English toy spaniels originated in England. Known as a King Charles spaniel, the breed was widely cherished among British royalty, particularly by King Charles I and King Charles II. The dog’s popularity transcended to the masses. During the late 1600s, pugs were interbred with King Charles spaniels, which transformed the breed’s appearance to that of the English toy spaniel that we know today. In 1886, the American Kennel Club recognized the English toy spaniel as a member of the toy group.
The English Toy Spaniel are compact little dogs with long wavy coats that needs to be brushed frequently. Its head is a specific characteristic of the breed, which is domed. The English toy spaniel stands 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. The breed had a slightly large head for its body, and the face is pushed in. The long ears hang downward, the eyes are large and dark and the tail is usually docked to two to four inches in length. The coat is long and silky with longer feathering on the legs, paws, ears, tail, chest and abdomen. The hair may be either slightly wavy or straight. English toy spaniels have one of four coat color themes. Blenheim coats are white with red markings. Ruby coats are mahogany red, sometimes with a small white patch on the chest. King Charles coats are black and tan, and the tri-colored Prince Charles coats are white with tan and black markings.
Personality
English Toy Spaniels are gentle and friendly. It has low energy and is satisfied with short daily walks or short romps. It is good with children and devoted to its family but can be stubborn at times. It’s reserved or timid towards other dogs and strangers. The English toy spaniel is sweet and loving. The dog is a model family companion that prefers to spend every moment by your side. They get along with other pets and do well with children. English toy spaniels are quiet, calm and they naturally behave well, but they are also playful and entertaining. They are not excessive barkers, but they will warn the family of potential intruders. They are intelligent and trainable.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Spaniel |
| Life Span: | 10 – 12 years |
| Nicknames: | King Charles spaniel, English toy spaniel |
English Toy Spaniel Build Information
The English Toy Spaniel are compact little dogs with long wavy coats that needs to be brushed frequently. Its head is a specific characteristic of the breed, which is domed. The English toy spaniel stands 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. The breed had a slightly large head for its body, and the face is pushed in. The long ears hang downward, the eyes are large and dark and the tail is usually docked to two to four inches in length. The coat is long and silky with longer feathering on the legs, paws, ears, tail, chest and abdomen. The hair may be either slightly wavy or straight. English toy spaniels have one of four coat color themes. Blenheim coats are white with red markings. Ruby coats are mahogany red, sometimes with a small white patch on the chest. King Charles coats are black and tan, and the tri-colored Prince Charles coats are white with tan and black markings.
| Size: | Toy |
Behaviour and Personality
English Toy Spaniels are gentle and friendly. It has low energy and is satisfied with short daily walks or short romps. It is good with children and devoted to its family but can be stubborn at times. It’s reserved or timid towards other dogs and strangers. The English toy spaniel is sweet and loving. The dog is a model family companion that prefers to spend every moment by your side. They get along with other pets and do well with children. English toy spaniels are quiet, calm and they naturally behave well, but they are also playful and entertaining. They are not excessive barkers, but they will warn the family of potential intruders. They are intelligent and trainable.
| Activity Level: | Not very active |
| Affection Level: | Not very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
Surprisingly, the silky coat of an English toy spaniel requires minimal grooming. Combing out the coat once or twice every week, especially behind the ears and in the armpits, will keep the hair from tangling and matting. Keep the ears clean and dry to reduce the incidence of ear infections, and brush the teeth every other day to maintain good oral health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
English Toy Spaniel Common Health Conditions
English toy spaniels live average lifespans of 10 to 12 years. Some health conditions to be aware of in this breed include patellar luxation, respiratory problems, heart disease, glaucoma and entropion.
English Toy Spaniel Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you crave a quiet companion that will shadow you throughout your daily household activities and warm your lap on chilly evenings, the gentle and sweet English toy spaniel will fit the bill. Also known as the King Charles spaniel, the English toy spaniel is not to be confused with its slightly larger cousin, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. The English toy spaniel originated in England. The English toy spaniel is also called a King Charles spaniel. The English toy spaniel is a quiet and gentle dog with a sweet and playful disposition. The English toy spaniel stands 10 inches tall and weighs 8 to 14 pounds. English toy spaniels have a low energy level. English toy spaniels require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for an English toy spaniel is 10 to 12 years.
| Training: | Easy |
