History of the Sunshine State Papillon Club

The first organizational meeting to form a Papillon specialty club in the state of Florida was held on July 1, 2000. At that time, the people in attendance agreed that it would be beneficial and there was enough support to form this type of club in Florida. That is how the Sunshine State Papillon Club got its start. Our officers were elected and our board was appointed. The officers and board members include many people in the dog fancy that have been in the sport for many years and with many accolades to their credit. Included in the officers and the board members are three AKC delegates, one AKC judge, one AKC board member, and many long time breeders and exhibitors.

After our first organizational meeting, we became busy with the formation of the club. Meetings were held to discuss all areas of forming a club including bylaws, membership applications, dues, etc. A club logo was designed and T-shirts were printed. A website and email list was designed for the Sunshine State Papillon Club. Our membership has grown tremendously from our first meeting with 12 in attendance.

We as a club, made the decision to bid and hold a Papillon Club of America Southeast Regional Specialty. After PCA approval, the show was held on June 29, 2001 and clustered with the Toy Dog Club of Central Florida show. The Sunshine State Papillon Club members worked hard to make this show, our first, a great success.

Sunshine State Papillon Club held a "B" match in conjunction with the Naples Kennel Club on November 21, 2001. Our "A" match was held on Sunday, June 9, 2002 at Best Paw Forward Dog Training Center in Sanford, Florida.

After fulfilling the requirements to become a licensed club, The American Kennel Club granted Sunshine State Papillon Club approval for licensing status on October 7, 2002. Sunshine State Papillon Club is now licensed to hold conformation and obedience events.

Sunshine State Papillon Club bid on and was approved to hold the 2003 Papillon Club of America National in Kissimmee, Florida on April 28 - May 3, 2003. The National included two days of agility, obedience, generation sweepstakes, obedience match, conformation match, puppy and veteran sweepstakes, obedience and conformation. The Sunshine State Papillon Club also held it's first Specialty that was a back up show to the national. This show included obedience and conformation events. Both shows were well attended and a huge success.

Sunshine State Papillon Club is committed to continue to develop and serve the Papillon interests in the state of Florida.