English Toy Spaniel

Dog Breed Profile

English Toy Spaniel History

The English Toy Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of toy spaniel. The first recorded mention of the English Toy Spaniel was in 1627 in John Caius’ book The Compleat Gentleman. The English Toy Spaniel is the national dog of the United Kingdom, and one of the six official British Sporting Dogs.

Time of Origin

1600s

Country of Origin

England

Ancestry

Unknown

English Toy Spaniel Physical Characteristics

The English Toy Spaniel is a small, short-haired breed of dog. They are small dogs that stand between 9 and 11 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 5 and 9 pounds. They have long, lean bodies and broad chests with short, sleek coats. Their head is small, and their muzzle is straight. Their nose is dark, and they have large, bright, round eyes that are almost always dark brown in color. They have a small, triangular shaped set of teeth that meet in a scissors bite. They have long, thin legs and a long tail. They are friendly, playful, and sweet.

Eye Colors

Brown

Nose Colors

Unknown

Coat Colors

Unknown

Height Range

Male Height Range: 10 – 11 inches

Female Height Range: 10 – 11 inches

Weight Range

Male Weight Range: 8 – 14 lbs

Female Weight Range: 8 – 14 lbs

English Toy Spaniel Health

Description of breed health.

Lifespan

9-12 yrs

English Toy Spaniel Health Concerns

Entropion, Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy, Cataracts, Retinal Dysplasia

English Toy Spaniel Temperament and Behaviour

The English Toy Spaniel is a lively, playful and outgoing companion. They are very intelligent, but can be stubborn at times. They are eager to learn and are easy to train, but they can also be a little mischievous and willful. They are easily adaptable to new situations, and are great with kids and other animals.

English Toy Spaniel Activity Requirements

English Toy Spaniels are small, sturdy, and compact. They are often considered great lap dogs, although they do enjoy playing outside. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living and for families who don’t want a big dog. While they don’t need as much exercise as larger breeds, they still need daily walks. These walks can be short, but they should be frequent in order to maintain proper health. English Toy Spaniels are great companions for busy families. They are quiet, gentle, and affectionate, and they are small enough to live in an apartment. They can even be kept inside and taken out for a short walk several times a day.