Prana
Papillons, an AKC Breeder of Merit, has established a record of consistent excellence, accomplishment, credibility and integrity validated by the American Kennel Club in
currently holding 26 highly coveted titles earned within a short period
of time. Our achievements and titles earned are illustrated in the chart below.
We
are relative newcomers to the world of papillons, finishing Coco, our
first AKC champion, in 2005. Since then, we have bred twelve papillons who hold 19 AKC titles, concurrently earning the
designation as an AKC Breeder of Merit, a program introduced by the AKC on October 4, 2010. These titles include ten AKC
conformation champions, four AKC conformation Grand Champions, one AKC
Bronze, Silver and Gold Medallion Grand Champion, and two AKC agility titleholders.
In
addition, both AKC and CANINE CHRONICLE have ranked our Zsa Zsa as the #2 papillon bitch and #4
papillon based on Grand Champion points as of April 17, 2013. Zsa Zsa was again ranked #2 papillon bitch by AKC based on Lifetime Grand Champion points on July 1, 2014.
In Louisiana, AKC lists Zsa Zsa as its top papillon bitch and Bridges as its top papillon dog based on 2014 Grand Champion points as of July 2, 2014. Our
record of consistent achievement in breeding and presenting exceptional papillons
provides an excellent foundation for Prana Papillons.
It is important to note that the AKC introduced the title of Grand Champion in 2010 and later implemented the enhanced Grand Champion Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum medallion program on May 11, 2011.
In
our first generation, Coco produced five AKC conformation champions and
one agility titleholder in two litters, exceeding the requirements for
earning the designation as a Papillon Club of America 2009 Dam of
Merit. Later, Coco's third and final litter produced only one puppy, an AKC
conformation champion who is also a Grand Champion, for a total of
seven first-generation titleholders bred by Prana Papillons.
In
our second generation, Zsa Zsa completed both her championship
and Grand Championship in less than 2 1/2 months. Zsa Zsa also
earned the AKC Bronze, Silver and Gold Medallion Grand Championships, and she was ranked by both AKC and CANINE CHRONICLE as the #2 papillon bitch and #4 papillon based on Grand Champion
points as of April 17, 2013. Buc also completed both his
championship and Grand Championship. Suki produced another agility titleholder. Bridges completed his championship from the 6-9 puppy class and his Grand Championship, and his littermate Banks completed his championship, for a total of twelve titleholders of 19 titles bred by Prana Papillons. Our dedication and devotion to detail is
reflected in the remarkable success achieved by the very few litters we have bred.
We have also had the pleasure and privilege of owning four papillons bred by others who hold an additional six AKC titles. Ian, Coco, Sassy and Merry are all AKC conformation champions. Merry is also a Grand Champion, and Coco is a Dam of Merit. These honors reflect a total of 25 coveted titles for Prana Papillons.
My husband had never had a dog in his life. I had never had a dog in my life. Our four children had never had a dog in their lives either. We were cat people. It is very hard to find a "cat man" for a husband. I was extremely lucky in that regard. We have always loved cats, especially blue Persians. We had no interest whatsoever in dogs. Then in just one moment, our lives were changed forever.
As I was out walking on a
beautiful spring morning in 2000, a couple walked toward me with the most darling little
creature I had ever seen prancing on a leash in front of them. Its
gorgeous plume tail was wagging, its elegant head was held high for
everyone to admire, its ears fluttered in the breeze, and it was
graciously accepting accolades as though accustomed to such admiration.
Without hesitation I stopped them and asked, "What is that?" They replied, "A papillon." It happened in an instant. I was absolutely and completely smitten. It was truly love at first sight. We spoke a few moments more, and I was totally dazzled with the little dog.
Upon returning home, I informed my husband that we were getting a
papillon. Needless to say, he was not amused. Not even remotely
amused. In fact he said, "Not in a million years."
Passion is passion, however. That little papillon had made an
indelible impression on me. He was simply unforgettable. The quest had
begun. Visiting papillons advertised in the newspaper made me wonder why they
did not look very much like the little dog I remembered.
Then I began attending dog shows. Ah....there were the beautiful
little dogs! Initially, very few people could spare much time to speak
with me as they left the show rings. Still I persisted. Passion is
passion, you know. Research led to learning the history of papillons, the breed standard, health concerns, recognizing correct structure and movement, and on and on. My interest never waned. It grew.
After three years of patience, perseverance and lovely new
personal relationships with papillon fanciers, we were finally given the
opportunity to own our own show dog. Coco was our first champion, and
she finished with 5-point, 4-point and 3-point majors, a 2-point win and
two single points.
Each new person that we met was enthusiastic and eager to support
our growing love for and interest in this spectacular breed. To each of
them we extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude.
We choose to have very few litters so that we can indulge each
puppy with abundant time for cuddling, playing, socialization, training, and the
very best health care. Needless to say, our dogs always live in our
home surrounded by continuous attention. This has consistently produced
self-confidence and trusting temperaments. Prana Papillons are happy,
eager to please, and adjust easily to new situations.
And yes, in case you are wondering, my husband is now completely
smitten with papillons too. They think he is their best playmate! His
help in caring for them is invaluable. We have noticed that their
playful natures are sometimes very kitten-ish, so we have not abandoned
our love of felines.
Prana Papillons remains a very small endeavor with enormous heart
and profound dedication to the ideals of "The Butterfly Dog." We
strive to excel in the conformation show ring with papillons who best
represent the AKC breed standard and possess equal excellence in
performance events. Prana Papillons, above all, are beloved family
members.
AKC Breeder of Merit 
