Instructions
Know the breed. Papillons come in several different color combinations: tri-color, black and white, gray and white, red, sable, cream, and lemon.
Decide what Papillon is right for you. Before you contact a breeder, you will need a clear idea on what you're looking for in terms of sex, coloring, temperament and conformation.
Locate a breeder. You can find reputable breeders on the Papillon Club of America website. Introduce yourself and tell them what you are looking for in a Papillon. Be prepared to answer the breeder's questions about your home and lifestyle as they assess your suitability as a potential Papillon owner.
Select a puppy. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes and a bright expression, clean ears and a thick, shiny coat. Papillons are not born with prick ears. Their ears will go from a Phalene position to a prick position around 12 to 16 weeks of age. Your breeder can help you determine which puppies are likely to adopt the Papillon prick and which will remain the Phalene variation.
How to Pick a Papillon Puppy
Owing to their small size, Papillons are ideally suited to apartment life. They are easily trained and make excellent pets for quiet, adult homes that will delight in lavishing attention on them.