Continental Toy Spaniel: Characteristics and Content Tips

The Continental Toy Spaniel is a rare dwarf breed with an original decorative appearance and good character. Its second name - papillon or falen - is used depending on the position of the dog's ears. Breed standards are developed for both species and make it easy to determine what type of animal it is.

Description dwarf spaniel always begins with an indication of its size and weight. But for amateur breeders, external attractiveness, obedience and lightness of the character of this companion dog are much more important. Characteristics and tips on the content will be of interest to those who are only planning to purchase this dog.

The decorative breed of dogs Continental Toy Spaniel appeared in the Middle Ages, when the fashion for dwarf pets got into European castles and palaces. Documentary evidence of its existence is known from the XIII century. Particularly often depicted continental toy-spaniels on their canvases by Renaissance painters.

Papillons with original erect ears, open like butterfly wings, are more like modern toy terriers. Fallen ears have similarities with other Spaniel breeds. However, in addition to the shape of the ears of the dog do not have differences. They are miniature and easy to maintain.

There is no consensus regarding the original historical origin of the continental toy-spaniel. There are opinions that the roots of the breed lead to the territory of Belgium or France. But all the dog experts do not deny the relationship with the German dwarf spitz - it was from them that the dog got its bright appearance and characteristic edge on the ears, neck, legs, tail. As one more ancestor of the Toy Spaniel, the Espanyol-Nen breed, popular among the Belgian aristocracy, is mentioned.

For centuries, continental toy spaniels lived in the most comfortable conditions and were the favorites of monarchs throughout Europe. But by the XIX century, their popularity began to decline. New bourgeois currents did not welcome the spread of attributes of luxury, which were also related to dwarf dogs. However, the faithful fans of phalen and papillon existed at all times. It is thanks to these enthusiasts that the breed has survived to this day.

The standard breed of the continental toy spaniel carefully describes all its characteristics. Dwarf animals have a compact, strong, but at the same time elegant physique. Miniature pets grow up to 28 cm and gain body weight from 2.5 to 5 kg. The life span of a continental toy spaniel is up to 14 years.

According to the current breed standard, dogs must have the following characteristics:

• long thick hair with characteristic shine, without undercoat, with a curl;
• color - spotted, always on a white background, the shape and color of the marks are not regulated, a snow-white groove on the forehead is desirable;
• fine boned limbs with feet along the hare type, with rigid paw pads;
• high set, well tail trimmedthrowing himself on his back when the animal is reviving;
• body compact, loin slightly arched, groin slightly tucked up;
• wide, well-defined chestcurved forward;
• ears wide apartthin, outside and inside covered with long soft hair;
• eyes low set, almost in the nose, almond-shaped, rather large, dark brown;
• lips brightly pigmented, dry, tight;
• teeth white, with strong jaws, closed in a scissor bite;
• skull slightly rounded, with a clear foot and median sulcus, pointed muzzle;
• nose lobe black color.

Tribal marriages include continental toy spaniels that have obvious defects in appearance. These include the non-closure of the jaws, malformations - cowardice, aggressiveness. A flat skull, too small or overly bulging eyeballs are considered undesirable. Brown or depigmented nose, distorted nose, and pink specks on the eyelids are considered a marriage.

By its temperament, the continental toy-spaniel is a balanced, calm dog, which can be affectionate with the owner and mistrustful of strangers. The animal has a cheerful, playful disposition, loves entertainment and active pastime, gets along with children. It can be purchased as a companion and get a faithful companion for many years.

In the absence of due attention to them, the fallen and papillon are quite jealous. - it is possible to compensate this moment by taking two puppies at once, which will brighten each other's leisure time in the absence of the owner.

Continental toy spaniels, like other related breeds, are prone to overeating, easily gaining fat mass. But if for a puppy light bulk of the body is permissible, it spoils an adult dog. That is why, on reaching the age of six months, animals are transferred to a full-fledged adult diet with food 2-3 times a day.

In the puppy diet is usually included high-energy food - natural meat and liver, carefully cut into small pieces. Also in the diet includes vegetables - boiled and fresh, dairy products with reduced fat content. About 30% in the diet is occupied by cereals, milk or cooked in meat broth. With natural feeding, it is necessary to introduce additional vitamin and mineral supplements that will enrich the diet with necessary substances.

The best solution for an adult Continental Toy Spaniel is to get ready-made feed for small dogs twice a day. Only premium and super premium products, as well as holistic categories, are acceptable.

Standard adult dog nutrition amounts are 200-300 g per day., you can dilute the finished food broth for better absorption.

Under the ban for continental toy spaniels, a number of products

• nuts and legumes that can lead to obesity;
• smoked meat;
• carbohydrate-rich vegetables and fruits (potatoes, grapes, melons);
• sweet and flour delicacies;
• fried foods;
• raw or boiled bones;
• part of animal products - pork, butter, fatty milk.

Due to the fact that the continental Toy Spaniel has a compact size, its content does not cause trouble to the owner. There is enough space for a dog in an urban small apartment and in a country house. But the lack of an undercoat requires the purchase of a warm winter blanket or overalls for them, in addition, the cot in the house should also be placed away from drafts. In the summer, animals can get a sunstroke while staying in the sun for a long time - in the midday heat it is better to walk in the shade.

The continental toy Spaniel, which is neat by nature, usually does not want to conquer thickets of bushes or take mud baths - while walking the animal remains clean. But caring for their hair still takes a lot of time.Animals need daily thorough combing to avoid the formation of mats. Periodically, dogs are sheared, washed, ensuring that their hygiene is maintained at a high level. Be sure to be treated from parasites, measures are taken to prevent infection with fleas and ticks.

Continental toy spaniels have a rather vulnerable dental-maxillary apparatus, they easily form tartar, which must be regularly removed. At home, cleaning is carried out several times using a special veterinary paste. Periodically, you should also visit the dentist's office - for examination and professional removal of plaque and stone.

The auricles of both the phalenes and the papillons must be carefully inspected and cleaned of the impurities produced by the sulfur. Any change in the nature of the plaque, anxiety of the dog, a thickening of the auricles is a reason for going to the veterinarian.

As for walking, the animals need to be satisfied with their physical activity - the continental toy-spaniel should spend at least 1-3 hours a day in motion, in the fresh air. In winter, double walks are preserved, but they become shorter.

Despite their prettiness and contact, continental toy spaniels are distinguished by enviable stubbornness when it comes to learning. However, if you turn your studies into a game, falen or papillon will gladly support it and easily master the necessary skills.

Training usually starts in 3-4 months. By this time, the puppy should already learn his nickname, to know where his toilet is, the place. Continental toy spaniels quite easily accustomed to the tray and keep the house clean. This is very convenient if the owner spends all day at work and the animal is left alone.

The study of the basic set of commands - "To me", "It is impossible", "Fu", "Voice", "Sit", "Lie" - is carried out in stages, with the repetition of already learned. You can use the delicacy to consolidate the desired skill. During training, you should not raise your voice, show aggression, but also allow your pet to stubborn - a bad move. It is better to find a compromise, change activities for a while, and then return to mastering a complex team.

It is worth noting that dogs of this breed can easily cope with the study of much more complex tricks. For example, they keep their balance well on their hind legs, are able to rotate around themselves, demonstrate other unusual skills, and even participate in agility.

See the features of the Continental Toy Spaniel below.