Kinduhaven Kennels was started in 1975. The Kennel name is permanently CKC registered to Belle Darris, who is a lifetime CKC member.

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 on a limited basis.

Although we obtained our first Papillon in 1981, we didn't breed our 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 and Rally Obedience competition. I have competed in Obedience competitions in the past. A number 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 as are Stud Services.

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 and regularly checked by my veterinarian. Puppies are raised within our home where they get lots of attention, puppy training and socialization with other dogs and our family cats.

I am a Past President of the breed's National Club, Papillon Canada, and am also a member of the National Club in Great Britain. I am the President of the Kings County Branch of the Nova Scotia SPCA and a member of the Evangeline Kennel Club. I have taught Obedience and Puppy Classes (all breeds) for over 30 years (retiring in 2010) 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 the Canadian Kennel Club's Canine Good Neighbour Program. I recently accepted the invitation to write the breed article on the Papillon for the Dec/Jan 2011 issue of Canine Review.

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