The English Toy Spaniel is also known as the King Charles Spaniel. There are several variations of the color in this breed. The "Ruby" is a whole color, all rich red. The "Blenheim" is chestnut markings, broken, on a white background. The ears must be chestnut in color and surrounding both eyes, with a white blaze and a chestnut spot in the middle. The "Tricolor", known as the "Prince Charles" is jet black markings on a white background with tan markings over the eyes, on the cheeks, inside the ears and on the underside of the tail.
The "Black and Tan" is known as the "King Charles" and is a black coloring with tan markings similar to the placement of the markings of the Prince Charles variety. Regardless of color, the head is the most important characteristic of this little dog, it must have a "dome skull" with large round eyes and well turned up nose. In the United States the breed is shown in two varieties and is known as the English Toy Spaniel. One variety consists of the colors of Blenheim and Prince Charles competing in the same class, the other variety is the King Charles and Ruby colors.
When the breed became noticed by the court of King Charles, it became quite fashionable to carry these little spaniel dogs around. Furthermore this breed, developed exclusively as a lap dog, was quite content to do nothing except lie around. They were highly prized for the striking appearance of their faces and expression and the cute "turn up" nose.
In fact the head became of such importance that at early dog shows there were exhibitors who carried the dog and it was judged solely on its head rather than on the movement. There were even some events at which the dog won solely on the basis of its head "furnishings" and never was walked in the ring. It became evident that breeders placing so much emphasis on head had developed a breed that was not sound of leg and body, often it was bow legged. Later on more breeders did begin to place more emphasis on the bone and structure and now the King Charles standard requires a longer stride and should move straight and true.
The head of the English Toy Spaniel is quite large and sometimes a natural birth is not possible. Caesarian Sections are sometimes the only way this breed can be born. Also this little dog can have a predisposition to Luxating Patella, a condition which causes the kneecap to slip, this can be a very painful and debilitating condition. It is important that breeders continue to strive to reduce these two problems of the breed. Of most importance in this and others of the Toy group is the notion that the overly developed head should be so highly prized as to prevent natural birth. It is the opinion of most responsible breeders of today that breeds that can not survive the process of a natural birth should be eliminated from the genetic pool.
The character of this little dog is pleasant and non energetic. He is a good dog for the elderly as he is quiet and loves nothing better than to lie in someone's lap. He more than lives up to the description "lap 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.
*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.
*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.
*Life Span. The English Toy Spaniel can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
*History. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.
Some Registries: *English Toy Spaniel Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS Great elderly companion. Sweet lap dog. Wants to please. Gets along with other pets. Does not need much exercise. Some are watch dogs.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS May snore. May suffer in hot and cold weather. Clings to her owner. She may be a barker.
*Other Names Known By: King Charles Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel, Blenheim Spaniel, Prince Charles Spaniel
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.
Mitch Endick has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Puppies Dogs and Education. Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com.