Hello, my name is Zachary and I am a male Papillon of
Tri color.
I was born on 10-13-2002.
Five of us born, three girls and two boys.
My mommy did what she felt was ample research.  She bought books and read many articles.  She did not pursue my particular breed until she had done countless hours of research on all dogs that she thought she was interesed in.  Over a stretch of time, she narrowed the field down.  Until it was clear that my breed is what she was looking for in a life long best friend and companion.
It took many months to find a breeder in which she felt was of a good stature.  Then she patiently waited for my birth.  I am glad she waited for me and not just went and bought my breed from the nearest location or cheapest price, just so that she could have one as soon as possible.
She found me listed on the Internet.  Although that might not have been the best way, compared to calling your local Humane Society for information they might have about breeders, or that breeds particular clubs.  The most important thing is to not rush into it and ask quesitons.
After many contacts through the mail with my breeder, my mom was mailed pictures of my arrival.  She came out to see me when I was almost 7 weeks old.  At that time there was only three of us.  I had lost two of my littermates due to illnesses.
Mom did several personality and temperament tests on all of us as a group and then individually.  She then met my bio mom and dad.  The breeder held each of them in one arm, against her side.  Mom was eager to see my potential new mommy.  Daddy was just polite.
My new mom asked the breeder a few questions then.  She asked if any tests were performed on my bio mom and dad for Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Patellar Luxuation.  The reply was not good in her eyes.  She replied:  "She never had the 'need' to."  With all the research my new mom did about breeders, she new this was not an acceptable reply and should of said 'thank you" and walked away.  My contract consisted of barely one page. But my mom purchased me anyway.  I am happy with her and I am glad the she took me into her heart and home.
Upon my first day home, I was sad and scared.  My mom scheduled a new puppy visit for me right away the next day.  For I was not eating and she feared I was sick.  The doctor said I was too thin and I had a belly full of worms.  The two types of worms that I had were called:  Ascariasis (round) and Coccidiosis (parasite of the intestinal tract). I was given two types of medicine for this and my puppy shots were postponed until I was healthier.  In time, this cleared up.
My next few days, my mom was concerned about me itching all the time. She contacted the breeder.  She felt it was probably just 'puppy dandruff'. She suggested bathing me in some oatmeal.  My mommy went and bought some shampoo for me that was for sensitive skin.  But that did not do the trick.  By then I was off to see the vet doctor again for a recheck.  The doctor was notified of my itching and this dandruff I had.  It turned out to be a form of Mange Mites. One that is not often seen and extremely contagious. We were unable to visit the rest of my new family for the holidays.  I also recieved a shot that was very painful and made me real sleepy and incoherent.  My new mommy did much crying and feared I would die.  I had to go back in two weeks for another one also.  I did not have to get the third shot, for I had cleared up good.  I lost most of my belly fur, but it has grown back now.  My mommy was really upset with the breeder.  When they talked about it, the breeder felt perhaps "I got it somewhere else, not from her enviroment, with it being so contagious, it's hard to say 'exactly' where I might of got it from.  They do not talk at all anymore.
Days passed and my new mommy was concerned about my eating.  I was not gaining weight like I should. With much help from other people who raise my particular breed, she was put at ease for Papillon puppies eat very little to make us full.  She was also told that I left my bio mommy very early. That I should of stayed with her longer.  She tried changing my food and offering me homemade, healthy foods.  I have since then gained weight and I am at a healthy happy wieght.
Then along came another vet visit.  I still seemed to itch and bite my feet to much.  The doctor suggested that I could be neutered as early as three months old. I am glad that my mom asked around about this and decided NOT to have it done. I had a knee test done. It was very painful.  I was forced to lie on my side and my knee caps were manually moved out of place.  My mom was very upset by this.  And to this date, I don't like anyone to touch me back there.  But I am working on my trust.  I now see a different doctor.  She did the test to.  But it did not hurt!  She only felt them.  I did snap at her out of fear, but was scolded for it.  This is something that I am working on.  My new doctor feels that I may have allergies. I now take antihistamines. It seems to be helping me out.  I don't chew on my feet anymore and my itching has decreased by more then half.  I think I may have allergies from my two step brothers, which are cats.  My mom was told that this is not common in my breed, for my age and during the winter season.  She also discovered that I have a slight heart murmur. I don't understand why this is, but I may outgrow it, at least that is what we are all praying for.  I will be monitored closely during all my upcoming visits with the doctor.
With all that said, I just love my new home and step brothers.  My mom has trained me to go potty in a litter box.  This works really great, for I don't have to go outside when it's really cold or raining.  It did not take long for me to learn this, for I like it.
She keeps me in an exercise pen when she is not home.  That way I can play and be safe when she is not right there with me.
She laughs when I run around the room for no apparent reason, then I fall fast asleep.  I am very active.  we play all the time and cuddle together.  I like being held and talked to.  She says I am such a ham, for I love the camera and know when to strut my stuff.  I tend to bark at noises, but my mom understands that this is in my nature.  I am allowed to bark, but if I get carried away with it, I am learning that 'quite' means, "Okay, I have spoke my peace and all is fine."
I do bark at strangers. After a little bit and I see my mom interacting with them, I then want to meet them also.
I have a strong bond with my mom and do tend to have "Selective Hearing" with others and sometimes with her also.
I am kind and enjoy playing with those of my size.  I would play with those bigger then me too, but I always seem to end up on my back.  I am small in nature and have fragile bones, so my mom makes sure that I won't get hurt.  Although, I could take on anyone or anything of any size if allowed to.
In conclusion, I hope my bio has helped at least one person in the decision making of purchasing a Pap or any puppy.  Please keep in mind that this is my experience and with acquiring more knowledge and talking with others is the only best way to assure you with a life long happy best friend and the means to purchasing a pup that is mentally and physically sound.
Brother & Sister from same litter.
1