Pet Wiki

Phalène

Also called Continental Toy Spaniel (drop-eared), Épagneul Nain Continental Phalène, Drop-eared Papillon

VarietyFCI group 9Short profile

From France and Belgium12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male1.5 to 4.5 kg3
Weight, female1.5 to 5 kg3
Heightup to 28 cm3
Lifespan12 to 16 years456
Sizetoy

FCI weight classes: under 2.5 kg, or 2.5-4.5 kg for dogs and 2.5-5 kg for bitches; minimum 1.5 kg.

quick to learn
playful and affectionate
elegant yet sturdy
23

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, single, silky

A dainty toy spaniel with a long, glossy, gently wavy coat and no undercoat. Its high-set ears hang down but stay mobile and are framed by long fringes of hair.32

Colourswhite with patches of any colour (white predominant on body and legs)3

Personality what they are like

A bright, lively companion that loves its family and enjoys play and lap time alike. It can be cautious with new people, so early and gentle socialising helps, and it makes an alert little watchdog.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. Short daily walks and indoor games suit it, and its sharp mind enjoys training and dog sports.26

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush the silky single coat a couple of times a week, taking care with the ear fringes. Having no undercoat, it feels the cold more than double-coated dogs.25

Home where they are happiest

Adapts well to flats and houses; keep it warm in cold weather because of its thin single coat.2

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and happiest living close to its family; socialise it early with people and other animals.2

The story where it all began

The Phalène is the older, drop-eared form of the Continental Toy Spaniel, and spaniels with this look appear in European paintings from around the 1500s. Erect ears became fashionable in the late 1800s, and the drop-eared type grew rare by the mid-20th century until dedicated breeders kept it going.24

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    "Phalène" is French for a night moth, a nod to how its lowered ears look like folded moth wings next to the butterfly-eared Papillon.2

  2. 2

    Papillon and Phalène puppies can be born in the same litter.2

  3. 3

    Spaniels with the Phalène's drooping ears can be seen in Titian paintings from around 1500.4

  4. 4

    The FCI standard sets two weight classes, including one for dogs under 2.5 kg.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Phalène comes from the French word for 'moth,' referring to the drop-eared variety of the Continental Toy Spaniel, while the erect-eared variety is called Papillon, meaning 'butterfly.'2

Name ideas for your new friend

BijouCocoFifiGigiLoulouMimiPapillonPepitePetitPomponTitiZizi

A day in the life told by a Phalène

This morning I woke up on my favourite cushion, stretched, and did a little dance to remind my human it's walk time. After a short stroll, we played fetch with a squeaky ball. Then I curled up on the sofa for a snuggle, watching the window for any delivery people to announce. In the afternoon, my human taught me a new trick, and I got a treat. Now I'm dozing in a sunbeam, happy and loved.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Drop-eared variety of the Continental Toy Spaniel, Standard No. 77, Group 9; definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1954; both varieties compete for the CACIB1
AKC
Registered and shown together with the Papillon as one breed4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Phalène. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Phalène, and at what times?

Feed your adult Phalène at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Stick to regular times each day, and follow the food label for amounts. For exact portions, ask your vet.7

What should a Phalène eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its size and age. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a complete list.8

How often should I bathe a Phalène?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days (about 8 weeks). The general guideline is at least once every three months, but you can bathe more often if needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Phalène need brushing?

Brush your Phalène's silky coat a couple of times a week, and be gentle with the ear fringes. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, but daily brushing is also recommended for long silky coats.259 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Phalène's nails, and how often?

Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every three weeks. Cut a small amount at a time to avoid the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Phalène need?

Your Phalène needs moderate exercise: short daily walks and indoor play sessions. It also enjoys training and dog sports to keep its mind sharp. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity daily.26 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Phalène's teeth and ears?

Brush your Phalène's teeth daily with dog toothpaste, or at least two to three times a week. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Phalène live?

A Phalène typically lives between 12 and 16 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.456

Is a Phalène good with children and other pets?

Yes, with early and gentle socialisation, a Phalène can be good with children and other pets. It loves its family and enjoys play, but may be cautious with strangers. Supervise interactions with very young children.23

Can a Phalène be left alone?

Phalènes are very people-focused and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They may develop separation anxiety if left too often. If you must leave them, provide toys and a safe space, and consider a pet sitter.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI nomenclature: Continental Toy Spaniel (77) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. Wikipedia: Phalène en.wikipedia.orgused for history, temperament, facts
  3. FCI standard No. 77 fci.beused for size, weight, coat, colour, ears
  4. Wikipedia: Papillon dog en.wikipedia.orgused for lifespan, history, AKC status
  5. VCA: Papillon vcahospitals.comused for lifespan, grooming
  6. Royal Kennel Club: Papillon royalkennelclub.comused for lifespan, exercise
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.