The English Toy Spaniel is a small spaniel breed of dog in the toy group. It used to be very popular in Britain. The English Toy Spaniel is known for their gentle temperament and their love of people. They were known to be royal companions and nowadays they are adorable lap dogs, making them a popular choice for many dog owners.
English Toy Spaniels Breed History
Toy Spaniels are a breed of dog that originated in Asia, although they were first seen in Europe during the 16th century. They gained popularity during the reign of Queen Mary I and were associated with King Charles II. Toy Spaniels, including King Charles Spaniel, were bred in the early 19th century with pugs to create a dog with a flat muzzle that was smaller. In the 20th century, there were attempts to recreate the breed of King Charles II’s era. The breeds that form King Charles Spaniel were used to hunt small game and birds. Nowadays they are considered to be lap dogs although their instincts to hunt still remain.
Appearance: Dog Breed Characteristics
English Toy Spaniels are small, sprightly dogs that come in a variety of colors. English Toy Spaniels can come in three combinations of colors:
- The Prince Charles: pearly white with black patches.
- The Blenheim: chestnut and pearly white.
- The King Charles: black and tan, glossy black with tan markings.
They have a square build, and are characterized by their large, floppy ears. Their coat is double and silky, and can come in black, tan, red and white. They have a quite short muzzle, dark eyes, domed head and a characteristic “puppy dog” expression. Their tail is docked and their coat is kept medium.
English Toy Spaniel Size
English Toy Spaniels weigh between 8 and 14 pounds, and stand about 9-12 inches tall at the shoulder. Since they’re small in size, they are a very popular breed for those who live in apartments.
Maintenance and Grooming
English Toy Spaniels are not a non-shedding breed of dog, so you will have to be prepared to deal with some hair around the house. Regular brushing and combing will help keep it under control. They need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. Bathing should only be done when necessary, as over-washing can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. Trimming hair is not typically necessary, but you may want to trim their nails regularly to avoid overgrowth. Since they have long ears, it is important to keep them clean and free of infection by cleaning them regularly.
Are They High Maintenance?
English Toy Spaniels are not a very high-maintenance breed, compared to other types of dogs, but some basic grooming is necessary to keep them looking their best. During the shedding season, you may need to increase the frequency of brushing.
Exercise Needs
Although English Spaniels are playful and lively, they do not need a lot of exercise. A short walk each day is all they need to stay healthy and happy. They are playful and will enjoy a good game of fetch or tug-of-war, but they are also content to curl up on the couch with their family. 45 minutes of exercise per day is enough but the amount of exercise may vary depending on their age and health condition. They have hunting instincts and enjoy a good romp outside, but should be supervised when outside as they may take off after a bird or rabbit.
Diet
Diet is incredibly important for English Toy Spaniels. They tend to have sensitivities and allergies so it is important to feed them a diet that is tailored to their specific needs. English Toy Spaniels should have a high-quality diet that is rich in nutrients. The best diet for English Toy Spaniels includes a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The specific amount of food per day will depend on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. General idea is that they should eat about 100g of food per day. If you have any doubts about your English Toy Spaniel’s diet, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament and Personality
English Toy Spaniels love to please their owners, and they are gentle, playful, and loving. They can be a bit timid around strangers, but with proper socialization they will warm up quickly. English Toy Spaniels make great family pets and are good with children. Because they have hunting instincts they may see children as preys, therefore early socialization is important. Generally, they are very affectionate, adapted to living in an apartment and although they may be stubborn at times, they are generally easy to train. Their natural desire to please the owner makes them one of the best dog breed for novice owners.
Common Health Problems
English Toy Spaniels’ lifespan is around 10-12 years. They are a relatively healthy breed, but some health problems that may occur include:
- entropion;
- anesthesia;
- senstivities and allergies;
- cataracts;
- retinal displasia.
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelashes or hair grow inward, rubbing against the eyeball. This can cause pain, inflammation, and even blindness.
Anesthesia is a risk with any breed of dog, but English Toy Spaniels may be more sensitive than some.
Allergies and sensitivities to environmental factors as well as food can cause a wide variety of problems in English Toy Spaniels, from skin conditions to respiratory problems.
Cataracts and retinal dysplasia are two conditions that can lead to blindness in English Toy Spaniels.
Health Care
While these health issues are considered minor and doest not occur often, it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed. Before you bring home an English Toy Spaniel, be sure to ask your veterinarian about any health concerns that may affect this breed. By being aware of the potential health problems, you can ensure that you are providing your English Toy Spaniel with the best possible care.
For Whom?
English Toy Spaniels adapt well to apartment living; they are active indoors and do not require a large yard. They make excellent dogs for seniors or families with children, although proper socialization and training is important. Always make sure to supervise young children when they are around any dog. Toy Spaniels are incredibly affectionate and love to be around their people, making them great companion dogs.
English Toy Spaniels: Perfect Dogs for Apartment Living
They are gentle and are good watch dogs, however, they cannot be relied on to protect your property as they are not aggressive dogs. They make great lap dogs and they should not be kept outside as they are not suited for extreme weather conditions. They easily develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time and will become destructive. It is important not to leave them unsupervised for a longer period of time.
English Toy Spaniels Puppy Price
English Toy Spaniels are considered to be quite expensive. Puppies can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $3,000, depending on the breeder. The cost of English Toy Spaniels can vary greatly, but there are a number of reasons for this. English Toy Spaniels are bred selectively and the puppies must meet specific breed standards in order to be registered with the American Kennel Club. Before you buy an English Toy Spaniel, be sure to research the breed and the puppy’s bloodlines to ensure you’re getting what you expect. Do not be afraid to ask questions of the breeder to make sure that you’re getting a healthy, quality puppy.
Trivia
Among the royalties who owned Toy Spaniels were Queen Victoria and her great-grandaughter Princess Anastiasia Nikolaiievna.
So, that’s all, Folks! Enjoy your English Toy Spaniel and see you soon!
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