What makes the English Toy Spaniel Unique?
Square-proportioned, compact and cobby, the English toy spaniel is profusely coated with a silky, flowing coat. The coat can be straight or slightly wavy. It has heavy fringing, including feathering on the feet. The hallmarks of the breed, however, is its head and expression. The head should be domed, with lustrous dark eyes and a well-cushioned face, creating a soft, appealing expression. The haughty English toy spaniel enjoys a life of leisure, punctuated with rollicking romps. It is a lap dog par excellence — gentle, amiable, calm and quiet — yet it is playful and attentive. It is utterly devoted to its family and reserved with strangers. It is somewhat stubborn.
Breed Groups
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Size: | Males – 8-14 lbs., 10 in Females – 8-14 lbs., 10 in |
Weight: | Males – 8 – 14 lbs Females – 8 – 14 lbs |
Origin: | England |
Life Span: | 10-12 years |
Colour: | Blenheim (red and white); Prince Charles (tricolor); King Charles (black and tan); Ruby – a self-colored, rich mahogany red |
Litter Size: | 2-4 puppies |
Is the English Toy Spaniel Right For You?
English toy spaniel is profusely coated with a silky, flowing coat. The coat can be straight or slightly wavy. It has heavy fringing, including feathering on the feet. The hallmarks of the breed, however, is its head and expression. The head should be domed, with lustrous dark eyes and a well-cushioned face, The haughty English toy spaniel enjoys a life of leisure, punctuated with rollicking romps. It is a lap dog par excellence — gentle, amiable, calm and quiet — yet it is playful and attentive. It is utterly devoted to its family and reserved with strangers.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Loyal
- Quiet
- Affectionate
- Friendly
Characteristics
Learn About the English Toy Spaniel
Description
English Toy’s hallmark. It has shiny dark eyes, a well-padded face and a domed head, all of which create an appealing and soft expression.
The English Toy Spaniel, with a square-proportioned and compact body, is abundantly covered with a flowing, silky coat. This coat is either slightly wavy or straight. It has long tufts of hair on its feet and heavy fringing on its body.
Short History of the English Toy Spaniel
Small spaniel type dogs have been in existence for hundreds of years in Britain enjoying their lives as treasured companion dogs. The English Toy Spaniel is said to have developed by crossing with the Pekingese, Japanese Chin or Pug. The English Toy Spaniel was the favorite breed of English Royalty. The breed was named after King Charles II who eventually crossed it with oriental short-nosed dogs in the 1800’s creating the modern breed of the King Charles Spaniel only being called English Toy Spaniels in North America. They are cousins with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Temperament
English Toy Spaniels are obedient, affectionate and eager to please. They are patient, forgiving and affectionate to their owners. They are happy and content to sit around with you. They do not have a high activity level, making care minimal. English Toy Spaniels are friendly to all, intelligent and very good at learning. They get along with pets and children as long as children are not too rough. They are full of fun and any kind of exercise is sufficient.
Caring for Your English Toy Spaniel
General Health
Sadly, the English Toy Spaniel is victim to a variety of health problems, including: patellar luxation – dislocation of the knee cap, patent ductus anteriosis – a congenital heart defect, chronic valve disease – heart valve failure, cleft palate, crytpochidism – the failure of both testicles to descend, extremely dry or oily skin, retinal dysplasia, legg-calve-perthese disease – deformity of the hip resulting in an odd gait, hydrocaphelus – a build up of brain fluid causing pressure and even death, open fontanel – the failure of the soft spot on the head to heal after birth, and fused toes.
Grooming & Bathing
This dog breed is easy to groom. They should be brushed regularly but they don’t require any particular trimming. They are average shedders.
Exercise & Training
English Toy Spaniels are not fans of exercise. They would much rather chill on the couch than to chase a ball in the yard. Although this breed does not require a lot of activity, he does need some exercise to stay healthy and fit. this breed interested during training sessions, delectable treats are necessary. Charlies love tasty treats so this will keep him focused and be his reward for working hard during the session.