Phalen

Breed Description

The Phalene, known as one of the varieties of the Continental Toy Spaniel, has an ancient and mysterious history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The name “Phalene” comes from the French word for “moth,” due to the characteristic floppy ear position resembling butterfly wings when the dog is relaxed. This breed developed in Europe and was closely associated with aristocracy, gracing the courts and homes of nobility with its elegant appearance and refined demeanor.

These dogs first appeared in the 14th-15th centuries and were bred from ancient spaniels brought to Europe from East Asia. Their popularity surged due to their small size, elegant looks, and gentle nature. Miniature dogs with drooping ears often accompany queens and noble ladies in Renaissance paintings, serving as evidence that Phalenes were favored companions of European aristocracy.

The breed gained particular popularity in France and Spain, where they were raised as household companions for royal families. They often accompanied their owners on travels, becoming an integral part of their lives. Despite their refinement, these dogs also served a practical purpose: they were known as “bed dogs,” kept in bedrooms for warmth and even to guard against parasites.

Over time, the Phalene, alongside its relative the Papillon, became a symbol of wealth and sophisticated taste. Unlike the Papillon, which has erect ears, the Phalene could be recognized by its hanging ears, giving it a softness and unique expressiveness. This distinguishing feature was especially valued in the Netherlands and France, where breeders sought to enhance the breed’s character traits.

After the French Revolution, interest in the breed temporarily waned as it became associated with the old aristocratic order. However, in the 19th century, the Phalene regained popularity thanks to enthusiasts who aimed to preserve this unique variety of the Continental Toy Spaniel. By the early 20th century, the breed established a stable standard and was recognized by canine organizations.

Today, the Phalene remains a rare but highly valued breed, symbolizing elegance, refinement, and a historical connection to European culture. Their compact size, friendly nature, and aristocratic grace make them wonderful companions and living reminders of the rich history of dog breeds.

Appearance

The Papillon, officially known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a breed of small yet very charming and photogenic dogs, widely recognized for their cute features and charisma. In some countries, the breed is known as Papillon or FalГ©n-Papillon. These delightful little dogs, with their doll-like appearance, belong to the group of toy breeds.

Papillons are distinguished by their light and elegant build, as well as their characteristic ears that resemble butterfly wings. This type of ear typically divides the breed into two varieties: FalГ©n (with ears reminiscent of petals) and Papillon (with upright ears that look like a butterfly in flight). The average lifespan of these charming companions ranges from 12 to 14 years, but experienced breeders claim that FalГ©ns often live longer, reaching 16 years and beyond. Their size is modest and does not depend on gender. Adult dogs weigh around 4.5 to 5 kg, with a minimum recorded weight of 1.6 kg, and their height at the shoulder does not exceed 27 to 28 cm. In other words, they are excellent travel companions that easily fit in a carrier. Despite their small size, the price for show-class puppies ranges from 100,000 to 120,000 rubles.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Small, proportionate to the overall size of the dog. Unlike the typical structure of spaniels, it is much lighter. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is clearly visible. A characteristic feature is that in larger individuals, this transition is slightly less pronounced than in smaller phalens.

Морда

Round, black, small nose tip. The snout is shorter than the skull, very light, narrowing towards the nose tip. The bridge of the nose is straight. An upturned nose is not preferred. Thin lips tightly adhere to the jaws. A characteristic: the tongue must retract immediately after the first touch. If this does not happen, the dog is considered to have a defect.

Уши

Unlike Papillons, the ears of PhalГЁnes are very thin, yet firm to the touch. The tips of the ears are rounded and not pointed. They are set far back and spaced apart sufficiently to accentuate the rounded silhouette of the skull.

Глаза

In comparison to the size of the head, they appear quite large, oval, and do not protrude. They are set low. A characteristic feature is the alignment of the inner corners of the eyes on a single line connecting the skull to the muzzle. The dark cornea gives the gaze a particularly touching and playful expression.

Зубы

Looking at the small size of Phalene dogs, one might be surprised by the sharpness and size of their fangs. Their very sharp teeth are arranged in a scissor-like bite, white, and fit tightly together without gaps. A misbite or any other type of bite is considered a flaw, with the exception of a proper jaw alignment.

Корпус

Medium-sized neck, not too short and with a gently curved line at the top of the body. The lower back is quite strong, slightly rounded. The chest is deep and fairly wide. The lower line of the belly rises gradually; the belly is not sagging, but also not dry, like that of a greyhound.

Конечности

Тонкие, но крепкие, прямые. При осмотре любой стороны, передние, как и задние конечности поставлены параллельно друг другу. Передние: суставы прочные, лапы напоминают заячьи (достаточно длинные), когти максимально тёмные. В идеале чёрного цвета. Белые когти – серьёзный недостаток. Между пальцами лап обильная растительность. Задние: скакательные суставы выделены умеренно, лапы касаются земли всеми подушечками одновременно. Походка гордая, лёгкая, изящная.

Хвост

Located high, compared to the dog's size, long, with beautiful long fur, which well-known breeders of dogs refer to as "plume." It is not allowed to be curled in a ring; when focusing attention, it continues the line of the back, slightly curving upward.

Шерсть

Shiny, long hair without an undercoat. Slightly elastic to the touch, straight, and close to the body. Very similar to the coat of English spaniels but more akin to the fur of a spitz. Moderately long on the body, resembling "culottes" on the hind legs, flowing down on the tail and ears. The muzzle has short fur. The neck is adorned with a collar of longer hair, but not in the form of a lion's mane. A distinguishing feature is the length of the plume on the tail, about 15 cm.

Окрас

The breed standard allows for any colors against a white background. The body and limbs must predominantly be white. The skull may have a thin stripe of white. A white mark is permissible on the lower part of the head. At the same time, predominant background color on the head is considered a fault.

Characteristics

Their appearance is as unusual and remarkable as their temperament. Here are some of the most characteristic traits of Papillons:

Energy. Despite their small size, they possess a vast reserve of energy and enjoy active games and walks. They are almost ideal companions for active people who can provide them with plenty of physical activity.

Intelligence. They are considered one of the most intellectually developed dog breeds. Well-known breeders claim that Papillons are perfect for novice dog owners because they are easy to train and quickly understand commands.

Curiosity. These adorable dogs with butterfly-shaped ears are always ready to explore the world around them and constantly show interest in new things. This breed is particularly suited for women or older individuals, as they are very adaptable to urban living conditions.

Devotion. Papillons are renowned for their incredible loyalty to their owners and form close bonds with them. If you’re planning to get a charming pet, we recommend choosing a reputable dog breeder. Photos and prices for purebred puppies from trusted breeders can be found on our website.

Good companions. They have a remarkable sense of humor and love spending time with their owners. For older people, such a friendly pet becomes a symbol of joy. Papillons of any age adore having fun with the family. They are full of life energy and bring joy, creating a wonderful atmosphere of positive emotions in your home. Many dog breeders in Russia note that their Papillons often lift their spirits with their cheerful behavior. They easily adapt to the moods of their owners, providing joy and smiles to the family.Charm. Papillons have always been loved not only for their adorable appearance but also for their unique charm and charisma that captivates everyone around. Almost every breeder of companion dogs acknowledges their natural grace and elegance. Many owners find that Papillons attract attention everywhere they go and are accustomed to being the center of attention. They quickly win the hearts of those around them with their liveliness and charm.To be fair, despite all their wonderful qualities, there are some downsides potential owners should be aware of:Vocality. Papillons have a very sharp bark, which might not be appreciated by neighbors. To avoid unpleasant situat

Care and Maintenance

To ensure a happy life for this charming little one, the owner’s responsibility is to provide optimal conditions for their pet.

Phalènes are small but very energetic. They need regular outdoor walks where they can run freely. The minimum walking time is about 1.5 hours a day. For adult dogs, reputable breeders recommend walking them twice a day. In the morning, 20-30 minutes is sufficient, while in the evening it’s better to visit a dog park and let your little one play with other dogs. Besides active walks, regular veterinary check-ups, preventive vaccinations, and flea and tick treatments are essential parts of caring for Papillons. Reviews from dog breeders in Russia show that the overwhelming majority of them claim that after long walks, their pets become much calmer at home, and the owners feel better too, having enjoyed a good walk and a dose of positivity watching their little troublemaker play.

Training and socialization help turn a small dog with an extraordinary appearance into a well-mannered pet. Typically, phalènes learn quickly, but it’s important to start training and socialization at an early age-it helps them become balanced and friendly companions. Well-known breeders of the Papillon breed share personal experiences, stating that by introducing their continental toy spaniel puppies to other animals early on, they taught them to interact with both cats and other dogs without aggression.

When it comes to interactions with other pets, it’s worth noting that they generally get along well with other household animals, especially if they were socialized with them at a young age. However, it’s important to consider the individual traits of each pet and supervise their initial encounters. There have been cases where multiple cats and one Papillon lived peacefully together, considering themselves “soulmates” without showing any discontent toward each other.

Keeping one of these dogs with elderly owners won’t be burdensome. Thanks to their small size, friendly nature, and ability to maintain an active lifestyle, small phalènes can greatly benefit elderly owners and alleviate their loneliness. They can become excellent companions and sources of joy for seniors. One elderly lady in Belgium, after celebrating her 75th birthday, even decided to start her own dog breeding kennel. She posted pictures and prices for Papillon puppies on the municipal bulletin board, and now her hobby provides her with a steady income.

PhalГЁnes have special fur that requires careful maintenance. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling and matting. It’s also important to regularly trim the fur between their paw pads. Bathing should be done as needed using specialized dog shampoo. If your dog is accustomed to being brushed from a young age, they will absolutely love it as adults. This will strengthen your bond and create many happy moments together.Their butterfly ears need regular inspection and hygiene. Many breeders of decorative dogs recommend checking PhalГЁnes’ ears weekly for signs of inflammation, stains inside, or unpleasant odors. If necessary, their ears should be cleaned using special products designed for dog ear care.A well-balanced diet will help avoid many digestive issues in the dog. To make this task easier, use the same food as the kennels and breeders from whom you purchased your puppy.

Training and Education

Start with Socialization: It’s important to begin socializing your Papillon in the first weeks of life by introducing them to new animals, people, and surroundings. This will help your puppy grow balanced and self-confident.

Positive Reinforcement: Papillons are very sensitive to praise and rewards. Use only positive reinforcement in the form of their favorite toys and petting. Many well-known breeders of small dogs recommend being cautious about frequently giving treats, as this can negatively affect your pet’s weight.

Patience and Consistency: Remember that you are dealing with a living being that might understand things a bit faster or slower. Everything is individual. Always maintain consistency in your expectations and actions. Keep in mind that some commands may require repeated practice, so patience is your best ally during training.

When it comes to consistency and patience in raising and training a Papillon, renowned dog breeders advise being firm and consistent in all aspects of teaching and upbringing. For example, if you use a specific word or gesture for a command, it’s important to use it consistently to avoid confusing the dog. This applies to house rules as well: if you don’t allow the Papillon on the furniture, you must consistently uphold that rule.

Daily Training: Regular practice will help reinforce skills and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Even short sessions a few times a day can yield great results. One Papillon may feel confident after engaging training, while another might require more praise and affection during the learning process. Understanding these differences will help you tailor an approach that is most effective for each individual Papillon.

Understanding the needs and characteristics of the breed, along with love, patience, and consistency, will help you effectively raise and train your Papillon, making this demanding process both enjoyable and rewarding for you and your pet. At ZooNika, the best breeders offer puppies with pedigrees.

How to Choose a Puppy

Have you decided to get a pet? Before you proceed to purchase, we recommend first finding a dog kennel. The photos and prices of Papillon puppies (Continental Toy Spaniel) should be current at the time of purchase. Next, we suggest five aspects to consider when choosing a Papillon puppy:

Health and Activity.

When making your selection, pay attention to the overall health condition of the entire litter. A healthy puppy should be active, curious, and playful, without signs of apathy, weakness, or aggression. There should be no cloudy discharge from the eyes, nose, or ears.

Breed Standard Compliance.

A good puppy should meet the breed standard: have butterfly-shaped ears, well-developed legs, and a friendly expression. Even if the pet is being bought “for the soul,” it’s better to purchase a dog from a kennel where the animals closely resemble the official breed standard. Note: here are some of the most well-known breeders of small dogs in Russia and the CIS countries.

Behavior of the Parents.If possible, observe the behavior and temperament of the puppy’s parents. This will help you understand what your future pet’s behavior and temperament may be like.Genetic Disease Testing.Ask the breeder for information about any genetic diseases that the puppy’s ancestors suffered from to avoid future problems.Documents and Recommendations.Make sure the seller has all the necessary documents confirming the puppy’s ancestry and health. Familiarize yourself with the sales contract regarding the responsibilities of the parties and the possibility of returning defective goods.

Health and Diseases

PhalГЁnes (Papillons) are most commonly affected by the following conditions:

Eye issues, such as keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), progressive retinal atrophy, or eyelid problems. Regular veterinary visits and attentive eye care can help prevent or promptly detect these issues.

PhalГЁnes may have an increased predisposition to ear infections due to their long hair. Regular grooming and ear checks can help prevent these occurrences.

Hip dysplasia. This genetic condition is related to faulty joint function and can lead to pain and mobility issues.

Eating non-food items. While not strictly a disease, phalГЁnes tend to consume non-edible items, often leading to gastrointestinal problems. It is important to prevent access to such items and to notice behavioral changes in a timely manner.

Heart diseases: There is an increased risk of certain heart conditions, such as mitral stenosis. Regular veterinary monitoring helps identify these issues at early stages.Certainly, the presence of health risk factors does not guarantee their occurrence. However, as experienced dog breeders say, “forewarned is forearmed.” Zoonika allows for easy engagement and attracts potential buyers.