<b>History:</> The English Toy Spaniel's origins probably trace back to Asian spaniels and perhaps the Pug, however the breed was primarily developed in the British Isles. This loving companion dog became a darling of the British royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. One type of English Toy Spaniel, the King Charles Spaniel, is named for King Charles II of England who owned quite a few of these charming little "comforter" dogs. During the nineteenth century, the English Toy Spaniel underwent several changes. He was bred smaller, with a flattened, upturned face, protruding eyes, and a more rounded skull. The result is today's English Toy Spaniel. The somewhat similar Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is based on the pre-nineteenth century Toy Spaniel.
<b>Description:</> The English Toy Spaniel is a small, sturdy, square spaniel with a pug nose, well-defined stop and rounded skull. The teeth should form a level bite. The round eyes are large, dark and luminous. The nose is black. The long feathered ears are pendant. The soft, silky coat is well-feathered and comes in 4 color varieties: King Charles (black-and- tan), Ruby (solid red, sometimes with a few white hairs or small white patch on the chest), Blenheim (white with red markings, often with a red "thumb print" centered on top of the head) and Prince Charles (tri-color (white with black and tan markings)). The tail is customarily docked.
<b>Notes:</> Some bloodlines are prone to respiratory ailments, slipped stifle, eye problems and ear infections. The eyes and ears should be kept clean to avoid some of these problems. Like many other short-faced breeds, the English Toy Spaniel may wheeze and snore. He may have trouble breathing in hot weather or with over-exertion, because of his short muzzle. Protect this breed from extremes of temperature. Can be a picky eater. Good for adults who want a loving quiet pet that is easy to care for and get along with. Needs very little exercise. Good with other animals.
<b>Personality:</> Sweet but sometimes timid. Happy. Loving, gentle and playful. Quiet and not demanding. Naturally well-behaved and intelligent, but can be a bit willful. Needs to be treated gently.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Needs people a lot.
<C>Dominance:</C> Low.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Regular grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Feathered coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Very little exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A fair jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Relatively inactive indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Average (10 to 12 years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
