Phalene vs Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore - Breed Comparison

The Phalène is a toy breed, and in fact the Papillon and Phalène differ only by their ears, but are exactly the same in all other ways.

Thought to have developed in Western Europe, its exact origin isn’t clear but it is an ancient breed, as paintings seem to indicate that it has been around since the 16th century.

It is essentially a companion dog today. The dog is classified as a variety of the Papillon by the AKC, with the FCI classifying it as a separate breed.

Originating in France, the Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has been recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2006. He was developed in France in the 1800s.

He is a rare breed, even in France. Today he is essentially a hunting- and scentdog and isn't really kept as a companion pet. The breed is recognized in France too by the French Kennel Club and also recognized internationally in 1983. In France today the dog is bred and kept primarily as a hunting dog and pet combined.

This toy breed stands at between 20 – 28cm in height and weighs around 4 – 5kg. He has floppy, silky ears and is a Papillon dog, and a Papillon with dropped ears is known as a Phalène.

The dome of the head is rounded and the Phalene has a slim muzzle with bright, alert brown eyes and a black nose. The tail is well plumed and is carried over the back. The coat isn’t a double coat like many other dogs, but it is lustrous, being straight, long and smooth. The coat is available in a number of coat colors, essentially being a blend of white, tan, black and orange or fawn.

Temperament:

The Phalène is an intelligent dog, and they will be able to learn quickly and easily when you teach them how to sit, lie down or stay. Training and socialization is always excellent for dogs, even small ones like this as it teaches them to be obedient and well mannered.

The Phalene is a sociable, friendly dog but is inclined to be reserved around strangers. Phalènes are essentially lap dogs and they make great companions for all kinds of people as well as being great playmates for disciplined, kind children. Because he is small and calm, he makes a great pet for country- or city dwellers.

Looking quite a bit like its Foxhound ancestors,the muscular Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore is a large dog standing at 60cm to 70cm tall at the withers and weighing in the region of 30kg and 35kg.

The Tricolore has a fairly broad, flat head, black nose and large brown eyes. His ears are set at eye level, they are medium length and floppy. The legs of the dog are straight and strong and the chest is deep and broad. The tail is long and slim. His double coat coat is short and smooth and he is tri-colored – tan, white and black.

Temperament:

Your Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore has always been used as a hunting dog and scenthound and has been used in a hunting team. The dog has been created by crossing French scenthounds with English Foxhounds, with this particular dog being descended from crosses between the Foxhound and the tricoloured Poitevins.

There are actually 3 Grand Anglo-Français breeds, with this Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore being one. He is a docile dog and doesn't make a particularly good watchdog. The dog enjoys the company of other canines and while he can get on well with his human family, and is good and patient with children, he isn't the ideal pet with children, as his mind is on hunting and the chase and following exciting scents.

He is a dog totally dedicated to hunting and hunting in packs sees him getting on well in the presence of other dogs. His strong hunting instinct and his wish to roam on a scent makes it that he will require a very large garden.

The Phalene is such a sweet little dog, and you can definitely count him as as ‘man’s best friend’. He just loves to be wherever his human family is, lapping up their attention indoors but also loving being with them outdoors. When well trained and socialized, these dogs make splendid playmates for children too.

Small though he is, he makes a good watch dog too and he will bark to warn his human family of danger. Give him the love and care he so rightly deserves, and he promises to make you a splendid pet and companion.

The Tricolore is an excellent hunter but he also makes a good family pet. Because of the dog having ingrained hunting skills you won't find him being used essentially as a pet.

He can be stubborn, but with training and socialization he can become obedient and amicable. He is a dog that will require a great deal of exercise as he is an exuberant dog and won't do well in an environment where there is scant regard to outdoor living and exercise.

While hunting is a great love of this tri-colored dog, he is also capable of being a loving and devoted pet.

Your jaunty little Phalene can live to be up to 12 or 15 years of age if well cared for. Even so, there are always some of the more common dog illnesses worth knowing about, and we look at a few -

Epilepsy:

Any dog can get epilepsy – when your pet suddenly has a seizure or fit for no apparent reason. It can be disturbing to see, but with medication your pet can live a normal life.

Eye Diseases:

Always keep a check on your pet’s eyes because there are a few eye diseases that can affect your pet and these are cataracts, progressive retina atrophy and entropion. Thankfully a veterinary ophthalmologist can help with the best treatment.

Living to be about 10-13 years of age, your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore is fortunate to be a healthy dog, but just like many other dogs, he may well get sick and then, as a responsible dog owner, you need to get your 4-legged family member to the vet.

Hip Dysplasia:

An abnormal hip joint can be hard for your dog as you notice him becoming less active and battling to get up after lying down. Hip dysplasia can lead to osteoarthritis, a limp and lameness. Get him to the vet so that you can at least help with making your pet's problem easier to bear.

Bloat:

Typically with deep chested dogs, the Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore can develop the life-threatening problem of bloat, when the stomach twists.

Exercise:

These are energetic little dogs and will require getting a regular dose of exercise. He loves a walk and being allowed off his leash for a good run. He also loves ball games. Exercise is important for small dogs like this to ward off obesity.

Grooming:

These little dogs will need to have their ears checked and cleaned if you want to avoid ear infections. If you’re not sure how to clean the inside of the ears, rather leave it to an expert who can show you how its done. Small dogs always need to have their teeth checked regularly. He will also need to have his nails trimmed.

To maintain the long, silky coat, brush your dog at least twice a week. Some Phalene dog owners take their pet to the vet to have the coat professionally groomed and trimmed.

The exercise requirements of this breed are high and he thrives on being busy and being involved in a hunt. If you do happen to keep him as a pet, he will require plenty of intense exercise from going on walks to joining in with your jogging and cycling activities. He just never seems to get enough exercise.

Grooming:

The Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore requires little grooming and will do well with a good brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Diet:

For your Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore to be strong and healthy, he'll need protein for strong bones and muscles.Protein needs to be the primary ingredient in an active dog's diet. If you're not sure, ask your vet about the best kibble to feed him and add in some raw meat to this every now and then.

Where possible, cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken can be added into the kibble too to make his diet more interesting and healthy. Fresh, cool water should be reachable for your dog 24/7.