History of the Phalene Dog (drop ear version of the Papillon Dog

Woman Reading A Letter
c1660-1662, by Gerard Terborch

The actual history of the Phalene Dog is mostly recognised by old paintings and writings. Royal families in medieval times used this little lap dog to keep them warm in the drafty castles .They where also used as rat catchers in the hallways and rooms. And as they became beloved pets of these family members, they where soon bred to be a lap dog as a purpose.
France, Spain, Italy, Belgium where the main countries in which to find Phalenes.

Woman Washing Hands
c1655, by Gerard Terborch

The oldest known portrait with a Phalene is an Italian one.
Breeds such as the Cayenne Dog, and the European Toy Spaniel are believed to be the predecessors of the Phalene Dog.In history, the Phalene Dog had many names, such as:
Little Squirrel Dog, Belgium Toy Spaniel, Royal Toy Spaniel, Epagneul Dwarf Spaniel.
Many royal families owned a Phalene Dog. The best known are King Louis XIV, King Henry III, Madame Pompadour, as well as Marie Antoinette. King John III of Sweden was married to a Polish Princess, Catharina Jagellonica, which brought her Phalene with her from Poland. The dog actually was whelped in Italy ;became the first known Phalene of Sweden.
King Francois I brought the first Phalene to France, becoming shortly very popular and The Phalene country.
Belgium became the most known country of Phalenes after the French Revolution. The Continental Toy Spaniel, the Breed we know as Phalene / Papillon was only found with drop ears, till the 16th century, where there is a first documentation of a Phalene with erect ears.Only by the end of the 19th century the Papillon /Phalene with erect ears) gained on popularity.
Go to:
Paintings of Old Masters
Phalene Fanciers of the World

The Letter
c1665, by Gerard Terborch