Revival Of The Phalene
By Roseann Fucillo
Published in September 2005 AKC GAZETTE

The Phalene has slowly been making a comeback here in the United States.  No longer is this lovely drop-eared variety considered the second class citizen or stepchild of the Papillon.  Phalenes are now given the recognition and equal respect they have long deserved, including winning at shows and nationals and being portrayed on club logos.  After all, it was the Phalene who was the original version, the Continental toy spaniel we find depicted in Italian frescos and paintings from as early as the 14th century.

Major efforts have been made to improve the gene pool of Phalenes in this country importing some lovely breeding stock.  As a result, we are now seeing prettier Phalene head types with sweet expressions and well-proportioned bodies rather than the more common types of yesteryear.   Gone are the coarse, plain heads with long muzzles on leggy, heavy-boned bodies.  A well-structured Phalene is equally as elegant, and can certainly cover ground as well as any well-structured Papillon.

After years of seeing only a few Phalenes at a national, I was very impressed this year to see such a lovely representation of so many quality Phalenes at the PCA national specialty held in Springdale, Ohio in 2005.  There were six dogs and eight bitches in the open drop-ear classes.  Several other very lovely Phalenes shown in BB made the cuts, and one received an AOM.

At the national, the Phalene fanciers held a meeting to survey and discuss many issues facing this variety.  Some of the controversies were mentioned at the PCA annual membership meeting, including the possibility of dividing this variety from the Papillon.  Some say we would be making “cheap champions” of the Phalenes, since the numbers necessary to make points would be fewer if the varieties were divided.  Others say it would be much too difficult to obtain any points at all, let alone majors, due to the small numbers of dogs being shown.  Also, if they were to be divided, we would not be able to interbreed the two varieties.

For Phalene fanciers, there is a newsletter dedicated to the variety called Night Wing Edition, published quarterly by Jeri Naylor and Carol Wolf.  Each issue features many color photos of Phalenes from around the world, along with articles of interest.  For more information contact Carol Wolf at 32328 10th Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98003.  I wish the breeders much success in their diligent revival of our lovely drop-ear variety.

On a different note, as a ringside observer at the national specialty this year, my only criticism was an unfortunate new style of handler presentation in which dogs were raced at excessive speed around the ring.  This is not the way a Papillon should be presented, particularly at a national specialty where dogs are traditionally showcased.  I’ve seen handlers start trends in grooming, and I would hate to see this incorrect method of presentation become a national trend.  It is not a pretty sight to see a Papillon’s legs move so fast; you lose the elegance and style of the breed.

Published with permission from the AKC GAZETTE.  This article is not to be copied, whole or in part, without written permission from the author.