds, and one of the healthiest of all breeds, they have not ever been extraordinarily common. I realize, in general, there are many would argue with me and say there are too many dogs who should be spayed or neutered, and I agree in general. Plus breeding is very hard work with high risks. But in choosing to further an existing breed, we must realize that human-developed breeds bring great joy for their selected attributes. And there are too many backyard breeders breeding dogs who don’t not fit our modern lifestyles, whose genetic inheritance is a wild card, who have not been properly socialized at critical stages, and/or who will end up in shelters because there aren’t enough dedicated homes clamoring for yet another questionable mutt , or even purebred who has undesirable traits (useful in bygone days )for many families. I don’t think breeding dogs is always a good thing, and in many instances I feel that it is wrong. And it is more work than you can imagine until you have done it (and I don't recommended it unless you don't work outside the home, you know how to research lines, structure, and evaluate temperament, and have plenty of extra money for emergency vet bills that you will never recoup in the sell of your precious pups, etc..) But I feel that breeding has a place if you are passionate about a specific breed. And while I admire those who adopt shelter animals who need a home, I have also found that occasionally shelter dogs can be a very bad fit for families. You don’t often know what you are getting, and your intent to do a good deed may inadvertently bring more misery than pleasure (i.e. when the mystery temperament manifest as constant snapping and biting of family members, no matter how long, hard, and positively you work to train this out). So the idea that breeding dogs is a negative thing, paints a broad brush on something humans have done for thousands of years in our co-evolution with this most wonderful species. And I think that dog ownership should be mutually beneficial and very pleasurable. Dog ownership is one of the choices we get in life that is truly our own. Why not insist on the best and healthiest companion to spend our next 12-15 years with (sadly, that's longer than half of all marriages, so choose your four-legged companion well!)?
While Papillons are becoming more popular with non-aristocrats ;) over time, it is still difficult for many to obtain a high quality, non-puppy-mill dog with the right characteristics and temperament. Even some “top” kennels raise their dog in what seems mill-style, without the attention to health and well-being that is critical to the producing sound dogs. When you do select among your preferred breeders, ask if you can visit the dogs in their environment. Check the pedigrees of your dogs, and do your homework . It is through consumer buying power that we will ensure the protection of pure bred dogs, who have an important and well-established place in human society.
About the Papillon:
Lots of books and web sites have information to tell you more about the papillon dog. Rather than reiterate the information you can easily find elsewhere, (I recommend you research everything you can!) I will simply add a little of my own experience here:
I have never met a papillon I didn’t like, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there, so be careful in your selection! I remember the first time I went to purchase my first papillon, my breeder, Forrest Johnson, had his dogs out in his pristine park-like yard to play. When we went outside, many papillons ran up to say hello. Unlike other breeds I had been interested in over the years, I was not bowled over by their forceful exuberance upon meeting. The beautiful dainty dogs ran up to say hello, and many gently placed their paws on us to let us know they wanted some attention, before running off to play on the lush green grass on a beautiful day. It really was akin to having a butterfly land on you and fly away. I was forever smitten.
To ensure you have a dog who fits the breed standard for temperament you will read about in your research, find a reputable breeder who puts health and temperament at the top of his or her list. And please don’t get a papillon unless your life is ready for one – because people never enjoy a dog properly if their lives are not ready for one, and a paillon will be especially unhappy without the love and attention it has been bred to give and receive. Mental and lifestyle adjustments need to be made in advance for dog ownership, especially a dog who is both sensitive to the elements, and to his owners mental state. The papillon needs to be close to his owner, cannot be kept outside in hot or cold weather, and needs frequent potty breaks.
Papillons are not dogs for people with many or young children, people too busy with a career to give the dog the love and attention she deserves, or people with larger dogs who are young, energetic, or aggressive. That is, you may think your larger dog will be okay with a papillon, but when your papillon starts getting stepped on constantly, you will realize what a predicament you have put yourself in. Very few larger dogs are safe around papillons on a day-to day basis, in my experience.
That being said, the papillon is the most wonderful dog I have ever owned. They are bred purely for companionship, and to give love. They fit in so well with our modern, (mostly) indoor lifestyle, and yet they are athletic enough to go on a vigorous walk, even a moderate run (some athletic-types say easily a few miles - just bring water!). Given these attributes, I hardly remember why individuals in urban and suburban settings choose to select more challenging working breeds, given all of the training issues many working breed present when following instinctive drives such as herding, protecting, etc… while working with a dog such as papillon is so easy and immediately rewarding, and their natural behavior is so much simpler to live with (not that these working breeds won’t make wonderful dogs for people who want to dedicate additional time and sometimes extensive training to them, or have the lifestyle that fits the dog). This is not to say papillon puppies won’t need lots of your time (even just to hang out), or don't do things like chew, or that you shouldn’t train your dog to bark without restriction, but you will find that with simple positive training methods, a papillon is a joy and a pleasure. You will have a family member who maintains a sweet baby-like appearance and an unprecedented trust for his beloved owner. And the baby part is true! A fun party trick is that some of my my dogs allow me to pick them up, and they willingly lay completely relaxed on their backs in my arms, as I hold them out like a baby. At this point people say something like “now that is trust!” . But remember, with these wonderful dogs, trust and love going both ways is both necessary and so very rewarding!
If a potential owner purchases a show prospect, and then chooses to show their dog competitively, I want my dogs to rank with the best, but this is secondary, and practically irrelevant in light of this long-lived breed who will spend most of its days curled up at your feet, or on the back of the couch wrapped around your neck as you type words like these. Papillons are amazing people dogs, and deserve loving homes; foremost.
Breeding at Ailebelle Kennel
Why Papillons:
I personally feel that papillons are among the very few breeds I would ever consider as ideal companions in a modern world, and among the most wonderful breeds of dogs that I know of, and there aren’t enough well-bred papillons in the world. I think the world is a happier more beautiful place because of papillons. Even though papillons are among the oldest established breeds, and one of the healthiest of all breeds, they have not ever been extraordinarily common. I realize, in general, there are many would argue with me and say there are too many dogs who should be spayed or neutered, and I agree in general. Plus breeding is very hard work with high risks. But in choosing to further an existing breed, we must realize that human-developed breeds bring great joy for their selected attributes. And there are too many backyard breeders breeding dogs who don’t not fit our modern lifestyles, whose genetic inheritance is a wild card, who have not been properly socialized at critical stages, and/or who will end up in shelters because there aren’t enough dedicated homes clamoring for yet another questionable mutt , or even purebred who has undesirable traits (useful in bygone days )for many families. I don’t think breeding dogs is always a good thing, and in many instances I feel that it is wrong. And it is more work than you can imagine until you have done it (and I don't recommended it unless you don't work outside the home, you know how to research lines, structure, and evaluate temperament, and have plenty of extra money for emergency vet bills that you will never recoup in the sell of your precious pups, etc..) But I feel that breeding has a place if you are passionate about a specific breed. And while I admire those who adopt shelter animals who need a home, I have also found that occasionally shelter dogs can be a very bad fit for families. You don’t often know what you are getting, and your intent to do a good deed may inadvertently bring more misery than pleasure (i.e. when the mystery temperament manifest as constant snapping and biting of family members, no matter how long, hard, and positively you work to train this out). So the idea that breeding dogs is a negative thing, paints a broad brush on something humans have done for thousands of years in our co-evolution with this most wonderful species. And I think that dog ownership should be mutually beneficial and very pleasurable. Dog ownership is one of the choices we get in life that is truly our own. Why not insist on the best and healthiest companion to spend our next 12-15 years with (sadly, that's longer than half of all marriages, so choose your four-legged companion well!)?
While Papillons are becoming more popular with non-aristocrats ;) over time, it is still difficult for many to obtain a high quality, non-puppy-mill dog with the right characteristics and temperament. Even some “top” kennels raise their dog in what seems mill-style, without the attention to health and well-being that is critical to the producing sound dogs. When you do select among your preferred breeders, ask if you can visit the dogs in their environment. Check the pedigrees of your dogs, and do your homework . It is through consumer buying power that we will ensure the protection of pure bred dogs, who have an important and well-established place in human society.
About the Papillon:
Lots of books and web sites have information to tell you more about the papillon dog. Rather than reiterate the information you can easily find elsewhere, (I recommend you research everything you can!) I will simply add a little of my own experience here:
I have never met a papillon I didn’t like, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there, so be careful in your selection! I remember the first time I went to purchase my first papillon, my breeder, Forrest Johnson, had his dogs out in his pristine park-like yard to play. When we went outside, many papillons ran up to say hello. Unlike other breeds I had been interested in over the years, I was not bowled over by their forceful exuberance upon meeting. The beautiful dainty dogs ran up to say hello, and many gently placed their paws on us to let us know they wanted some attention, before running off to play on the lush green grass on a beautiful day. It really was akin to having a butterfly land on you and fly away. I was forever smitten.
To ensure you have a dog who fits the breed standard for temperament you will read about in your research, find a reputable breeder who puts health and temperament at the top of his or her list. And please don’t get a papillon unless your life is ready for one – because people never enjoy a dog properly if their lives are not ready for one, and a paillon will be especially unhappy without the love and attention it has been bred to give and receive. Mental and lifestyle adjustments need to be made in advance for dog ownership, especially a dog who is both sensitive to the elements, and to his owners mental state. The papillon needs to be close to his owner, cannot be kept outside in hot or cold weather, and needs frequent potty breaks.
Papillons are not dogs for people with many or young children, people too busy with a career to give the dog the love and attention she deserves, or people with larger dogs who are young, energetic, or aggressive. That is, you may think your larger dog will be okay with a papillon, but when your papillon starts getting stepped on constantly, you will realize what a predicament you have put yourself in. Very few larger dogs are safe around papillons on a day-to day basis, in my experience.
That being said, the papillon is the most wonderful dog I have ever owned. They are bred purely for companionship, and to give love. They fit in so well with our modern, (mostly) indoor lifestyle, and yet they are athletic enough to go on a vigorous walk, even a moderate run (some athletic-types say easily a few miles - just bring water!). Given these attributes, I hardly remember why individuals in urban and suburban settings choose to select more challenging working breeds, given all of the training issues many working breed present when following instinctive drives such as herding, protecting, etc… while working with a dog such as papillon is so easy and immediately rewarding, and their natural behavior is so much simpler to live with (not that these working breeds won’t make wonderful dogs for people who want to dedicate additional time and sometimes extensive training to them, or have the lifestyle that fits the dog). This is not to say papillon puppies won’t need lots of your time (even just to hang out), or don't do things like chew, or that you shouldn’t train your dog to bark without restriction, but you will find that with simple positive training methods, a papillon is a joy and a pleasure. You will have a family member who maintains a sweet baby-like appearance and an unprecedented trust for his beloved owner. And the baby part is true! A fun party trick is that some of my my dogs allow me to pick them up, and they willingly lay completely relaxed on their backs in my arms, as I hold them out like a baby. At this point people say something like “now that is trust!” . But remember, with these wonderful dogs, trust and love going both ways is both necessary and so very rewarding!
Our silly human boys, posing dramatically with the dogs :) | 
Annie and Teddy, looking elegant together
|
Contact: ailebelle3@gmail.com