Continental toy spaniel

Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog continental toy spaniel!

Here, you will find all the useful information about continental toy spaniel. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.

Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.

Overall description of the breed

Its origins are basically European, a very old breed, the Continental Toy Spaniel appears on numerous paintings dating from the Renaissance, so we can trace its origins back to the medieval period. Its contemporary history dates back to the beginning of the 19th century, particularly in France and Belgium, where it was developed and selected by numerous breeders. Prized by the bourgeoisie, it is a noble dog with a proud appearance and a strong presence.

There are two distinct varieties of this breed, one called "Papillon" with straight ears, the other "Phalène" with floppy ears. Although differentiated by a clear standard, some countries refer to the breed directly as the Papillon Continental Toy Spaniel, thus describing the Phalene as a variant. It was officially recognised by the International Cynological Federation under the shared patronage of France and Belgium on 1 January 1954. The last update of the official standard in force was published on 17 September 1990.

The Continental Toy Spaniel is a small dog, but don't let its size fool you. With its harmonious and balanced lines, it is a solidly built companion despite its frail appearance. Particularly at home in a family environment, they are gentle and tender at the same time, a wonderful companion for everyday life.

As stated above, there are two varieties within this breed, the butterfly (straight ears) and the moth (floppy ears), the ear carriage being the only way to distinguish them, as they are morphologically identical. The body is slightly longer than it is tall, rectangular in shape, with a straight topline, solid loins and a discreetly raised belly. His slender appearance conceals a robust dog with a well developed musculature, a deep chest and a thick neck.

His head is round in proportion to the rest of his body, his small bright eyes give him a particularly expressive air which reflects his intelligence, the muzzle is of moderate length and his stop clearly marked. The coat is long, thick and silky, discreetly wavy and flat over the whole body. All colours are permitted by the breed standard on a white coat.

The character of the Continental Toy Spaniel is the perfect definition of a companion dog, affectionate and demonstrative towards its owners, it is particularly attached to its social group. His fusional temperament makes him an endearing animal, however, the love he has for his masters will often create anxiety if their absences are repeated, it is an animal that will have a lot of difficulty to support solitude. It is strongly advised to get the dog used to being alone from a young age, so as not to reinforce this trait.

Playful and energetic, the Continental Toy Spaniel will appreciate family playtime, will always want to please you and will cooperate very easily when it comes to perfecting its education. With good adaptability, he can be calm indoors if his environment is suitable. Pleasant to live with and willing, he is a faithful companion who will want only one thing throughout his life, to blossom with you.

Adult: The Continental Toy Spaniel will weigh from 2.20 to 11 lbs for males and from 2.2 to 8.8 lbs for females, and will be approximately 11" at the withers.

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Origins

The Continental Toy Spaniel, also known as the Papillon or Phalène, originates from Europe, mainly from France and Belgium. This ancient breed, dating back to the Middle Ages, descends from small court spaniels. These dogs were highly coveted by European nobility and often appeared in the art of the time. Their elegance and small size made them popular companions among aristocrats and kings, including Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette.

History

The history of the Continental Toy Spaniel is rich and fascinating. Since the Middle Ages, these small dogs were the favorites of European royal and aristocratic courts. The Papillon, with its straight ears shaped like butterfly wings, and the Phalène, with drooping ears, evolved in parallel. Artists of the 17th and 18th centuries, such as Rubens and Watteau, often depicted these dogs in their paintings, highlighting their popularity. In the 20th century, the breed was standardized and officially recognized by international canine clubs.

Standard

The Continental Toy Spaniel standard describes an elegant and small dog. Males and females measure between 20 and 28 cm at the withers and weigh between 1.5 and 5 kg. Their coat is long, silky and abundant, without an undercoat, with fringes on the ears, legs and tail. The Papillon has straight, wide-set ears well furnished with hair, while the Phalène has drooping ears.The colors of the coat can be varied, but white must always dominate. The head is proportioned with bright and expressive dark-colored eyes.

Physical characteristics

The Continental Toy Spaniel is a small dog, measuring between 20 and 28 cm at the withers and weighing between 1.5 and 5 kg. Its coat is long, silky, and without an undercoat, often adorned with fringes on the ears, legs, and tail. The Papillon is characterized by straight and spread ears, while the Phalène has drooping ears. Their eyes are large, dark, and expressive. The body is well-proportioned, with a deep chest and slender but sturdy limbs. Their tail, in plume, is proudly carried over the back.

Character

The Continental Toy Spaniel is known for its cheerful, intelligent, and affectionate nature. It is a lively and curious dog, always ready to play and interact with its owners. It is very sociable and gets along well with children and other pets. Its intelligence makes it easy to train, and it often excels in disciplines like agility and obedience. Despite its small size, it is brave and can be protective towards its family. Its gentle and loving nature makes it an excellent companion dog.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of the Continental Toy Spaniel is generally 12 to 15 years, or even longer with proper care. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is crucial to provide a balanced diet, regular veterinary care and a loving environment. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help detect and treat any potential illness quickly. By giving the Continental Toy Spaniel continuous attention and a healthy lifestyle, owners can maximize its life expectancy and ensure that it remains a happy and healthy companion.

Exercise and activity needs

Despite its small size, the Continental Toy Spaniel has moderate exercise needs. He enjoys daily walks and play sessions, which are essential to maintain his physical and mental health. Activities such as agility, obedience, and interactive games are particularly beneficial for him. Although he can adapt to apartment living, he also enjoys having access to a secure garden where he can exercise. A stimulating environment is crucial to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Recommended diet

The food of the Continental Toy Spaniel must be balanced and adapted to its small size and level of activity. High-quality food specially formulated for small breeds is recommended. Portions should be monitored to avoid overweight, a common problem in small breeds. A mix of premium kibble and fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits can make up an ideal diet. Dietary needs may vary depending on the age, weight, and activity of the dog, so it is advisable to regularly consult a veterinarian to adjust its diet.

Training and obedience

The education of the Continental Toy Spaniel must begin at a young age. Intelligent and eager to please, he responds well to positive and consistent training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are particularly effective for this breed. Early socialization is crucial to familiarize him with different people, animals, and environments. Patience and consistency are essential for successful training, ensuring that this dog is well-balanced, obedient, and happy.

Behavior with children

The Continental Toy Spaniel is generally very good with children. Its gentle and affectionate nature makes it an excellent companion for families. It tolerates children's games well and enjoys their company. However, due to its small size, it is important to supervise interactions to avoid any accidental incidents. Teaching children to respect the dog and to be gentle with it will contribute to a harmonious and incident-free relationship. Its patience and gentleness make it a valuable friend for young children.

Compatibility with Other Animals

The Continental Toy Spaniel is generally sociable and gets along well with other pets, especially if properly socialized from a young age. It can peacefully coexist with other dogs and even with cats. Its gentle and friendly nature facilitates positive interactions with its congeners. However, as with all dogs, proper introductions and initial supervision are recommended to ensure that interactions go smoothly. Its peaceful nature makes it adaptable to different living environments.

Grooming needs

Grooming of the Continental Toy Spaniel requires regular attention due to its long, silky coat. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent knots and tangles, as well as to remove debris and dead hair. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary. It is also important to check and clean its ears to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and occasional baths will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. Regular dental care is also essential to prevent oral problems.

Health

The Continental Toy Spaniel is generally a robust breed with few major health problems. However, as with all breeds, some health issues may arise. Common conditions include patellar luxation, dental problems, and certain eye diseases. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent veterinary visits help maintain its health. Prevention through regular care and attention to signs of illness is essential to ensure a long and healthy life.

Average price

The price of a Continental Toy Spaniel puppy can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the breeder's reputation, the parent's lineage, and the geographic region. In general, you can expect to pay between 800 and 1,500 euros (or between 900 and 1,700 dollars) for a puppy of this breed. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who adheres to breed standards and conducts necessary health tests to ensure the puppies' good health.

Expenses

Annual expenses for a Continental Toy Spaniel include food, veterinary care, grooming, and various accessories. For food, budget around 300 to 500 euros (330 to 550 dollars) per year. Routine veterinary care, including vaccines and annual check-ups, can cost around 200 to 400 euros (220 to 440 dollars). Grooming, depending on frequency and location, may represent an annual cost of 100 to 300 euros (110 to 330 dollars). Accessories and toys can add around 50 to 150 euros (55 to 165 dollars).

Name ideas

Choosing a name for a Continental Toy Spaniel can be a fun task. For a male, "Papillon" could reflect his butterfly-like ears. "Louis" is a nod to French nobility. "Chico" means "small" in Spanish, fitting for his size. For a female, "Belle" symbolizes her beauty. "Fleur" evokes her gentleness. "Pearl" reminds of her rarity and brilliance. Other names like "Bijou" for her elegance, "Luna" for her sweetness, "Coco" for her liveliness, and "Mimi" for her tenderness are also suitable.

Legislation and regulation

As for legislation and regulations, the Continental Toy Spaniel is not subject to any particular ban. As with all dogs, it is important to comply with local laws regarding registration, vaccination, and control of pets. Owners must also ensure that their dog is well trained and socialized to avoid any problematic behavior. Rules may vary by country and region, so it is advisable to inquire with local authorities.

Official recognition

The Continental Toy Spaniel is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard no.77. The breed is also recognized by other worldwide cynological registers such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. In France, the official organization responsible for this breed is the Club de l'Épagneul Nain Continental. This organization works on promoting, preserving, and improving the breed through breeding programs and exhibitions.

Pedigrees

Pedigrees of the Continental Toy Spaniel are available from various breed clubs and canine registries. These documents provide detailed information about the dog's lineage, including the medical history and show successes of its ancestors. In France, the Continental Toy Spaniel Club and the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) are the main sources for obtaining these pedigrees. These documents are essential for breeders and owners wishing to understand and preserve the genetic qualities of the breed.

Destination and usage

The Continental Toy Spaniel is primarily intended to be a companion dog, appreciated for its gentle and affectionate nature. Although it has roots as a noble dog, it excels today as a family companion. Its intelligence and playful nature make it suitable for various living environments. It enjoys participating in leisure activities and can also excel in disciplines such as agility. Its small size and pleasant temperament make it an excellent dog for apartment living.

Prohibitions

To this day, the Continental Toy Spaniel is not subject to specific restrictions on possession or reproduction in countries or regions around the world. However, owners should always inquire about local dog laws, as regulations can vary significantly from one place to another. Some areas may have specific restrictions on owning certain dog breeds or impose strict rules on the care and control of pets.

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