Phalène

The Phalène is the drop-eared form of the Continental Toy Spaniel, and the older of the two — the pricked-eared Papillon came later.

History

Small drop-eared spaniels appear in Italian and Flemish paintings from the fifteenth century onwards, in the laps of noblewomen; the erect-eared variant that gave the Papillon its butterfly name only emerged around the sixteenth century and then overtook it. Most registries treat the two as one breed with two ear types, born in the same litters. The name means moth, to the Papillon's butterfly.

Temperament

The breed is known for being bright, lively and remarkably trainable for a toy breed, affectionate with its people and alert to everything.

Care and training

Exercise needs are modest but real; it is an intelligent dog and needs occupation. The long silky coat has no undercoat and needs brushing rather than heavy grooming. It excels at obedience and agility.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy and dental crowding. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.