Information, Facts & Origins of the
English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed
The English
Toy Spaniel
originates from England and was bred originally for
flushing small birds and as a lapdog.
It's origins can be dated back to the 1500's.
The English Toy Spaniel is also known by the other name of King
Charles spaniel. The English Toy Spaniel and the Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel began as one breed and share identical early
histories loved by royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots and
King Charles II as lapdogs. The English Toy Spaniel is usually
lighter than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This dog is classified as one of the
Toy Dog Group which we
go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this
page. The English Toy Spaniel was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in
1886. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as
Spanial.
Description
of the English Toy Spaniel Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The English Toy Spaniel's coat is normally a shade of black
and tan, ruby or Tricolor with black and white.
The coat is normally long, silky and straight.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the English Toy
Spaniels
All owners of dogs and puppies
are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with
humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog
health problems, including those of the English Toy Spaniel, can prove to be
costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining
dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of
trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors,
or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears,
Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate
to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune &
Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health
problems of the English Toy Spaniel can include:
Patellar Luxation (
The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In
patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )
Eye conditions
including cataracts and Entropion (the
inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid
against the eyeball)
Heart murmurs
Ear infections
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional
information which we have provided via our:
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.
Information
on Grooming and Care of the English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed
The English
Toy Spaniel
requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming
and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best.
Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing
but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and
nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health
problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially
important in puppies and older English Toy Spaniel dogs.
Life
Expectancy information of the English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.
Age
comparison between the English Toy Spaniel Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average English
Toy Spaniel- essential
information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
English Toy Spaniel
Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The
Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed
information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy
Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that
the following considerations should always be taken into account
when choosing puppies:
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising
requirements for the English Toy Spaniel breed
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Puppy and Dog
Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Toy
Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Toy Group, which include the English Toy Spaniel, were initially developed to
ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs
were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as
status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs
in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part
in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost
of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly
owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles,
living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and
pleasure of owning a toy breed dog, such as the English Toy Spaniel, to everyone.
The
Toy dogs which includes the English Toy Spaniel are small and even diminuitive in size.
Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not
like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large
families. They have a tendency toward yappiness. Toy dogs are
loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.
Toy
Dog Breed Duties
Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs, including the English Toy Spaniel, have
been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who
already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance
was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and
puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful
for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited
duties which included the following tasks were were specifically
utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the
nobility:
Warmth
- A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warmth
- toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
Warmth
- toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
Companionship
Status
symbols
Although
toy dogs are most commonly known as lap dogs Oriental Emperors and
courtiers carried them around in their copious sleeves!
Examples
of other Breeds within the Toy Dog Group
The Toy group includes the English Toy Spaniel
and all of
the following breeds:
Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, English Toy Spaniels, Havanese, Italian Greyhounds, Japanese Chins, Maltese, Manchester Terriers (Toy), Miniature Pinschers, Papillons, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Silky Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers.
This dog's name is sometimes mis-spelt as Spanial. Pictures and information about all of the above Toy breeds,
together with all other dog groups and breeds, may be found
on this website via the following links:
