English Toy Spaniel

8-14 lbs
10-11"
England
Blenheim Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel, Prince Charles Spaniel, King Charles Spaniel, ETs, Toy Spaniel, Charlies

The English Toy Spaniel was imported from England in 1886 and was registered the same year by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to Susannah Roberts (Mrs. B. F. Wilson) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was the third toy breed to be recognized by the AKC, preceded by the Yorkshire Terrier and Pug. There are four colors, which are tan and black (English Toy, previously King Charles); white, tan, and black (Prince Charles); red and white (Blenheim); and red (Ruby).  They a have long, glossy coat, a square head, and short legs with a compact body. This breed only gets to about 10 inches tall and weighs about 12 pounds on average.

purpose Purpose
flushing small game, lapdog
history Date of Origin
1600s
ancestry Ancestry
spaniel

English Toy Spaniel Health

Sketch of English Toy Spaniel
Average Size
Male English Toy Spaniel size stats
Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 8-14 lbs
Female English Toy Spaniel size stats
Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 8-14 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Retinal Dysplasia
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • Eye Examination
  • Allergy Tests

English Toy Spaniel Breed History

Although they were first noted in England, it is thought that this breed originated in Asia. Most experts agree that they were given to royalty as gifts from Japan. Prior to 1903, all four of the color combinations of English Toy Spaniels were classed as separate breeds for showing but mixed for breeding. These four colors were tan and black (King Charles); white, tan, and black (Prince Charles); red and white (Blenheim); and red (Ruby). These names have their own bit of history to them such as the King Charles, which was named for their association with King Charles II of England. The Blenheim was named after John Churchill’s estate, which was named for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim. Other famous owners of English Toy Spaniels include Queen Mary I, Queen Elizabeth II, and the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. However, in 1904, it was ruled by the AKC that all four colors should be combined into one breed, which was the English Toy Spaniel. These dogs were supposedly bred with Pugs in the early 1900s, giving them their short muzzle and smaller size. It is reported that during the 20th century, some tried to restore the King Charles Spaniels with the Toy Trawler Spaniel, which did not last, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is very popular today. Although these dogs were originally bred for hunting, they were not very good at it because of their small size. However, they still have good hunting instincts but prefer to be lap dogs.

English Toy Spaniel Breed Appearance

The English Toy Spaniel is a small, square, dog with a large but flat nose, domed head, and affectionate and friendly appearance. Their long, silky fur is usually straight but may be a bit wavy in some dogs. The compact size and sturdiness gives the English Toy Spaniel a well-built look and with the beautiful dark eyes and fluffy face, she has a distinct character and pleasant demeanor. The English Toy Spaniel has a large head with a chubby look, and low, pendulous, long-haired ears. They are short, compact, and have a broad back with a sturdy frame. The legs are well-muscled but short and the feet are small and furry with fused toes. The colors of the coat can include black and tan, which was previously considered a King Charles; white, tan, and black, once called a Prince Charles; red and white, previously referred to as a Blenheim; and red, which used to be called a Ruby.

Appearance of English Toy Spaniel
Eye Color Possibilities
brown English Toy Spaniel eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black English Toy Spaniel nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black English Toy Spaniel coat
Black
brown English Toy Spaniel coat
Brown
red English Toy Spaniel coat
Red
pied English Toy Spaniel coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
English Toy Spaniel straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

English Toy Spaniel Breed Maintenance

Your English Toy Spaniel needs to be brushed every day or every other day with a firm bristle brush and a metal comb if needed to remove mats. With the long, silky hair, the hair of your English Toy Spaniel can get matted and will need to be carefully untangled by hand, using your fingers to gently separate the tangled fur. Bathing is only necessary every few months or if your dog gets especially dirty. In these conditions, use a mild dog shampoo and conditioner recommended by your veterinary care provider. Make sure you check your dog’s nails, eyes, and ears at this time for dirt or debris and clean as recommended by your veterinarian. Although the English Toy Spaniel would rather lay on the couch than exercise, it is important to take her out for a walk every day. However, extreme weather (too hot or too cold) can be bad for your dog and you should always provide plenty of water if she is going to be outside for a while. They are great for apartment living due to their small size and infrequent, quiet bark.

Brushes for English Toy Spaniel
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
English Toy Spaniel requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

English Toy Spaniel Temperament

Your English Toy Spaniel is happiest relaxing on the couch with the family and is not especially active. They are quiet, calm, and gentle dogs that get along with everyone, including children and other pets. However, they are wary of strangers, which is what makes them good watchdogs and they need to be socialized early to prevent them from becoming snappy or aggressive to other animals. Although they are stubborn, they are easily trainable and learn fast. Children are seen as playmates but you should not leave any small children alone with the English Toy Spaniel because they are both at risk of injury. These are indoor dogs that do not like weather that is too hot or too cold. Because of their short nose, they have a tendency to make a lot of wheezing, snorting, and even snoring sounds. They do need plenty of attention and are prone to separation anxiety, which can cause them to chew on things that they are not supposed to.

English Toy Spaniel Activity Requirements


Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
6 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

English Toy Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.8 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

English Toy Spaniel Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of English Toy Spaniel at six months
Male English Toy Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female English Toy Spaniel size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of English Toy Spaniel at 12 months
Male English Toy Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female English Toy Spaniel size stats at 12 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of English Toy Spaniel at 18 months
Male English Toy Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs
Female English Toy Spaniel size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.5 inches Weight: 11.0 lbs

English Toy Spaniel Owner Experiences

Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Nutrition
Question

My English Toy Spaniel is overweight her weight is at 21.74 & I’ve been trying to help her with it but it doesn’t seem to be helping her at all.I’ve tried Science Diet & other brands of foods as well. She had to have Emergency surgery after her first period because of Pyometra which almost took her from me.Is there any other food out there that I can try for her.Thank you Sincerely Darlene Lawton

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
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