The English Toy Spaniel is also known as the King Charles Spaniel. It
is not to be confused, however, with the Cavalier King Charles, which is
a separate breed. Prior to the twentieth century, litters of spaniel puppies
could contain various sized animals. Over time, a differentiation in the
sizes led to a separation of spaniel breeds. The smaller version of the
spaniel became the Toy and acquired its present name during the reign of
King Charles II in the 17th century. Its ancestry may have come from Holland
where the smaller spaniels were lap dogs. It was later crossed with the
Japanese Chin and/or the Pekinese, which gives it a distinctive head shape.
The English Toy Spaniel is lovable and friendly. He is also agile and brave
which makes him an ideal watchdog. He is an ideal house dog. It is quick
to learn and has a quiet disposition. He does not need a great deal of exercise
but he does require brushing often so his coat will not tangle.
The English Toy Spaniel has a refined, compact and cobby body. Its skull
is rather large in comparison to its body size with a domed crown due to
its Oriental ancestry. The eyes are large and set wide apart. The ears are
long and low set. The muzzle is short and well defined with an upturned
nose. The preferred bite is slightly undershot. The legs are short and straight
and well feathered. The chest is wide and deep . The feet are compact. The
back is short and level. The tail is docked and carried level with the back.
Because the hair on the tail will be three to four inches in length, it
gives the appearance of a square "flag" shape. The coat is long,
straight and silky with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Acceptable
colors are black and tan (King Charles), tricolor (Prince Charles), red
and white (Blenheim) and sold chestnut red (Ruby). The average height of
the English Toy Spaniel is ten inches at the withers. The average weight
is between nine and twelve pounds.
Name withheld by request of Seattle, WA writes:
Sweet, loving dog, good with children.
My English Toy Spaniel was the sweetest dog I have ever had. She loved
everyone in the family and was very loyal. She was very gentle with children.
I miss her terribly.
Name withheld by request of Canada write on 10/1/99:
Loyal-cuddly-intelligent-comforting
Having bred/shown a number of other breeds, I have never
known a breed to be as loyal/dedicated to their person/people as
the English Toy Spaniel. They are the most comforting, cuddly, and intelligent
breed I have ever known. They are almost human in their
manner.