All about the phalene breed

Today, humans keep many different animals as pets. However, dogs are rightfully considered the most demanded four-legged companions. Among the numerous breeds of these animals, it is worth highlighting the Phalene, remarkable for their exterior and centuries-old friendship with humans.

The time of the appearance of the breed can be judged on the basis of documentary and artistic evidence. As for the phalene, the earliest mentions of such dogs were found 800 years ago. In those days, the registration of breeds was not carried out, therefore information about the species of the continental toy spaniel was noted from the images on the canvases of the artists of those times. Now there are several opinions regarding the homeland of the Phalene. According to one version, the dogs were bred in Mexico, the second option should be considered China. However, the breed reached its peak in popularity in Belgium and France. Phalen in translation means "moth", the similar name is due to the external features of the structure and hair of the ears. Initially, at the time of the birth and formation of the breed, animals were born with long hanging ears. In the litter, dogs with erect ears were extremely rare.

In the 19th century in France, the breed was divided into phalene - dogs with hanging ears and papillons - animals with erect ears. The first type was especially popular among the crowned heads at the court, however, during the revolution, the phalens were practically exterminated. It was possible to save the representatives of the breed thanks to immigrants who saved their pets by leaving the country. This is how "moths" appeared in America.The fashion for such decorative pets returned at the end of the last century.

Modern standards established for dogs of this breed differ somewhat from the exterior of animals in the era of their appearance. Now dogs at the withers reach 28-30 centimeters. There are two types of phalene, based on the weight of animals:

• pets weighing up to 2.5 kilograms;
• dogs, the weight of which for males can vary in the range of 2.5-4.5 kilograms, for a bitch - 2.5-5 kilograms.

And also among the representatives of the breed you can find small pets, the mass of which will not exceed 1.5 kilograms.

There are also characteristics related to the exterior of the continental toy spaniel.

• The animal should have a rounded skull, a pronounced stop on the muzzle. And also a groove is visualized on the bridge of the nose. The dog has a slightly pointed muzzle, which will be smaller in size compared to the skull. At the same time, the nose is narrow, at the end there is a lobe, painted in a dark color. A turned-up nose is considered a deviation from the standards.
• The eyes are large, set wide apart, close to almond-shaped in shape. The iris is dark in color, the eyelids have pigmented black edges.
• The teeth are white, the jaws are well developed, the bite of animals is scissor-shaped, while the incisors should be hidden under the lips.
• The ears will be large, triangular in shape with a rounded edge, decorated with long hair. They are located almost on the back of the skull, due to which the forehead acquires a rounded shape.
• The neck is medium in length, well developed, without folds, a slight bend is acceptable.
• The physique of the Phalene is strong, the body is square, slightly elongated. The back is without deflection, the loin is wide. The chest is muscled, set deep, the ribs are convex.
• Paws in dogs of this breed are even, are of medium size, parallel. Fingers are closed, fur may be present inside, the color of the claws will vary depending on the color of the pet's coat.
• Phalens have a long, high-set tail, its size allowing the tip to lie on the back. As a rule, its length does not exceed 15 centimeters, it has long hair.
• The coat in animals can have a wave, however curls or curls are a deviation from breed standards. There is an undercoat all over the body. The coat is moderately soft, shiny. The length will vary depending on the location. So, a shorter dog is concentrated on the head and the outer part of the legs. The body itself and the chest are usually covered with long hair. The backs of the limbs have feathering.
• The phalene color will in most cases be white with multi-colored spots. Spots can concentrate around the eyes, on the neck, on the back.

The breed is characterized by a friendly and docile disposition, which is why such animals are recommended for keeping in families with children. The dog can also be a faithful companion for seniors. A pet at a young age and already an adult stands out for its courage, affection, and contact. Will willingly take part in children's fun and active games. However, in relation to strangers, the phalens show alertness.

The animal requires regular physical activity, so you need to walk the phalene daily. Dogs have a well-developed intellect, so they are perfectly amenable to training. If there are other pets in the house, conflicts between the animals are possible in the light of the allocation of a leader.

But it should also be noted that the continental toy spaniel has a rather loud "voice", so it will be an excellent "call" when keeping a dog in a private house.The animal is very attached to its breeder, with a long separation, the dog may become depressed.

The breed is characterized by strengths and weaknesses. So, the pluses of decorative dogs include the following characteristics:

• attractive exterior of the pet and small size, which makes it easier to keep at home;
• animals have a docile and kind disposition;
• Phalens are very loyal to their owner;
• animals have a well-developed intellect;
• Dogs of this breed are very easy to care for.

Among the weaknesses of toy spaniels, it should be noted:

• shrill barking;
• underdeveloped musculoskeletal corset.

The pet of this breed is perfect for inexperienced breeders, since the animal feels good in a private home. However, the dog will require a lot of attention in terms of regular grooming. First of all, this concerns the coat, since it is long in the dog - in order to avoid the formation of tangles, the animal must be combed often. The animal is combed with a brush with metal teeth with a rounded end. During molting, it is recommended to comb the dog out 2 times a day, paying attention to the ears, armpits and the area in the tail area.

Some breeders give their pets a haircut. Such manipulations are not obligatory for the breed, however, they will significantly increase its decorative appeal. In the winter months, it is recommended to temporarily refuse to trim the dog, since the breed does not have a warm undercoat.

And also care will be required for the ears and claws of the dog. If the pet spends most of the time at home, then he will need to periodically trim the claws so that they do not curl up and grow into the limbs. The ears should be cleaned of wax and dirt using wet cotton pads.

Bathing your dog is often unnecessary, as these pets have virtually no canine odor. However, when carrying out such hygiene procedures, you will need to use special shampoos for long-haired dogs. They will help the coat get less tangled and look shiny and well-groomed. Conditioners and conditioners can also be used for phalene.

The attention of the breeder will require the teeth and eyes of the dog. The eyes are wiped with damp cotton pads. You can use special dog toothbrushes and toothpastes to brush your teeth.

The exterior of the dog will largely depend on its diet. For the animal to develop fully, it will be necessary to introduce foods enriched with vitamins and minerals into the menu. Otherwise, the phalene's hair may fall out. The following foods should be present on the dog's menu:

• meat and offal;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• fermented milk products;
• fruits.

A natural menu might look like this:

• meat products and fish in a ratio of 1: 3;
• fermented milk products and eggs - 1: 3;
• fruits and vegetables - 1: 3.

To replenish the supply of carbohydrates, phalene will need to regularly introduce rice and oatmeal into the menu.

The dog needs compulsory training. However, in the course of raising pets, excessive aggression should be avoided. Animals are well trained not only in prohibitive and permissive commands, but also in different tricks. Training must be done from an early age. The primary task will be accustoming to the nickname and walking when needed.

Since the decorative pet is very fond of basking in the master's bed, the dog should immediately begin to accustom to its sleeping place. For the animal, you can purchase a bed and place it near the breeder's bed.

The pet will need to purchase several toys so that the pet can entertain itself on its own.For these purposes, different balls, bones, cords are suitable. However, when choosing such products, you should make sure that it does not have small parts, as well as the safety of the material from which the product is made.

Phalene can be trained to go to the toilet at home on a tray or absorbent diapers, but walks with the pet should still be daily.

There are several ways to breed dogs of this breed. The only limitation is crossing with erect-eared individuals, as the offspring will have mixed genes. However, this method is very often used to increase the number of dogs of this breed.

Both options are actively used by breeders, however, choosing the first method, it is necessary in the future to cross animals from this litter with purebred phalens in order to avoid mixing genes in other dogs.

Phalens are among the long-livers among the available varieties of decorative dogs. As a rule, with good care, a pet can live with a person for about 10-15 years. Among toy spaniels, there were also dogs that lived to be 15-17 years old. Pets very rarely suffer from ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract, in addition, they have strong immunity to many common diseases found among small dogs.

However, animals can suffer from genetic diseases. Among them are more common:

• glaucoma and cataracts;
• retinal atrophy.

In addition to the eyes, the weak point in animals is the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, decorative pets can suffer from dislocation of the kneecaps. Adult dogs can have hearing pathologies, diabetes. Prevention of the development of many diseases will be mandatory timely vaccination, regular examination by a veterinarian, and a balanced diet.

See below for more details on continental toy spaniels.