The Original Continental Toy Spaniel

The Phalene or “moth” is the drop-eared variety of the Papillon breed. It was the original variety of the breed and was depicted by “the old Masters,” painters in the 15th century. It took several hundred years before the erect eared variety emerged. As the popularity of the Papillon soared, the Phalene became quite rare. In the past 20 to 30 years, the Phalene is making a small but growing comeback with more and more fanciers singing their praises.

The genetics of the drop-ear feature is not completely understood. You can see drop-eared puppies from erect-eared parents and you will find erect-eared puppies out of Phalene parents. You can see both drop and erect-eared puppies out of almost any combination of parents. It is a challenge, but when you get a beautiful Phalene, it is almost like hitting the lottery.

About Phalenes

In the United States, Phalenes compete head to head with the erect-eared Papillon. In fact, their AKC breed registration states Papillon as the breed. They are similar in all respects except the ear carriage is carried completely dropped. In Europe, the Phalene is a separate variety/breed and competes only against other Phalenes. In the U.K., they compete as one breed.

Phalenes are very much outnumbered by their erect-eared counterparts, there are only a handful of breeders/fanciers who breed and show them. Many phalenes in the U.S. are imports from overseas where the numbers are more plentiful.
Please visit http://www.phalenes.com to learn more about these wonderful companions.

Millennium Phalene Pictorial

In 2005, Jeri Naylor, Deb Cawley and I authored and edited a full-color book on Phalenes from around the world. It brought into one place, the photos, pedigrees, vital statistics, owner/breeder contacts as well as articles from fanciers everywhere for over 130 phalenes. This book is now sold out and out of print.

The Night Wing Edition

There is a quarterly color newsletter called The Night Wing Edition that is devoted entirely to the Phalene with contributors from around the world and edited by Jeri Naylor and Carol Wolf.

To subscribe, contact Carol at hans.wolf@worldnet.att.net.