Continental Toy Spaniel: features and content tips

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 set ears of the dog. The breed standards are designed for both varieties and make it easy to determine which type the animal belongs to.

The description of the dwarf spaniel always begins with an indication of its size and weight. But for amateur breeders, the outward appeal, obedience and lightness of the character of this companion dog is much more important. Characteristics and content advice will be of interest to those who are just planning to purchase this dog.

The decorative breed of dogs Continental Toy Spaniel appeared in the Middle Ages, when the fashion for dwarf pets penetrated European castles and palaces. Documentary evidence of its existence has been known since the 13th century. Especially often depicted continental toy spaniels on their canvases by Renaissance painters.

Papillons with original erect ears wide open like butterfly wings look more like modern toy terriers. Falenas with hanging ears resemble other spaniel breeds. However, in addition to the shape of the ears of the dog, they have no differences. They are miniature and easy to maintain.

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

For centuries, continental toy spaniels have lived in the most comfortable conditions and have been favorites of monarchs throughout Europe. But by the 19th century, their popularity began to decline. New bourgeois trends did not welcome the spread of the attributes of luxury, to which dwarf dogs were assigned. However, loyal fans of falen and papillons have existed at all times. It is thanks to these enthusiasts that the breed has survived to the present day.

The breed standard Continental Toy Spaniel carefully describes all of its characteristics. Dwarf animals are 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 coat with characteristic shine, without undercoat, with curl;
• color - spotted, necessarily on a white background, the shape and color of the marks are not regulated, a snow-white cut on the forehead is desirable;
• thin bones with feet in a hare type, hard paw pads;
• well set tailthrowing itself on his back when the animal is experiencing animation;
• body compact, lower back slightly convex, groin slightly tightened;
• broad, well-defined chestbent forward;
• ears wide apart, thin, outside and inside covered with long soft hair;
• eyes low-set, almost in the nose, almond-shaped, rather large, dark brown color;
• lips brightly pigmented, dry, tight-fitting;
• teeth white, on strong jaws, closed in a scissor bite;
• skull slightly rounded, with a clear stop and median groove, pointed muzzle;
• nose lobe black color.

Tribal marriage includes continental toy spaniels that have obvious defects in appearance. These include jaw closure, behavioral defects - cowardice, aggressiveness. Undesirable are a flat skull, too small or excessively convex eyeballs. It is considered a marriage of brown or depigmented nose, distorted nose, the presence of pink speckles on the eyelids.

In its temperament, the continental toy spaniel refers to balanced, calm dogs that can be affectionate with the owner and distrustful of strangers. The animal has a cheerful, playful disposition, loves entertainment and active pastime, gets along with children. You can get it as a companion and get a loyal companion for many years.

In the absence of proper attention to them, the phalaenas and papillons are quite jealous - You can compensate for this moment by taking two puppies at once, which will brighten up each other's leisure time in the absence of the owner.

Continental toy spaniels, like other breeds related to them, are prone to overeating, easily gain fat mass. But if for the puppy a slight puffiness of the body is acceptable, it spoils the adult dog. That is why, upon reaching six months of age, animals are transferred to a full-fledged adult diet with food 2-3 times a day.

High-energy foods — natural meats and liver, carefully cut into small pieces — are usually included in the puppy's diet. Also in the diet are vegetables - boiled and fresh, dairy products of low fat content.About 30% of the diet is cereal, milk or cooked in meat broth. With natural feeding, it is imperative to introduce additional vitamin and mineral supplements that allow enriching the nutrition with the necessary substances.

The optimal solution for an adult continental toy spaniel is to receive ready-made food for small dogs twice a day. It is permissible to use only premium and super-premium products, as well as holistic categories.

The standard amount of food for an adult dog is 200-300 g per day, you can dilute the finished meal with broth for better absorption.

Continental toy spaniels are banned from a range of products:

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

Due to the fact that the continental toy spaniel has a compact size, its content does not cause trouble to the owner. The dog has enough space both in the city small-sized apartment and in the country house. But the lack of undercoat requires the purchase of warm winter blankets or overalls for them, in addition, a stove bench in the house should also be placed away from drafts. In the summer, animals can get a sunstroke with prolonged exposure to the sun - in the midday heat it is better to walk in the shade.

The continental toy spaniel, neat by nature, usually does not seek to conquer bushes or take mud baths - the animal stays clean during walks. But caring for their fur is still time consuming. Animals need daily thorough combing, to avoid the formation of tangles. Periodically, dogs are sheared and washed, ensuring their hygiene is maintained at a high level. Be sure to treat parasites, take measures to prevent infection with fleas and ticks.

Continental toy spaniels have a rather vulnerable dentition, they easily form tartar, which must be removed regularly. 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 falen and papillons must be carefully examined and cleaned of impurities emitted by sulfur. Any change in the nature of the plaque, dog anxiety, thickening of the auricles - an occasion to contact a veterinarian.

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

Despite their good looks and contact, continental toy spaniels are notable for their stubborn stubbornness when it comes to training. However, if you turn study into a game, a falen or papillon will happily support it and easily master the necessary skills.

Training usually begins at 3-4 months. By this time, the puppy should already have learned its nickname, know where its toilet is, its place. Continental toy spaniels are quite easily accustomed to the tray and keep clean in the house. 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”, “You can’t”, “Fu”, “Voice”, “Sit”, “Lie” - is carried out in stages, with the repetition of already acquired skills. You can use the treat to consolidate the desired skill. During training, you should not raise your voice, show aggression, but also let the pet stubbornly - a bad move. It is better to find a compromise, temporarily change activities, and then return to the development of 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 hold balance well on their hind legs, are able to rotate around themselves, demonstrate other unusual skills, and even participate in agility.

On the features of the continental toy spaniel, see below.