English Toy Spaniel
Overview
This loving companion nicknamed "Charlies" after the King who dearly loved the Toy Breed, the King Charles Spaniel (a.k.a. English Toy Spaniel) is an exemplary lap dog sure to love it's owner as much as it loves to cuddle.
Physical Characteristics
English Toy Spaniels are primarily characterized by their domed heads and well-padded face. They are known for their soft faces with cubby-cheeks, snub-noses, and lustrous dark eyes, which coupled together gives them what appears to naturally be happy smiles. Traditionally they've had a docked tail, and some have a natural bobtail. Their sturdy little bodies are compact and cobby, giving them a rather square shape under their silky, long coats, of which are either slightly wavy or straight. They have heavy fringing and some feathering on their feet alongside their classic spaniel ears.
The King Charles Spaniel is not to be confused with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a similar but entirely separate breed. The primary differences between the two is their size and facial features, with the King Charles Spaniel being the smaller of the two with a domed head, lower ears, and a shorter muzzle.
These loving pups come in four distinct coat colors that, at least in the United States, each come with their own name. The black and tan variety is the classic King Charles version, followed by the solid tan Prince Charles variety. There's also a solid red version known as Ruby, and lastly red and white version is known as Blenheim, which often have a red mark atop their head known as the "Blenheim Spot."
Shedding & Grooming
These moderate shedders have a long, profuse coat that requires brushing at least twice a week to maintain without tangling and matting. Their nails should be trimmed once a month, and they should be bathed a minimum of every four to six weeks. The fur around their faces and paws should be trimmed regularly as well to help keep them looking neat. These dogs are unfortunately not hypoallergenic, and will also endure one heavier shedding season a year.
Health & Lifespan
On average, King Charles Spaniels live between 10-12 years and are prone to some health issues. in particular cardiac conditions and a range of eye problems. It's good practice to bring in your pup for regular check ups at the vet to ensure a long, healthy life.
This moderately active breed requires little more than a daily walk, perhaps two, but does not tolerate hot weather and is certainly not an outdoor dog. Be careful on particularly hot days that your spaniel isn't left outside for too long. Some are also prone to getting overweight, so give table scraps sparingly if at all and avoid any foods with high fat content.
Like other small and short-headed dogs, English Toy Spaniels are susceptible to a number of eye and respiratory system disorders and diseases, such as but not limited to lazy tongue (patellar luxation), cleft palates, umbilical hernias, PDA (patent ductus arteriosus), hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, and fused toes. Due to their shortened noses, the most common issue they share is a low tolerance for anesthesia.
Temperament
Charming, quiet, and affectionate, these spaniels are dedicated and willing to please their family. Known to be merry and gentle, their temperaments are very easygoing, wanting little more than companionship and a good cuddle.
Devoted to their owners, these loyal little pups assumed the personalities of their former aristocratic owners. English Toy Spaniels are very friendly, although they are incredibly attentive and often pick favorites and are therefore reserved towards strangers, even discriminatory with those they consider friends. Some are known to be proud, willful, and even stubborn, giving them a calm and dignified outward appearance. However, towards their families and they are exuberant, playful, and curious.
King Charles Spaniels are big cuddlers who never want to leave their owners' sides. They are forgiving and their loyalty is unending towards favored humans. Their owners are their number one priority, and they don't do well being left alone at home for several hours. Older children who can be gentle with them are great, but roughhousing isn't a pass-time this dog typically enjoys or can handle well. They often get along surprisingly well with other furry friends as long as said pets, again, aren't too rough.
Training
Early socialization is key to ensure a well-mannered dog. Being an intelligent breed, the most common issue trainers have is typically their stubbornness. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to success in training English Toy Spaniels. Harsh methods are inappropriate, for this trusting, sweet dog.
Historically, the King Charles Spaniel was a hunting dog. Due to their statue, this breed is better suited as a lap-dog, but they have kept their hunting instincts and if trained well and brought on minor trips, this breed could still make for a decent hunting companion today.
History
This breed has a long, rich history. It's thought that they originated in Japan or China, bought to England as early as the 13th century.
In the 16th century they were bred to be the companion of kings, and have several royal fans throughout history including Mary I, Queen of Scotland and King Charles II, of which brought the breed to the heights of popularity and is to credit for the breed's naming.
Breed Information
| Popularity: | 2018: #134 2017: #134 2016: #130 2015: #129 |
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Breed Group: | Toy (AKC:1886) |
| Size: | Small |
| Type: | Purebred |
| Life span: | 10-12 years |
| Temperament: | Affectionate Gentle Happy Loving Playful Reserved |
| Height: | 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) |
| Weight: | 8-14 pounds (3.6-6.4 kg) |
| Colors: | Black & Tan Black White & Tan Red Red & White |
| Litter Size: | 2-4 puppies |
| Puppy Price: | Average $1000 - $1800 USD |
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Dog names
| Rank | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buddy | Daisy |
| 2 | Jake | Lily |
| 3 | Leo | Abbie |
| 4 | Winston | Ginger |
| 5 | Jasper | Olive |
| 6 | Rusty | Angel |
| 7 | Blue | Missie |
| 8 | Romeo | Dakota |
| 9 | Boomer | Minnie |
| 10 | Hunter | Willow |
| 11 | Joey | Athena |
| 12 | Peanut | Trixie |
| 13 | Chance | Peanut |
| 14 | Brutus | Mimi |
| 15 | Bruce | Heidi |