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English toy spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel, called the King Charles Spaniel in Britain, is the older and shorter-faced of the two royal spaniels — the Cavalier was recreated in the 1920s to restore the longer muzzle this breed had lost through Victorian breeding for a flat face.

It stands 23 to 28 centimetres, weighs 3.5 to 6.5 kilograms and lives ten to twelve years, with a long silky coat in four colour varieties. It is gentle, quiet and devoted, and it was bred entirely as a companion. The flattened face and the shared ancestry with the Cavalier mean it carries both brachycephalic problems and the heart disease that defines that breed.

Origin
England; the older, shorter-faced royal spaniel
Size
23–28 cm; 3.5–6.5 kg
Lifespan
10–12 years
Coat
Long and silky, in four colour varieties
Temperament
Gentle, quiet and devoted; purely a companion
Health
Mitral valve disease, brachycephalic airway problems, patellar luxation

Related: American English coonhound · American water spaniel · Boykin spaniel · Cavalier King Charles spaniel · Clumber spaniel

3 english toy spaniel photos, newest first

  • Percy, a english toy spaniel

    Percy

    Percy chose the velvet cushion, and has been receiving guests from it ever since.

    FrostyOtter · 5 days ago

  • Quince II, a english toy spaniel

    Quince II

    Quince II was promoted to botanist studying an absurdly large houseplant; unfortunately, dozens of ping-pong balls escape at once.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Quince II, a english toy spaniel

    Quince II

    Quince II was told to stay. Quince II negotiated.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a english toy spaniel

Ask about heart testing in the parents. Mitral valve disease is the breed's most serious problem, as it is in the Cavalier: a murmur develops in middle age and progresses to heart failure. Breeders following a heart scheme delay the age of onset in their lines, and that is what to ask about.

The flat face brings breathing difficulty and heat intolerance. Noisy breathing at rest is not normal, and they must not be exercised in heat.

The prominent eyes injure easily; any squinting is urgent.

The silky coat needs combing several times a week, particularly behind the ears and on the feathering.

Ask about patellar luxation. Exercise needs are modest but they need company.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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