Phalène Dog

The Phalène is a French dog that developed as a toy breed for the French Royals. The Phalènes are but variations of the Papillon dog and can be born in the same litter. Like the Papillon, the Phalène has a small body with short legs and a round face with button eyes. They have long, silky hair all over the body. Practically, both the dogs share almost all features in common except that Phalène’s ears are floppy, and the Papillon’s ears are erect.

Phalène Dog Pictures

History & Development

The Phalène was common and used to be kept as a pet even before the Papillon came into the scene from the 16^th century. The many paintings and artworks found from different European countries like France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium suggest that the Phalène was usually associated with the rich and the royals. During the medieval period, the noblemen would keep these lapdogs to keep themselves warm inside their cold, humid castles, and also use them to control rats.

Some people believe that this breed developed from the Cayenne Dog and the European Toy Spaniel, and was introduced to France by King Francois I. However, after the French Revolution, it was Belgium that patronized the dog most warmly.

With the 19^th century, the Papillons gradually started to become much more famous, so much so, that the Phalenes were almost on the verge of extinction. Soon, the fanciers of the breed took initiatives to save the race and began with selective breeding to prevent them from disappearing altogether. At present, the AKC has not recognized this dog separately as an independent breed.

Temperament and Behavior

Like most lapdogs, they are very fond of their masters. They are quite much concerned about the security of their owner’s property. It wouldn’t take the time to bark and alert its owner the moment it finds anything suspicious or fishy around.

They are intelligent and can learn anything you would teach them in exchange for a little hug and attention. However, Phalenes are reserved with strangers. They can withstand heat but are not comfortable with the cold weather.

Training

• Since they are intelligent by birth, training them is an easy task, especially tricks. Utilize their playfulness by teaching them tricky games like tug of war, fetching newspapers or glasses, drive out rats/mice from your garden, etc.
• Socialization training is of utmost importance. Without it, these dogs might end up being wary of strangers, or develop a general tendency of aggression. Take it to the dog park so that they can watch how dogs are playing and interacting with each other.
• If you discover your dog is getting a bit noisy, do not scold it on and often. Basic command training will teach your pup to refrain from unnecessary yelling. Hold its favorite snack close to its mouth, so that it can understand that, it should stop yelling to win that treat.

Diet/Feeding

¼ to ½ cup of dry kibbles daily is recommended for this small but energetic breed.

Interesting Facts

• The breed gets its name Phalène (French for ‘moth’) from its ears that resemble the flat wings of a resting moth (in contrast to the erect-eared Papillon, which means ‘butterfly’ in French).
• A 1737 painting portrays Queen Sophie Dorothea of Prussia sitting with a Phalène dog in her hand.