Continental Toy Spaniel
Epagneul Nain Continental, Papillon, and Phalène
The Continental Toy Spaniel is a toy breed more commonly known in the United States as the Papillon. The Papillon is actually one of two varieties, the second being the Phalène. The only difference between them is their ears. The Papillon, which is French for butterfly has upright ears, while the Phalène has dropped ears, French for night moth.
Continental Toy Spaniel Standards
- 8-11"
- 9-10 lbs
- small, spaniel-like breed
- either erect or drop ears
- long tail is plummed and well arched over body
- coat is long, fine, silky, and straight
- white with any secondary color markings
History of the Continental Toy Spaniel
The Continental Toy Spaniel was developed in Europe, but where it originated on the continent is debated. It is among the oldest European breeds, with paintings depicting dogs of this type dating back to 13th century. Legend says that Marie Antoinette was clutching one of these spaniels as she walked to the guillotine. The Federation Cynologique Internationale recognizes their country of origin as both France and Belgium, but it may well be that they were first bred in Italy. Records exist of King Louis XIV importing dogs from Italy to France for his court, where they arrived in small cages on the backs of mules.
Regardless of which country can claim ownership of the breed, most experts believe the Continental Toy Spaniel is, as its name suggests, a member of the spaniel family. However, where spaniels themselves originated is not known. It has been argued they descend from Spanish breeds, oriental, or native dogs from the British Isles.
More recently, some experts have argued the Continental Toy Spaniel’s ancestors are members of the spitz family. The truth may lie somewhere in between both theories. Historically the Continental Toy Spaniel was primarily seen with drop ears until the 1800s. Prior to that time, it was rare for the Papillon variety to appear in litters. It seems logical that an outcross - perhaps from a spitz - created the erect ears.
Today the Papillon far outnumbers the Phalène and this trend is likely to continue as the Papillon gains popularity in the United States.