small Breed Dogs
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English Toy Spaniel
Toy Breed Dogs
Small Breed Dogs





Manufactured Dog Food VS Home Cooked Food
The food that you feed to your dog will have a direct impact on their health. Whether a young puppy who needs great nutrient to properly grow, an adult who needs to maintain weight and energy levels or a senior who can has a sensitive digestive system.

In addition, the choice you make can directly impact behavioral issues, such as eating grass or feces.
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What you MUST Know Before Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice...Read More
Average Height: 10-11  inches (25.4 - 27.94 cm)
Average Weight: 8-14 pounds (3.62 - 6.35 kg)
 Pronounced: ING-Lish Toi SPAN-e'-el
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 12 Years
Average Litter: 3
Origin: Japan, China & then England

Description

The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby little dog with a short nose and domed head.  It is the head hat is the most distinctive characteristic, as it is large in comparison to the body size and with a plush, chubby look about it.  Large eyes are very dark in either brown or black, and this adds to this small breed dog's appealing expression.  Long, low-set ears are fringed with heavy feathering and lie close to the pup's head.  The bite is slightly undershot and the jaw is turned up.  The tail is often docked in the United States, not so in other countries which have banned the practice of docking.  It is the feathering of the fur on this dogs tail which gives a "long" appearance.

Colors

While the AKC color page will tell you that there are 4 colors of: Black & tan, Black white & tan, red and red & white, the colors actually go much deeper than that.

There are 4 distinct color varieties. Blenheim is red & white (deep red or chestnut markings on a pearly background) this colored English Toy Spaniel often has the prized "thumb mark" print on its forehead.

There are tri-colored pearls, which is a pearly white base with black and tan markings.  This breed may also be a rich mahogany red.

History & Origin

While records were not kept, it is well assumed that the English Toy Spaniel has ancestors routed in Japan and possibly China.  The breed was undoubtedly in England for at least 100 years before King Charlies I.  King Charles I and King Charles II were influences for this dog's name...in the UK, all of the colors go under the name of King Charles Spaniel.  The AKC recognized this breed long ago, in 1886!

Personality

This is a bright, interested little dog who is very affectionate and extremely willing to please its owners.  Soft and normally very quiet, small bursts of mischievous behavior can sneak in!  This small breed dog tends to choose his loved ones and can be a bit shy when confronted with situations or people that he or she is not used to.  Becoming overwhelmed easily and quickly in busy situations,  it is best if this dog has a calm and peaceful family environment.

Grooming

Although a fairly long coated breed, grooming needs are not overwhelming.  Dental care is always vital.  In regard to the coat, brushing should be done at least 1 time per week.  Special care should be given to ensure that there are no matts behind the ears, elbows and back of the legs.

Routine grooming can help make sure that these tangles do not appear; however if they do it is best to try to work it out with your hands and lots of conditioner. These can grow each day, turning into a "fur nightmare", therefore any must be dealt with.  Clipping a matt should be a last resort.


Puppies commonly have fused paws pads which means the paw is extra thick with a double nail. This can be seen in 2 forms, either as a fused extra nail, which must be trimmed with very sharp cutters, or as 1 single nail of normal size and 1 stunted small nail in the center of the pad.

This 2nd type can break off easily at the base, and cause quite a bit of discomfort to the dog. Because of this, special care must be taken to keep all nails trimmed short.

Exercise

This toy Spaniel is definitely not an outside dog!  Exercise should consist of short walks and perhaps a some running around in a small enclosed yard.  Like many other short-faced breeds, the English Toy Spaniel may wheeze and snore. Very hot weather may cause difficulty breathing and an owner must keep this in mind when exercising outdoors.

Health

It is important to note that just because a dog breed is more prone to certain health conditions, this does not mean that all dogs will develop this.  It does mean that an owner should be aware of the potential, in order to spot early indications.

You will want to be aware of luxating patellas, (when the pup's kneecap slips out of its correct place), cardiac problems, slipped discs and eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts (clouding of the eye lens) and retinal dysplasia.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can occur in hot humid weather, especially heavily polluted areas. 

Care & Training

Because the English Toy Spaniel can be very shy, proper socialization training should be implemented, so that this dog can be relaxed and happy in the home. 

This pup can have a host of somewhat silly or odd behavioral issues (all can be resolved with proper training).  Understanding the care needs of small breed dogs is very important when owning this breed .

If you are thinking about getting a puppy, you may wish to read some important information about purchasing a puppy. Just click here.

If you already own a Toy Spaniel or other toy dog, you may wish to click here for more detailed are information.
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