Dog Breeders Guide

English Toy Spaniel

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Trainability: 5/10
Shedding: 7/10
Energy Level: 3/10
Guard Dog: 1/10
Good With Children: 10/10
Popularity: 3/10

Behavior

English Toy Spaniels are happy-go-lucky, fun, and gentle.  They tend to be quiet and love time spent around their owners. They make great lap dogs and are the perfect pet for those looking for a loyal companion who is always happy to see them. For this reason, it is best to not leave the English Toy Spaniel alone for long periods of time. The occasional run or walk around the block will provide enough activity for this breed, as these dogs tend to enjoy relaxing and playing simple games indoors. The English Toy Spaniel is relatively quiet and doesnt make a great watchdog for this reason.

Training works best for these dogs when a gentle approach is taken. This breed can be shy and sensitive, so gentleness and proper socialization are required. The English Toy Spaniel can have a mischievous side, but proper training should result in a loving, gentle pet that behaves well. When properly socialized, this breed will get along great with children and other pets but should not be trusted around small animals. The breed enjoys chasing small animals and should be kept on a leash during walks. Children should be instructed to play with the dog gently before any interaction begins.

Appearance

The English Toy Spaniel is a small dog, weighing only 8 to 14 pounds and growing to be 9 to 10 inches in height. The breed features a silky, medium-length coat that can be wavy or straight and includes feathering. The English Toy Spaniel comes in a variety of colors, including red, red and white, black and tan, or white with tan and black. The domed head of this breed is a distinctive feature. The English Toy Spaniel  also has a flat face with large eyes and long, feathered ears.

Grooming

Regular brushing sessions are typically enough for the English Toy Spaniel, but the breed can shed a lot. Pet owners who are concerned about dog hair falling around the house should brush their pets more frequently. Because the English Toy Spaniels coat features feathering, special care will need to be taken during cleaning. Dirt and debris can end up in long portions of the coat and cause irritation. Painful matting and tangling of the coat will also need to be prevented through regular grooming. Like any breed of dog, the English Toy Spaniel will require regular dental cleanings and ear cleanings. Veterinarians can advise pet owners on the correct products to use for their pets. Nail clippings are also needed to prevent painful catching and injury.

History

The English Toy Spaniel is believed to be descended from Pugs. History of the breed shows the dog arrived in Europe in the early 16th century. The breed was favored by royals and was heavily featured in artwork of the time period. The breed is also known as the King Charles Spaniel due to King Charles IIs affinity for the breed. This breed has become more distinct over time as further crossings with oriental breeds have resulted in the unique features of the English Toy Spaniel that is known today. The English Toy Spaniel is now a popular choice among pet owners.