🐾 Small · France / Belgium
A dainty Continental Toy Spaniel with drooping, fringed ears, the moth-eared variant of the Papillon with the same friendly, alert and highly affectionate temperament toward people.
Phalènes are alert, affectionate and surprisingly confident for their small size, with a pronounced eagerness to learn. They are considered among the most intelligent toy breeds and bond closely with their family.
Despite its small size the Phalène is lively and needs daily walks as well as mental stimulation such as trick training. It adapts, however, to its family's activity level.
The silky, medium-length coat rarely mats and needs brushing only a few times a week. The drop ears should be checked regularly for cleanliness.
Well suited for beginners who take into account the fragility of a small breed and supervise interactions with children. Gentle, consistent training is usually entirely sufficient.
As with many toy breeds, patellar luxation and a collapsing trachea can occur, and particular attention to dental care is needed. Otherwise the breed is considered comparatively healthy and long-lived.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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