PlayTyme Papillons and Phalenes, a breeder located in Middleville, MI, is having a successful year showing their purebred Papillons and Golden Retrievers. This reputable breeder has participated in American Kennel Club events all over the nation and has won many prestigious awards with their well-groomed dogs.
This acclaimed business is primarily operated by Tammy Dewitt and her daughter Cherish Dewitt. Tammy has owned, trained, and competed with her dogs since 1980. She originally started with two breeds: Golden Retrievers and Bichon Frises. After a devastating fire, however, 18 dogs were lost. Upon rebuilding, she decided it was time to move in a different direction. In place of the Bichon Frises, she opted to show Papillons.
According to Dewitt (Cherish) “We wanted to build a breed with intelligence that was also low-maintenance. The Bichons took hours of teasing and spraying to prepare for shows, but the Papillon coat is much easier to manage. We can go a month without brushing and not get knots,” she reveals.
Papillons are quick learners, which add to their competitive appeal. “There is a lot of training involved with dog shows,” DeWitt contends. “Dogs have to learn how to stand on tables, walk in a certain gait, and how to trot in the ring. Papillons are easy to train, which make them fun to show.”
Dewitt has shown dogs for eighteen years, and still has a passion for the sport. “Competition is addicting,” she admits, with a grin. “Knowing you succeeded with a dog-man’s best friend-is fun.”
DeWitt attends approximately two shows a month, traveling from the East to West coast for competitions. Oftentimes she takes several dogs at once, which presents a challenge when events overlap. “You learn to make a lot of friends in this business,” she muses.
In February 2011, one of PlayTyme Papillon and Phalenes’ dogs, Lindaotrps Hevelina (Lina) a stunning tri-colored white, sable, and black female Papillon, won back-to-back-to-back 4 point majors in the course of a week-end. She won “Select Girl” for two of the major wins. She is just 5 points shy of obtaining her Grand Champion title, the highest title in an American Kennel Club conformation event.
DeWitt has also had a succussful run with Diesel, a stunning white, black, and tan 7 pound male. He is 2 points from obtaining his Champion title. Bella, another adorable sable and white female Papillon is close to finishing her Champion, as well. All three dogs will compete at an AKC all-breed show in Birch Run, MI on April 9 and 10.
Dewitt recently attended a competition in Honolulu, Hawaii where her Golden Retrieves had impressive results. One of her Goldens finished her Champion. Two others won specialties: a Sporting Dog Specialty and a Golden Retriever Specialty.
The dogs earn ribbons for their wins, but yield little financial rewards. According to DeWitt, they mainly compete to gain recognition for their kennel and to help preserve their breeds. “All good breeders show dogs,” she states. “All good breeders should be doing health clearances to make sure they (the dogs) are free of diseases of breed. We have an ophthalmologist make sure the dogs’ eyes are clear and a cardiologist to check their hearts to ensure the health of our dogs.”
Perhaps the reason for the overall success of PlayTyme Papillons and Phalenes can be attributed to their love of their dogs. “Papillons are beautiful dogs. It’s fun to have a gorgeous dog in your house,” DeWitt states, looking adoringly at Mahalo, one of the newest additions to her Papillon family.
PlayTyme Papillons and Phalenes frequently has adult dogs and puppies for sale. If you are looking for a show dog or simply want to welcome a well-bred pet into your home, consider buying from this acclaimed breeder. You can find pictures of the dogs, as well as a host of information regarding competition results, policies, and breeding philosophies on their website www.playtyme.us. Their precious, show quality dogs who lovingly greet you at their doorstep, will prove what they are best at winning is your heart. *
*We bought out dog, Kallie, from PlayTyme Papillons and Phalenes almost a year ago. She is a a sweet, loyal dog who has filled our lives with so much joy. She has quickly become best friends with our two young children and has me and my husband wrapped around her little paw.
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