English Toy Spaniel Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Toy dog

  • Breed Height
    Height

    25-27 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    3-6 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-12 years

About the English Toy Spaniel

Looking for a four-legged companion? The English Toy Spaniel could be the right fit for your home. Our English Toy Spaniel breed guide will make sure you are completely clued up about these charming long-eared dogs to make an educated buying decision.

What is the history & origin of the English Toy Spaniel?

The English Toy Spaniel is a toy dog breed originating in England.

It has a luscious silky, medium-length coat and looks a lot like its very popular cousin, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. English Toy Spaniels feature a domed cranium, huge, dark, expressive eyes, and long, hairy ears.

They have four different coats, each with their name: King Charles (black and tan), Blenheim (red and white), Prince Charles (black, white, and tan), and Ruby (solid red).

English Toy Spaniels were liked by the British aristocracy not only because of their beauty and compact stature but also because of their commitment to their owners and enjoyment of being lap dogs.

Toy Spaniels have a long history in the United Kingdom, dating back to the 1500s. Toy Spaniels were popular among the British aristocracy, and they may be seen in paintings of royals and aristocrats dating back generations. Because of their affectionate lapdog character, the dogs were referred to as "spaniel gentle" and "the comforter" around Shakespeare's time.

Crosses between British Toy Spaniels and Asian toy breeds, probably the Japanese Chin and Pug, resulted in the designated English Toy Spaniel Breed in the 1800s. These dogs had flatter faces and a more domed heads than the older British Toy Spaniels.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was the result of an attempt to develop a dog that looked more like the early toy spaniels. The English Toy Spaniel was originally recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1886. However, it is still a rare breed in the United States today.

Who are English Toy Spaniel dogs best for?

They make wonderful friends for their elderly owners. Although English Toy Spaniels are affectionate dogs who normally get along well with children, they are not the best breed for a family with young children because they can be overcome by loudness and activity.

How much grooming does a English Toy Spaniel need?

Be sure to groom your English Toy Spaniel's fur at least twice per week to keep it free of tangles and matting. To work out any tangles, a soft-bristle brush, and a comb are best. Plan on bathing your dog once a month, and make sure to brush it out thoroughly afterward. After a bath, make sure your dog's ears are completely dry.

And check for wax accumulation, grime, and discomfort in the ears at least once a week. Also, inspect your dog's nails once a month to see if they need to be trimmed. Also, brush its teeth at least daily using a doggy toothpaste.

This dog sheds regularly, so be prepared for a lot of vacuuming! Users can maintain their coats clean and silky by minimising shedding.

Do English Toy Spaniel bark much?

English Toy Spaniel dogs are rated four on a scale of five in regard to how much they bark, according to knowledgeable English Toy Spaniel dog experts.

In comparison to other dog breeds, the English Toy Spaniel barks a lot.

Do English Toy Spaniel bite?

They're sweet, quiet dogs who get on well with everyone, even kids and other pets. They are, though, apprehensive of outsiders, which makes them effective watchdogs, and they must be educated early to avoid becoming temperamental against other animals.

What is the temperament & personality of a English Toy Spaniel?

The English Toy Spaniel is a peaceful, happy, fun-loving, kind, and lovely dog. The breed is intelligent and, on the whole, polite. If you handle these creatures gently but firmly, they will be quiet and relaxed.

They quickly make friends with other dogs. The English Toy Spaniel is a typical yapper and watchdog. They are, however, solely classified as companion dogs. Some of them are known for being picky eaters.

These dogs prefer to be with individuals who can provide them with a consistent, loving line of communication. 

The English Toy Spaniel is a laid-back breed; they make great companion dogs. They don't require much exercise, a daily walk would suffice, and they like to spend most of their time indoors, mainly because they don't handle harsh weather well.

Children are likely to provoke a touch too much enthusiasm in this laid-back dog. This breed will thrive in an apartment with a placid pet owner, and they will give love to their human in return.

What is the weight & size of a English Toy Spaniel?

The English Toy Spaniel is a little dog that stands between 25 cm - 30 cm measured from the paw to the shoulder and weighs between 3 kg and 7 kg.

How much training does a English Toy Spaniel need?

To establish good behaviours and prevent undesirable habits from forming, begin training and socialising your English Toy Spaniel while it is a puppy. Both fundamental obedience commands can be taught in a puppy lesson. Treats and praise should always be used in positive-reinforcement training.

This breed is very sensitive to strong reprimand, and it may close down and become unwilling to learn as a result. Teaching your dog to be fine when you leave the house is an area of training where you may need to put in more effort.

English toy spaniels want to be with their owners and may suffer from attachment issues if left home, resulting in harmful behaviours such as compulsive gnawing. You can get advice from a skilled dog trainer on how to deal with this.

What are some of the most common health issues for a English Toy Spaniel?

Although the English Toy Spaniel is a generally healthy dog breed, it is susceptible to several hereditary health problems, including: 

  • Eye problems

  • Heart disease

  • Patellar luxation

What is the lifespan of a English Toy Spaniel?

The English Toy Spaniel, which lives up to 12 years on average, is prone to significant health difficulties such as patellar luxation as well as small issues such as early tooth loss and "lazy tongue," a disease in which the tongue hangs down from the mouth.

How much should you feed a English Toy Spaniel?

Ensure that your English Toy Spaniel has access to fresh water at all times. And feed it high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food in two metered meals per day. A diet designed exclusively for small/toy breeds is usually the best option.

However, consult your veterinarian about the type of food and the amount to ensure that you're meeting your dog's specific requirements. Also, keep an eye out for extra treats and food. For a little dog, even a pound of excess weight might be a lot.

What is the price of a English Toy Spaniel in Australia?

When compared to popular King Charles Spaniels, the English Toy Spaniel is a rather rare breed. So you might have a difficult time finding a dog. However, it's still worth looking for an English toy spaniel in need of a home through local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Check to see if you can get on a breed waiting list. Breeders may also be hard to find, depending on where you live. If you're looking for a puppy from a reputable breeder, you should budget between $1,000 and $1,800. Even though these are purebred dogs, they can still be found at shelters and rescues.

Keep in mind to adopt!

Pros

  • Cuddly lapdog
  • Relatively quiet
  • Doesn't need much exercise

Cons

  • Stubbornness
  • High separation anxiety
  • Not good with hot weather