- You Ask: How to evaluate a Papillon Agility prospect.
Most Papillon dogs come with lots of energy and high spirits; despite their tiny and dainty appearance.
They are also very smart and intelligent and have the ability to tune into you, figuring out very quickly what you want. They are very graceful, can turn very quickly, jump very high and far, and they can run in high speeds.
The AKC (American Kennel club) describes the Papillon as a "free, quick, easy, graceful, not paddle footed, or stiff in hip movements. They are happy, alert and friendly. Neither shy, nor aggressive."
This kind of friendly temperament, along with the Papillon's eagerness to please, makes the dog an ideal candidate for Agility Sports.
The sport requires mainly to run through a course of obstacles (hurdles) and other objects, where he may have to weave around. He will get points for clearing them, etc. The owner runs alongside the Papillon, guiding him by giving only vocal commands.
But not all Papillons are suited for that kind of sports. (Just like people).
If you are seeking a puppy as a possible candidate for Agility, look at his parents again, and their activities.
Are the parents "fit",already engaged in this sport, or love to run, eager to please, team-players with the other Papillons at the breeders site?
Watch the puppy and his litter-mate(s), or interactions with other Papillons: is he following a small ball, is he inquisitive, loves to run, are his eyes following a rolling, or moving object? Does he seem to be self-confident?
It takes a lot of training and conditioning for your Papillon- and you. So, do not think to enter your Papi into agility training to serve as a "weight-loss program".Your Papillon have to be cleared by the vet from hip, knee, elbow, and general bone structure problems before entering this high impact sport.
Go for it, it's a wonderful thing to do, for you, and your Papi.
And if you keep an "under-exercised" Papillon, don't wonder if he is high- strung, destructive, barking all the time, and in general annoying.
