ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL Breed Standards
While the dog’s early history is uncertain, it is believed the English Toy Spaniel is a product of breeding between Japanese Toy breeds and European spaniels. The dog’s early lineage is identical to that of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and both dogs became popular as lapdogs among Europe’s aristocracy during the 17th century. English Toy Spaniels were the favorite of England’s King Charles II, from whom the breed gets its nickname, the King Charles Spaniel. Charles’ affection for the dog boosted its popularity tremendously, causing it to become one of the most highly esteemed breeds in Britain at the time.
Over the centuries, the English Toy Spaniel was bred to accentuate its petite size, round head and flat nose. The breed was introduced to the United States during the 19th century and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886. While the dog has never been as popular in America as in its native England, the English Toy Spaniel continues to provide the companionship that has made it so cherished for so long.
SKILLS: The English Toy Spaniel or King Charles Spaniel, is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog posessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim a dog of distinction and character. Their most distinctive characteristic is their domed head, large dark eyes, pushed-in nose and broad ribcage. Their spaniel heritage is marked by long ears and coat, which may be profuse. Tails are frequently but not always docked.
SIZE: Size - The most desirable weight of an adult is eight to fourteen pounds. General symmetry and substance are more important than the actual weight however, all other things being equal, the smaller dog is to be preferred. Proportion - Compact and essentially square in shape, built on cobby lines. Substance - Sturdy of frame, solidly constructed.
COAT: Profusely coated, heavy fringing on the ears, body and on the chest, and with flowing feathering on both the front and hind legs, and feathering on the feet. The coat is straight or only slightly wavy, with a silken, glossy texture. Although the Blenheim and the Ruby rarely gain the length of coat ears of the Prince Charles and King Charles, good coats and long ear fringes are a desired and prized attribute. Over trimming of the body, feet or tail fringings, should be penalized. Color:
- The Blenheim (red and white) consists of a pearly white ground with deep red or chestnut markings evenly distributed in large patches. The ears and the cheeks are red, with a blaze of white extending from the nose up the forehead and ending between the ears in a crescentic curve. It is preferable that there be red markings around both eyes. The Blenheim often carries a thumb mark or "Blenheim Spot" placed on the top and center of the skull.
- The Prince Charles (tricolor) consists of a pearly white ground, with evenly distributed black patches, solid black ears and black face markings. It is preferable that there be black markings around both eyes. The tan markings are of a rich color, and on the face, over the eyes, in the lining of the ears, and under the tail.
- The King Charles (black and tan) is a rich glossy black with bright mahogany tan markings appearing on the cheeks, lining of the ears, over the eyes, on the legs and underneath the tail. The presence of a small white chest patch about the size of a quarter, or a few white hairs on the chest of a King Charles Spaniel is not to be penalized, other white markings are an extremely serious fault.
- The Ruby is a self-colored, rich mahogany red. The presence of a small white chest patch about the size of a quarter or a few white hairs on the chest of a Ruby Spaniel are not to be penalized. Other white markings are an extremely serious fault.
CARE REQUIRED: Charlies are known as wash and wear dogs. This means that they require little grooming as far as long-haired dogs go. But they do require some. Most important is keeping them free of mats and tangles, especially behind the ears, behind the elbows and between the back legs. Picking hair away from the mats carefully and gently will preserve the coat, however, it is better to cut out a mat than to overly frighten a dog by being impatient. Because the ears are long and pendulous they need regular care as well. Shaving the inside of the ears will help keep them clean of bacteria and improve air circulation. A routine ear cleaning after any bath will also prevent wax build up and alert the owner to other problems such as ear mites or infection. Keeping toenails short, including the nails on fused-toes is important. The veterinarian should check anal sacs and show the owner how to check for anal sac problems. Charlies should be bathed every two weeks to once a month and combed out once a week. Some Charlies even love having their faces washed daily!
Charlies do not require a great deal of food. Providing two meals a day may be preferable to once a day. If a Charlie goes off its food, one thing to check on is its teeth. Teeth in the breed can sometimes be problematic and should be brushed. In general one should lightly feel but not quite see the ribs in order to determine the proper weight for a Charlie. Most will eat between 1/4 to 1 cup a day of commercial dog food but may also require some canned food to make it edible.
Due to their short noses, Charlies do not do well in hot and humid weather, especially in heavily polluted areas. They may suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) if over exposed in these situations. It is best to provide them with air conditioning in these climates.
CHARACTER: The English Toy Spaniel is a bright and interested little dog, affectionate and willing to please.
EXERCISE: Needs very little, and is relatively inactive indoors.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: English Toy Spaniels should be protected from extreme temperatures. It is good for apartment life, relatively inactive indoors, and will do okay without a yard.
TRAINING: As mentioned above, Charlies should be kept on-lead or in a fenced -in yard. They should not be left outside unattended especially within an invisible fence or on a tie-out in case they are injured by a larger animal passing through. They should not be considered outdoor dogs. If their knees are in good shape, Charlies will enjoy some gentle hiking if they have been conditioned to it, but otherwise access to a small yard and some visiting around the neighborhood on lead is the most a Charlie will need to keep it in condition. Many city dwellers have paper trained their Charlies with success so they do not ever have to go outside. This helps in case of bad weather or late-night hours.
