Is The English Toy Spaniel Right For You?
- 1The English Toy Spaniel is a friendly, high energy breed that makes a great family pet or lap dog.
- 2Also known as the King Charles Spaniel, This breed is very good with children.
- 3The English Toy Spaniel is among the quietest toy breeds and is suited for apartment living.
HISTORY
The English Toy Spaniel first came to be as the result of crossbreeding the first King Charles Spaniels with Pugs sometime in the 17th century. The product of this selective breeding was a smaller spaniel with a flatter face, rounder head, and more bulbous eyes. A principal breed amongst British royalty, the English Toy Spaniel was first recognized by the AKC in 1886.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
10-12 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
10 inches
Male Weight
8-14 pounds for males
Female Height
10 inches
Female Weight
8-14 pounds for males
Litter Size
1-3 puppies
Personality
This breed is tender, pleasant, playful, and affable. While they may seem almost reserved at times, they are good with children, assuming the kids know to not be rough with them. This dog loves to be around humans and makes for wonderful a companion. They play well with other dogs, but like with children, this only holds up if the other dogs are not aggressive toward them. The English Toy Spaniel has also earned a reputation as a picky eater. .
Color
The English Toy Spaniel comes in four color varieties, each with their own name; the Blenheim is shiny white with rich, red patches; the Prince Charles is also white with ebony patches; the King Charles is a glossy black with mahogany tan markings; and lastly, the Ruby English Toy Spaniel is a dark, warm red, often with a white patch on their chest.
Health Concerns
Being a short-faced breed, the English Toy Spaniel has a tendency to wheeze and snore. This breed are prone to:
- ear problems
- eye problems
- respiratory problems (brachycephalic)
- heart disease (MVD)
- slipped stifle
Appearance
The English Toy Spaniel is a small but sturdy breed. They have big eyes and a lovable, mushed face that is framed by two droopy, feathered ears. Their tail naturally coils up, but is typically docked to about 2 inches. Their coat is generally straight, sometimes wavy, and always long.
