When I first started taking in rescues I never thought I would become a
breeder. I have always been and will continue to be a proponent of spay/neuter programs for companion pets.
I do not believe mandatory spay/neuter programs are appropriate.
I have come to realize that without breeding programs of purebred dogs,
we could see the extinction of specific breeds. And there are still many people who want purebred dogs. As
a result of the change in my thinking, I began to research the breeds. I focused on the toy breeds as they are a little
easier for me to handle as I grow older and my osteoarthritis gets worse. I wanted a breed that was not high maintenance and
one that I could show without having to do an elaborate preparation. I also wanted a breed with as few genetic problems
as possible and one in which other breeders were working hard to eliminate genetic problems. And finally or perhaps
my first requirement, I needed to be attracted to the breed's looks, attitude, and temperament. I chose the Papillon.
I have another breed that I am hoping to breed also--the Mi-Ki. This breed
is rare and not yet accepted in either of the two major registries in the US--AKC or UKC. However, breeders are working
to establish the breed through DNA testing to show parentage and to establish the validity of the bloodlines. When I
can find a breeding pair, I will become a MiKi breeder also.
Papillons are more available but are not a well known breed; the breed
is gradually becoming more popular. Finding breeders who will sell breeding animals to novices (like me) are few and
far between. I was lucky enough to find Anita Wright (Draco's Papillons) who has been showing dogs since she was 9 years old and has been involved
in breeding several different breeds over the past 30 years but now breeds Papillons.
I bought my first Papillon from Anita in January 2008; she is named Draco's
Magick Krystalfyre and will be shown this year on a limited basis. I am hoping she will grow to be a good show dog and
an excellent breeding bitch--time will tell.
This section of our website will document our breeding operation. I will be setting up a variety
of links to websites that I find valuable including several yahoo groups that have been invaluable on this journey.
