In Britain, English Toy Spaniels, otherwise known as King Charles Spaniel, have been a favorite of royalties in England for centuries. The English Toy Spaniel features a compact and square body, a short face, a domed head, and large, dark eyes. They wear long, flowing, silky coats, have long fringed ears, and light-feathered tails.
These dogs are known to be gentle, sweet, and loving. They are fun companions to live with. Considering their size, they can adapt to any home and lifestyle. Training this breed is easy, which makes them perfect dogs for first-time dog owners.
English Toy Spaniels are dignified dogs who love spending time with their families. They are generally good with everyone, even with pets or children. So if you’re looking for a sweet and devoted companion, this dog might be for you.
English Toy Spaniel Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Toy Group |
| Breed Size | Small |
| Height | 9-10 inches |
| Weight | 8-14 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
English Toy Spaniel Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
English Toy Spaniel History
English Toy Spaniels have been around for centuries and have been part of the lives of many royalties in England. Among these royals are Mary, Queen of Scotts, Charles I, and Charles II.
The exact origin of the breed remains unknown, but historians believe that they have descended from Japan. The dogs eventually reached Europe by the early 13th century, where they immediately became popular dogs, but there are no records of how they got there.
The appearance of old English Toy Spaniels is much different than how they look now. The change occurred between the 18th and 19th centuries when the dogs were crossed with Japanese Chins and Pugs, giving them a shorter muzzle and a round head.
By the end of the 19th century, the long-muzzled version of the spaniel was long gone. That was until Roswell Eldridge offered a prize to a breeder that would bring the breed back. This gave birth to what we know now as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the larger cousin of the English Toys.
By 1886, the American Kennel Club finally recognized the breed, and it now ranks 135th as the most popular dog breed in the US today.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
English Toy Spaniels are gentle, playful, and intelligent dogs. Most owners could attest to how sweet and loving these dogs are, and they are the most friendly and undemanding of all toy dog breeds.
They are true companion dogs, and though they have a royal history, they are not snobs. They enjoy playing in the yard, but they also enjoy cuddling and snuggling with their owners in the comfort of their homes.
These dogs are known to be gentle with children, but it’s best to keep toddlers away. English Toy Spaniels are not comfortable with rough handling and might be easily overwhelmed. However, on the other side, they will be an excellent fit for seniors.
English Toy Spaniels are shy and timid with strangers or strange animals. But they tend to get along well with pets brought up with them, even cats. Early socialization might be needed to get them accustomed to meeting new people or animals.
These are also straightforward dogs to train. Though they may be a little stubborn, food and rewards are great tricks to make them obey.
King Charles Spaniel Care Requirements
- Nutrition: English Toy Spaniels don’t have any special dietary requirements. The important thing is to provide them high-quality and well-balanced meals. Every meal should contain a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. What you should watch out for is the number of calories you feed your dog. Since these are small dog breeds, it’s easy to overfeed them. Make sure to ask your vet for a guide on the number of calories to serve your dog daily, depending on their age and daily activity. If you’re feeding your dog a raw or home-cooked diet, it’s essential to buy only high-quality ingredients. It’s also great to incorporate fruits and vegetables to make food digestion easier. As for dog food, make sure to choose those of premium quality. Always be reminded to check the label and ensure that the food doesn’t contain fillers, additives, and by-products. If your dog has any allergies, then make sure to stay away from those.
- Grooming: English Toy Spaniels have long, wavy, and silky coats that shed seasonally. These coats require two to three times a week of brushing, so it remains healthy. Brushing will also help remove excess hair, debris, mats, and tangles that may cause discomfort to your dog. Regular trimming may be needed to keep your dog looking neat. Baths should be given once every four to six weeks, so they always look their best. If you want to make things easier for you, you can take your dogs to a professional groomer, so they’re better taken care of. It’s essential to clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent ear infection. Nails should be trimmed twice a month as well, so they don’t become too long. Long nails may cause pain and discomfort to your dogs.
- Exercise: English Toy Spaniels are moderately active dogs when outdoors. They love to play, and this helps them become more fit and healthy. Though, they’re also content to stay at home and spend time with you on a couch. They are the perfect companions for those living in the city. Daily city walks on a leash should suffice for these dog breeds. Make sure they don’t stay too long under the sun as they don’t tolerate heat well.
- Health: English Toy Spaniels are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, they, too, are susceptible to several common diseases, and as dog owners, it’s essential to be aware of what these are. Your dog may acquire bone diseases like patellar luxation and Legg-Calves-Perthes disease, which is why it’s essential to take them out for daily walks. Skin disorder like seborrhea is common, so be sure to use gentle shampoo and conditioner to keep their skin healthy. English toy Terriers might also acquire patent ductus arteriosis, mitral valve insufficiency, cleft palate, cryptorchidism, retinal dysplasia, hydrocephalus, umbilical hernia, open fontanel, and fused toes. We recommend meeting at least one of your dog’s parents to be aware of any hereditary diseases your dog may get.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of King Charles Spaniel is 10-12 years.
Fun Facts about King Charles Spaniels
- English Toy Spaniels are believed to have originated from Japan.
- They were brought to England in the early 13th century.
- These dogs are also called King Charles Spaniel, named after King Charles I.
- Queen Elizabeth’s physician referred to them as “Spaniel Gentle” or “The Comforter.”
- They have four different names based on their colors: King Charles (black-and-tan), Prince Charles (black, white, and tan), Blenheim (red and white), and Ruby (red).
- They were commonly found in Renaissance paintings dated in the early 1400s.
- The American Kennel Club recognized them in 1886.
Check Out Other Toy Dog Breeds:
Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chinese Crested, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Papillon, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier