Discover Everything About Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Phalène is generally a long-lived and robust small dog, though buyers should be aware of breed-specific vulnerabilities. In particular, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) must be monitored through responsible breeding. The rare but serious Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) is also a concern, which is why a close look at the health status of the parent dogs is essential.
Lifespan
13–15 yrs
Height
20–28 cm
Weight
2–5 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,800 – 3,000 €
- Coat: Silky, long, no undercoat
- Origin: France
Typical coat colors
- All colors
- color combinations
- except Merle
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel right for you?
The Phalène is a bright, elegant companion dog—bred for the company of European nobility, but beneath that silky coat beats the heart of an agile, highly intelligent Zwergspaniel (toy spaniel) that wants more than just to sit on the sofa.
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a tiny dog that still has the energy and intelligence for dog sports like agility or trick dogging—its Spaniel-Hardware requires mental stimulation.
- You live in an apartment and are looking for an adaptable companion that integrates closely into your daily routine.
- You want a sensitive, easy-to-train dog that is forgiving of beginners, as long as the training remains affectionate.
- You are looking for a compact companion for travel, cafe visits, and city life that you can easily take with you on the train or into the office.
Less ideal if:
- You expect an absolutely silent dog—as a vigilant Zwergspaniel, it reliably alerts you to unusual noises, which can be exhausting in apartments with thin walls.
- You work full-time away from home every day and have to leave it alone—it was bred exclusively to be a constant shadow of its human and suffers significantly from separation.
- You have very small, boisterous children who cannot yet gauge the physical fragility of such a delicate dog in the heat of the moment.
The real vibes check
A Phalène is like an agile little sports car in an elegant retro design: beautiful to look at, but with an engine that needs to be revved up regularly. You aren't getting a passive lap dog, but a clever companion who studies your every move and enthusiastically joins in as soon as you give it a real task.
Breed Profile
The Phalène, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a small, elegant dog breed from the group of companion and toy dogs (FCI group 9). Characteristic of the Phalène are its large, expressive eyes and the striking, feathered ears, which, unlike the closely related Papillon, are carried hanging down. Despite its delicate stature, the Phalène has a lively and friendly character, making it an attentive and affectionate companion. The breed is known for its intelligence and eagerness to learn, which makes it an ideal family dog. Within the breed, there are different coat colors and markings that emphasize the charming appearance of the Phalène.
| Height | 20 - 28 cm (Female), 20 - 28 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 2 - 5 kg (Female), 2 - 5 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 13 - 15 years |
| Character | Intelligent, friendly, adaptable |
| Coat | Silky, long, no undercoat |
| Coat Color | All colors and color combinations, except Merle; |
| Price | 1800 - 3000 € |
History
The history of the Phalène, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, dates back to the 16th century. Originally in Europe, especially in France and Belgium, this small spaniel breed was valued as a companion dog of the nobility. Due to their friendly nature and elegant appearance, they were popular companion dogs at the courts. In the 19th century, the Phalène was further bred and received its name because of the characteristic, butterfly-shaped, hanging ears ("phalène" means "moth" or "night butterfly" in French). Over time, the breed was bred in two variants: with hanging ears (Phalène) and with erect ears (Papillon). Today, the Phalène is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate companion, especially appreciated as a family dog.
The Phalene, a variant of the Papillon, was bred as a companion dog and is known for its cheerful nature.
France
1600
Character & Temperament
The Phalène, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a lively and affectionate companion dog. Despite its small size, it shows a confident and friendly nature, making it an ideal family dog. It loves being close to its people and is very people-oriented, which allows it to integrate well into everyday life. Phalènes are intelligent and eager to learn, which makes training easier. They require regular mental and physical activity to stay balanced, as otherwise they can become restless or exhibit unwanted behavior. Due to their hunting and retrieving enthusiasm, they enjoy being active and like playing with balls or other toys. Although they are alert and attentively observe strangers, Phalènes are not typical guard dogs but usually show friendliness towards visitors. Their social and playful nature makes them great companions for families with children, but also for singles or seniors looking for a lively yet good-natured dog. Loving and consistent training is important to properly channel their temperament and build a close bond.
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel: The Phalene, also called Continental Toy Spaniel, gets its name from its characteristic butterfly-shaped ears ("Phalene" means "moth ear"). Despite its small size, it is a lively and attentive companion that was formerly especially valued as a court and companion dog.
What Awaits You
The Phalene, also called the Continental Toy Spaniel, is a lively and affectionate companion dog. It is characterized by its friendly and attentive nature and loves to be integrated into the family. Despite its small size, the Phalene is active and requires regular activity. It is well suited as a family dog and adapts well to different living conditions.
Housing & Care
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel: Phalenes are lively and affectionate companion dogs that are especially suitable for families and individuals looking for a friendly and attentive companion. They are very social and compatible with other dogs and pets, provided they are well socialized early on. Despite their small size, Phalenes require regular mental and physical activity to remain balanced and content. They feel comfortable in both apartments and houses as long as they receive enough attention and shared activities. Phalenes are very people-oriented and enjoy being close to their owners, which is why they do not like to be left alone for long. They get along well with children, although gentle handling is important due to their delicate build.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel: Phalenes are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that enjoy being mentally challenged. Their training should be varied and playful to maintain their attention. Due to their size and temperament, they are well-suited for gentle obedience exercises and small tricks, with patience and consistency being important. Phalenes respond very positively to reward-based training and quickly build a close bond with their owner. Despite their friendly nature, it is important to work on socialization early to avoid insecurities. They are not dogs for excessive physical exertion but enjoy regular, short training sessions that challenge their mind. Overall, Phalenes are grateful for loving, consistent training that promotes their natural abilities and makes them balanced companions.
Nutrition & Care
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel: The Phalene is a small, lively dog that requires a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients is ideal. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, as small breeds can quickly become overweight. The Phalene's coat is long and silky, therefore it requires regular care. Daily or at least several times a week brushing is important to prevent matting and keep the coat shiny. Especially during shedding, you should pay attention to increased brushing to remove loose hairs. Phalenes are well adapted to the Central European climate. Their coat protects them from the cold, but they should not stay outside too long in cold temperatures. In summer, sufficient sun protection and enough water should be ensured, as small dogs can be more sensitive to heat.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid
Health grade
The Phalène is generally a long-lived and robust small dog, though buyers should be aware of breed-specific vulnerabilities. In particular, patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) must be monitored through responsible breeding. The rare but serious Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) is also a concern, which is why a close look at the health status of the parent dogs is essential.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should pay attention to a healthy weight and joint-friendly exercise, check the hanging ears regularly, and take dental care very seriously.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' knees, eyes, nerves, and blood coagulation tested and pay attention to correct tooth alignment as well as healthy ears.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel
Is a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel the right dog for me?
The Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel is 13-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel need?
Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel good for families with children?
The Phalene, Continental Toy Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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