All about Falen

Today, as a pet, man contains many different animals. However, dogs are rightly considered the most sought-after four-legged comrades. Among the numerous breeds of these animals, it is worth noting the falens, notable for their exterior and centuries-old friendship with man.

The time of appearance of the breed can be judged on the basis of documentary and artistic evidence. As for falen, the earliest references to such dogs were found 800 years ago. In those days, the registration of the rocks was not carried out, therefore, information about the variety of the continental toy-spaniel was noted from the images on the canvases of artists of those times. Now there are several opinions regarding the birthplace of the Fallen. According to one version of the dog were bred in Mexico, the second option should be considered China. However, the breed reached its peak in Belgium and in France. Falen in translation means "moth", due to a similar name by external features of the structure and coat of the ears. Initially, at the time of the birth and formation of the breed, animals were born with long hanging ears. In the litter, dogs with erect ears were extremely rare.

In the XIX century in France carried out the division of the breed into falenov - dogs with hanging ears and papillons - animals with standing ears. The first type was especially popular among crowned women at the court, but during the revolution, the fall was almost destroyed. It was possible to save representatives of the breed thanks to immigrants who saved their pets by leaving the country. So "moths" appeared in America. The fashion for such decorative pets returned at the end of the last century.

Modern standards established for dogs of this breed are somewhat different from the exterior of animals in the era of their appearance. Now the dogs at the withers reach 28-30 centimeters. There are two types of falenov based on the weight of animals:

• pets weighing up to 2.5 kilograms;
• dogs whose weight for males can vary between 2.5-4.5 kilograms, for females - 2.5-5 kilograms.

And also among the representatives of the breed you can find small pets, the mass of which will not exceed 1.5 kilograms.

There are also characteristics related to the exterior of Continental Toy Spaniels.

• The animal should have a rounded skull, on the face a pronounced stop. And also on a nose bridge the furrow is visualized. The dog has a slightly pointed muzzle, the dimensions of which will be smaller compared to the skull. At the same time the nose is narrow, at the end there is a lobe, painted in a dark color. Snub nose is considered a deviation from the standards.
• The eyes are large, set wide apart, in shape close to the almond-shaped. The iris is colored dark, the eyelids have pigmented black edges.
• The teeth are white, the jaws are well developed, the bite is scissor-like in animals, and the incisors should be hidden under the lips.
• The ears will be large in size, the shape of a triangular with a rounded edge, decorated with long hair. They are located practically on the occipital part of the skull, thanks to which the forehead acquires a rounded shape.
• The neck is medium in length, well developed, without folds, a small bend is permissible.
• The build of fallen strong, the body is square, slightly elongated. A back without a deflection, a waist is wide. Chest muscled, set deep, bulging ribs.
• The paws of dogs of this breed are even, have average sizes, are located in parallel. The fingers are closed, there may be wool inside, the color of the claws will vary depending on the coat color of the pet.
• Phalenes have a long, highly set tail, its dimensions allow the tip to lie on its back. As a rule, its length does not exceed 15 centimeters, it has long hair.
• Wool cover in animals may have a wave, but curls or curls are a deviation from the standards of the breed. There is an undercoat all over the body. Coat moderately soft, shiny. The length will vary depending on the location. So, a shorter dog is concentrated on the head and the outer part of the paws. The body itself and the chest are usually covered with long hair. On the back of the limbs there are tows.
• The color of the fallen in most cases will be white with multi-colored spots. Spots can be concentrated around the eyes, on the neck, on the back.

The breed is inherent in a friendly and docile disposition, which is why these animals are recommended for keeping in families with children. The dog can also be a faithful companion for the elderly. A pet at a young age and already an adult stands out for its boldness, affection, and contact. Will willingly take part in children's fun and active games. However, in relation to strangers, phalen are wary.

The animal requires regular physical exertion, therefore, walking falen is necessary daily. The dogs have a well-developed intellect, so they are perfectly trainable. If there are other pets in the house, there may be conflicts between the animals in the light of the selection of the leader.

But it should also be noted that the continental toy-spaniel has a rather loud “voice”, therefore it will be an excellent “bell” when keeping a dog in a private house. The animal is very attached to its breeder, with a long separation from the dog may begin to depression.

The breed is characterized by strengths and weaknesses. So, the advantages of decorative dogs include the following characteristics:

• pet's attractive exterior and small size, which makes it easy to keep at home;
• animals have a docile and good temperament;
• phalenes are very loyal to their owner;
• animals have well-developed intelligence;
• It is very easy to care for dogs of this breed.

Among the weaknesses of Toy Spaniels it should be noted:

• shrill barking;
• underdeveloped musculoskeletal corset.

Pet this breed is perfect for inexperienced breeders, because the animal feels good in a private dwelling. However, the dog will require a lot of attention in terms of regular care. First of all it concerns wool, because it is long in a dog - in order to avoid the formation of tangles, the animal must be combed often. Comb the animal with a brush with metal teeth with a rounded end. During the molt, the dog is recommended to comb 2 times a day, paying attention to the ears, armpits and the area in the tail zone.

Some breeders make haircut their pets. Such manipulations are not obligatory for the breed, however, they will significantly increase its decorative appeal. In the winter months, it is recommended to temporarily abandon dog grooming, since the breed does not have a warm undercoat.

And also care will be required to ears and claws of a dog. If the pet spends most of the time at home, he will need to periodically shear his claws so that they do not wrap and grow into limbs. Auricles should be cleaned of sulfur and dirt using wet cotton pads.

It is often not necessary to bathe a dog, since these pets have practically no dog smell. However, when conducting such hygiene procedures, you will need to use special shampoos for long-haired dogs. They will help the wool to become less tangled, and also to look shiny and well-groomed. For falen, you can also use air conditioners and balms.

Attention breeder will require teeth and eyes dogs. Eyes are wiped with wet cotton pads. For cleaning teeth, you can use special toothbrushes and toothpastes for dogs.

The exterior of the dog will largely depend on its diet. For the full development of the animal will need to enter the menu products enriched with vitamins and minerals. Otherwise, the coat may fall out. The dog menu should include the following foods:

• meat and offal;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• dairy products;
• fruits.

The natural menu might look like this:

• meat products and fish in a ratio of 1: 3;
• dairy products and eggs - 1: 3;
• fruits and vegetables - 1: 3.

To replenish the supply of carbohydrates, falen will need to regularly enter into the menu rice and oatmeal.

The dog needs mandatory training. However, during the training of pets should avoid excessive aggression. Animals are well trained not only to prohibit and allow commands, but also to different tricks. Training must be practiced from an early age. The primary task will be to accustom to the nickname and walking on the need.

Since the decorative pet loves to bask in the master's bed, the dog should immediately begin to accustom to his sleeping place. For an animal, you can purchase a bed and place it near the breeder's bed.

Animals will need to buy several toys so that the pet has the opportunity to entertain itself on its own. For these purposes fit different balls, bones, cords. However, when choosing such products, one should ensure that there are no small details, as well as the safety of the material from which the product is made.

Falenov can be taught to go to the toilet at home on the tray or absorbent diaper, but walking with a pet should still be daily.

There are several ways to breed dogs of this breed. The only limitation is crossing with individuals with upright ears, since the offspring will have mixed genes. However, this method is very often used to increase the number of dogs of this breed.

Both variants are actively used by breeders, however, choosing the first method, it is necessary to further cross the animals from this litter with purebred falen to avoid mixing the genes from the other dogs.

Falen are long-livers among the available varieties of decorative dogs. As a rule, with good care, a pet can live with a person of the order of 10-15 years. Among the Spaniels also met dogs who lived to be 15-17 years old. Pets very rarely suffer from diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, in addition, have a strong immunity to many common diseases found among small dogs.

However, animals can suffer from genetic diseases. Among them are more common:

• glaucoma and cataracts;
• retinal atrophy.

In addition to the eyes, in animals the weak point is the locomotor system. Therefore, decorative pets may suffer from dislocation of the knee cups. Adult dogs can have pathology of the organs of hearing, diabetes. Prevention of the development of many diseases will be mandatory timely vaccination, regular examination of the veterinarian, a balanced diet.

About the features of continental toy spaniels, see below.