English Toy Spaniel History Breed and Health Food

The English Toy Spaniel developed in England and was popular before the reign of William of Orange. It was a constant companion of the English Cocker Spaniel that developed in the same time and area. The English Toy Spaniel we know today is a product of selective breeding that took place just prior to the reign of Edward VII and bears little physical resemblance to its predecessors. In England and most of the world this breed's name is "THE KING CHARLES SPANIEL ". It is called "THE TOY SPANIEL " only in the United States and Canada. This is due to Edward VII's refusal to allow the name Toy Spaniel to become the registered name for this breed since it had so little in common with the other "Spaniel" breeds of England during the time of his reign.

English Toy Spaniel

This English Toy Spaniel dog's history is both recent and ancient, since the breed existed by the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In 1926, an American dog fancier noticed that today’s King Charles differs from the spaniel depicted in tapestries of yore. British breeders then re-created the ancient toy spaniel that was once a favorite of British kings and princes. Crosses with the King Charles Spaniel, the Pekingese, and the Pug established the first strains of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, officially recognized as a breed in 1945. The Cavalier King Charles is stockier and has a longer muzzle than the King Charles Spaniel. The Cavalier King Charles, which has eclipsed the King Charles, is becoming increasingly popular.

The English Toy Spaniel is a happy, lap companion dog that needs little in the way of exercise and care. She is well behaved, friendly with other pets and good with older, calm children. As a reminder, never leave children unsupervised with any puppy or dog.

Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the English Toy Spaniel is about 10 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 9 to 12 pounds.

English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Spaniel And Special Health Considerations

For the English Toy Spaniel I recommend foods that contain poultry, lamb, wheat, oats, and potato. I also recommend that you avoid feeding an English Toy Spaniel any soy products, ocean fish, beef, or yellow
corn. Native food supplies for this breed would have been the same as the English Cocker. They consisted of potatoes and other starchy vegetables blended with meats from wild poultry (woodcock and other upland
game birds), and mutton. English Toy Spaniel Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the English Toy Spaniel is no exception. Be on the look out for cataracts, heart murmurs, patella luxation, eye problems (prominent eyes are prone to physical damage) and ear infections. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

English Toy Spaniel

English Toy Spaniel Grooming

The English Toy Spaniel has a long wavy and thick coat. She should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

English Toy Spaniel Breeds Standars

Head: Round. Skull nearly flat. Stop not very pronounced. Cone-shaped muzzle. Strong jaws. Lips not pendulous. Well-developed, black nose.
 
Ears: Set on high, long. Abundant feathering.
 
Eyes: Large, round, not protruding, dark.
 
Body: Long. Neck moderately long, slightly arched. Medium-sized chest. Well-sprung ribs.
 
Tail: Carried gaily but never much above the topline. Natural or docked by more than one-third.
 
Hair: Long, silky, not curly. Slightly wavy. Abundant feathering.
 
Coat: Black and tan (King Charles): raven-black with tan markings above the eyes, on the cheeks, insides of the ears, chest, legs, and underside of the tail. White markings not allowed. - Ruby (the rarest variety): solid, rich red. White markings not allowed. Blenheim: rich chestnut markings well-distributed over a pearly white ground. Markings should be divided evenly on the head, with a characteristic kissing spot between the ears.  Tricolor (Prince Charles): well-spaced and well-distributed black and white markings with tan markings above the eyes and on the cheeks, insides of the ears, inner legs, and underside of the tail.
 
Size: 25 to 34 cm.
Weight: 5 to 9 kg.

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