Kinduhaven Kennels was started in 1975. The Kennel name is permanently CKC registered to Belle Darris, who is a lifetime CKC member and currently President of the Papillon Canada, the national breed club.

We are located near Kentville in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Don't let the word kennel fool you; our dogs live in our home as family pets first and most of them remain with us for their entire lives. We originally bred Basenjis, and switched to Toy Poodles and Papillons in the early 1980's and now exclusively breed Papillons.

Although we obtained our first Papillon in 1981, I didn't breed my first Papillon litter until 10 years later, in 1991. My foundation bitch, Ch. Maywood's Bella Pandora, passed away in October, 2005 at the ripe old age of 17 1/2.

I show my Papillons in the conformation ring and also train for Rally Obedience competition. Most of my dogs have also successfully tested as Certified Therapy Dogs with the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program.

My puppies are bred for soundness in mind and body and dedication to providing loving companionship to their new families. I do my best to produce puppies that are healthy, happy and well socialized. Occasionally I have perfectly healthy puppies that are available to pet homes simply because they did not meet my standards for future breeding stock. These puppies are not to be used for breeding purposes of any kind and must be spayed/neutered prior to the transfer of ownership and CKC Registration papers to the names of new owners. Breeding/show prospects are sold by private treaty.

Each new owner of a Kinduhaven Papillon must guarantee in writing that they will provide a proper home environment, good quality food and appropriate veterinary care for their new family member. It is also a requirement that if, at any time and for any reason, the owner of a Kinduhaven Papillon cannot keep their pet, it must be returned to me unless I approve alternate arrangements.

Kinduhaven Kennels is dedicated to the betterment of the Papillon breed and I strive to produce Papillons that are as close to the Breed Standard as I can get. I do not breed numerous litters every year; 1-2 litters per year is average. I test my breeding stock regularly for genetic defects, have my puppies vaccinated and checked by my veterinarian. I feed only Royal Canin food. Puppies are raised in our home where they get lots of attention, puppy training and socialization with other dogs and our family cat.

I am the current President of the breed's National Club, Papillon Canada, and am also a member of the National Club in Great Britain. I am the 1st Vice-President of the Kings County (Nova Scotia) SPCA and President of the Evangeline Kennel Club. I have taught Obedience and Puppy Classes (all breeds) for 28 years and have judged Sanction Matches, Puppy Sweepstakes and Junior Handling competitions. I am a certified evaluator for the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program and am also a certified evaluator for the Canadian Kennel Club's Canine Good Neighbour Program.

I am proud of our Papillons and am pleased with the many unsolicited comments I get from conformation judges about the correctness of my dogs, their soundness and typiness. But I am most excited about the pleasure my puppies have brought to their new owners as I hear over and over again about the antics, escapades and accomplishments of their little butterflies and how much joy a Kinduhaven puppy has brought to their lives.

And That's What It's All About