26 February 2010 - Dog World

Northern & Eastern Counties Papillon Club started the ball rolling with our forthcoming 2010 club seminars. I went along to soak in the atmosphere for the breed notes and hopefully report on the proceedings for the Papillon Breed Specific Seminar. Some people may not be aware of what goes on and shy away, sometimes it is hard to take on the unknown if you are not an out going individual. But to learn we must bite the bullet, use the seminars to digest what you consider relevant for yourself and keep an open mind. Each seminar you attend will help put together the jigsaw for the complete observational picture that is your dream. Seminars are a way of learning both educational aspects of the breed and other people’s views. Then mix and match, be true to yourself then you will have a clearer road to walk.

The seminar was held in the picturesque village of Finningley complete with duck pond. The village hall was of a pleasing size giving a homely atmosphere. Refreshments were on hand as soon as you stepped through the door. A cup of tea / coffee given with a smile sets the day off on the right foot. Jerry Munroe and helpers did this honour to a ‘tee’ (sorry for the pun) and I learnt Jerry is a master at squeezing the tea bags beautifully!

John Edson the clubs secretary took to the floor with an opening welcome explaining aspect of the day ahead.

Ann Richardson of Belvane Papillons was to be the guest speaker explaining aspects of the KC Breed Standard. Her model for the day was John Turner’s CH Bodebi Rhythm is a Dancer better known to us all as Joseph. He took everything in his stride and behaved impeccably.

To give you an insight into Ann’s career in Papillons. Ann and Alan bought their first Papillon 36 years ago as a companion. At this time they were showing Golden Retrievers. Belvane started with the Goldies but as their hearts were captivated they moved on to the Butterfly species.

A little girl from George and Netta Henderson CH Inverdon Amazing Grace went to Belvane who then went on to produce Ch Amazing Luath of Inverdon. Ann has been awarding cc’s since 1983 and has been treasurer of N&E for many years. Ann and Alan are retiring from their positions within in the club this year and will be sadly missed by everyone.

Ann then went on to introduce Eileen Roberts of the Rayol affix. Eileen was talking about the ear carriage of the Phalene. Hopefully setting the record straight on the difference between a true drop ear carriage and a dolly mixture. In other words ears that nearly got there but not quite. Eileen had brought along two Phalenes a youngster and her Ir Ch Dog Nelson. This way you were able to view the progress difference with fringing.

The Rayol affix was granted in 1979 and became a joint affix with her daughter in 1995. The affix name was inspired from Eileen’s brothers name Raymond.

Owning Phalenes for 10 years and probably may have the largest gene pool in the UK. Eileen’s dogs from many of the Top Phalene Kennels both past and present. Showing mostly Phalenes Eileen is devoted in her quest to breed the Phalenes she loves so dearly. She loves the Spaniel look with the soft expression and considers them less noisy than the Papillon.

She has had considerable success at the shows taking RCC’s. RBBIS and a number of Best Phalene at Club Shows. She also has two Irish Champions. I remember her little girl Dora taking RCC to Starlet last year and she is a very pretty little lady.

Eileen has even bought a dog with the incorrect ear set in hope to help future judges see the difference between right and wrong ear carriage.

Eileen’s dream is to see qualifying classes for the Phalenes at the Club Shows and for the KC to recognise Phalenes on pedigrees alongside Papillons. Making it easier to trace the origins of the dogs and help future breeding programmes.

After this everyone took to their tables to complete the Multi Choice paper for the breed.

Leading us straight on to lunch. Karen Maskell had been beevering away behind the scenes and served up a plentiful and delicious chicken salad. A choice of desserts were on offer. Sorry it would have been rude to refuse, that’s my excuse.

In the afternoon five Papillons were on offer for a ‘hands on’ session. Each participant going over and writing a critique with placement.

An interesting and lively question and answer session followed which brought everyone together and this is where there is a real chance to learn and take on board peoples thought and opinions.

The day went smoothly and all that attended enjoyed their day I am sure.

Perhaps I would have loved to have seen more Pap people in attendance. Well respected Cav, King Charles. Affi’s, Pekes, Chi’s, Pugs and Bolognese judges attended which is commendable that other breeds are taking such an interest in the breed. There were a few Pap folk there but the majority were from other breeds. However if the up and coming Pap exhibitor doesn’t take the time to absorb information at these events where does this leave us in future years. So please look at the seminars as a fun learning event. By attending you will conjurer up a clearer picture of the type of Papillon you wish to own or breed. There are choices and nothing is set in stone you just have to have an eye to distinguish the way you want to go. So well done N & E for starting the seminar ball rolling.

Philip Shirley sends news that the News-sheet and schedule for the Open Show of the South of England Papillon Club has been posted to all members, with these are details of the KC seminar: Conformation and Movement that the club will be hosting on the 20th March in the afternoon following their AGM at Chieveley. This seminar is a requirement for those judges wishing to progress through the judging lists. The cost of seminar which includes lunch is £15, lunch will be served from 12.30 with the seminar starting at 2.00. Numbers will be restricted, if you would like to attend, please contact myself on 01273 304865 or e-mail philrod@ntlworld.

Until the next breed notes send me your news.

Irene Robb


Submitted: 26 Apr, 2010 (Edited 23 Jul, 2010)

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