Let's talk about the little Continental Toy Spaniel and discover the differences between the Papillon and the Phalène. We explore the origins, temperament and all the characteristics of the Épagneul nano breed.
History of the Continental Toy Spaniel
The origins of the Épagneul appear to be very ancient, as evidenced by the fact that it is frequently depicted in images and paintings dating back a very long time. The oldest known representation of the breed is displayed at the Namur Museum and dates to the 9th century BC. Its homeland is certainly to be found in the western part of Europe, though in truth no single country can claim parentage with any certainty.
The Spanish are convinced that the dog breed has Iberian origins, but there is no proof of this; in short, the Épagneul breed might best be described as a broadly European heritage with no more precise attribution. The one thing that is certain is that official recognition of the breed, despite its great antiquity, came very recently: the F.C.I. accepted it only in 1937, assigning its nationality to France and Belgium.
The breed is divided into two varieties: the Papillon, with its upright, wide-open ears, and the Phalène, with its drooping ears. The Papillon variety is the more widespread, even though it was developed more recently — specifically in the 1800s, apparently through a cross with a Spitz. To this day the Toy Spaniel is not yet an enormously numerous breed, but it is well established across almost all of Europe and in the United States, which as far back as 1935 went so far as to found a breed club.
Breed Standard
The little Continental Toy Spaniel is a small-sized dog. Its weight falls into two categories: under 2.5 kg for both males and females, and between 2.5 and 5 kg for both; in any case, the minimum weight is 1.5 kg. Height at the withers reaches 28 cm. The head is proportionate to the body, the muzzle slightly tapered with a small, well-defined nose, and the almond-shaped eyes are dark and very expressive, never protruding. The skull is slightly flat and sometimes shows a gentle depression.
The ears of the Papillon are fully erect and wide open, set high and with their opening directed strictly to the side. In the Phalène, on the other hand, the ears are pendant and lie close to the body, covered in long hair that tapers downwards. The build, though small, is compact and well proportioned, with a fine, elegant and proud carriage. The tail is set high, is fairly long and is covered in fringed hair that gives it the shape of a plume. All colours are accepted, except liver, provided they overlay a white base, which must be clearly visible on the belly and legs.
Continental Toy Spaniel: Care and Nutrition
The coat of the Épagneul is thick, wavy and long, with no undercoat. Coat care should be daily and thorough, but in general the Toy Spaniel requires no special care and has no tendency towards obesity, so its diet — which naturally must be healthy and of good quality — can largely manage itself.
Continental Toy Spaniel Temperament
The Continental Toy Spaniel is a very sweet and lively dog; it develops an emotional attachment to its owner that borders on the intense. It tends to be a little wary of strangers, but if it senses no tension from its owner it is willing to change its mind. Highly active and full of vitality, it adapts very well to apartment life; it does, however, need plenty of physical exercise to burn off its energy. You will rarely find the Continental Toy Spaniel idling anywhere — it always wants to run and play.
It is a dog well suited to children but, being slightly egocentric, it is not entirely happy about the presence of other pets in the home. It is practically a pocket-sized dog, ready to travel any way at all as long as it can be with its owner. Despite its almost negligible size, it can prove, when the occasion calls for it, a capable watchdog: like all small dogs that know they cannot intimidate anyone through sheer physical presence, it is able to make a tremendous racket in the firm belief that it is fearsome — an excellent deterrent for any would-be intruder.
Papillon Breeders and Price
The Toy Spaniel puppy is so small it looks like a little toy; but its size conceals not only a sturdy and resilient little body, but also quite the character. The little Continental Toy Spaniel is a self-assured dog that relates to anyone without fear, regardless of their size. Its incredible liveliness needs to be indulged: when it cannot run and play in the garden — its favourite activity — it needs dog toys that keep it stimulated, otherwise it risks becoming restless and bothersome.
If adopted from a young age it will bond deeply with its owner, trusting them completely and defending them for life, whatever the cost. It is not unusual to hear a low growl in the background when speaking with someone who owns a Toy Spaniel; this is not aggression — it is its way of making clear that it is ready to defend its owner, and this behaviour begins at a very young age.
