How to Identify an English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel, also known as the King Charles Spaniel, is a British spaniel breed that is a part of the toy group. [1] English Toys were bred from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Asian toy breeds, such as the Pug and Japanese Chin. [2] Thus, they share much in common with other toy breeds, but they do have unique features of their own. By recognizing the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify an English Toy Spaniel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Recognizing the Structure

  1. As members of the toy group, English Toy Spaniels are very small dogs. They only weigh 8–14 pounds (3.6–6.4 kg) with a height of 9–10 inches (23–25 cm). [3]
  2. An English Toy's head resembles a dome and curves over the eyes. The head is a bit high and plush-like in appearance with a deeply placed stop. When compared to the overall size of the dog, the head appears large, giving them an intelligent yet soft expression. [4]
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  3. The ears of an English Toy Spaniel are known to be very well-coated with feathering, making them rather long in length. They hang down flat and near the head of the dog. [5]
  4. English Toys have dark-colored eyes, typically black or brown, with black rims that prevent most white on the eyes from being visible. They are notably large to complement the dog's head size, and the way they are set in the head may align with the nose in a way that appears square. [6]
  5. An English Toy Spaniel's muzzle is one of the breed's main distinguishing features as it is incredibly short, though the jaws still appear a bit deep and even broad. The bite does not show through the well-met lips but is a little undershot, while the nose and nostrils are of a large size and pigmented black. [7]

    Did you know? Pugs and Japanese Chin are probably where English Toys get their recognizably flat muzzles and large, round heads, making them distinct from Cavaliers. [8]

  6. The paws of an English Toy are identical in both front and back, being compactly built. A commonly seen trait is toes that appear fused without taking away from the paws' neat appearance. [9]
  7. When an English Toy Spaniel is not born with a naturally short tail or one that is screw-shaped, it is usually docked so that it is only 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) long. It is set evenly and carried at the level of the back or barely above with feathering to give a flagged appearance. [10]
  8. English Toys are overall cobby but sturdy, compact, and nearly square. They have an arched neck, laid-back shoulders, good ribs, a broad back, strong legs, and a level topline. Their elegant gait is of decent reach and drive, being stable yet lively. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Noticing the Coat

  1. An English Toy Spaniel's coat is profuse and appears straight or slightly wavy. The texture of the coat is glossy and like silk. [12]
  2. English Toys may have one of four coats: Blenheim (red and white), Prince Charles (tricolor), King Charles (black and tan), or Ruby (solid red). [13]
    • Blenheim coats have a pearly white background color with deep red or chestnut markings in the form of large patches. The dog's cheeks and ears are red, white the blaze that extends from the nose to the forehead between the ears in a curve is white. Red markings may also appear around both of the dog's eyes. The characteristic "Blenheim" spot is typically on the top and center of the skull. [14]
    • Prince Charles coats have a pearly white background with black patches that are evenly distributed and other black and tan markings. The ears are black, and black markings also appear on the face and sometimes around both eyes. Rich tan markings show up on the face, over the eyes, in the lining of the ears, and under the tail. [15]
    • King Charles coats are a glossy, rich black color with bright tan or mahogany markings. These tan markings appear on the cheeks, lining of the ears, over the eyes, on the legs, and under the tail. A small white patch may appear on the chest, but otherwise, the dog is solid black and tan. [16]
    • Ruby coats are a solid rich mahogany red color and are self-colored. A small white patch may appear on the chest, but a Ruby dog is otherwise solid red. [17]
  3. English Toy Spaniels have well-feathered coats. The ears, chest, and body have heavy fringing, the front and hind legs have flowing feathering, and feathering also appears on the paws. Long ear fringes and overall good coats are notably characteristic of an English Toy, though the Blenheim and Ruby varieties are seldom as long in coat as Prince Charles and King Charles dogs. [18]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

  1. English Toy Spaniels were bred to be companions, so it is no surprise that they are ideal housedogs. They are relatively calm, docile, and quiet, needing little exercise and enjoying cuddling with their owners. [19]
    • These traits can make them great in apartments or with seniors. [20]
  2. Though English Toys love spending time with their people, they may be timid or shy around strangers or in unfamiliar situations. It is highly important to socialize them to prevent overly timid behaviors. [21]
  3. English Toy Spaniels are fairly eager to please, but they may act independent or stubborn during training. If trained with patience and an understanding of the dog's temperament, this can be prevented. [22]
  4. Due to their highly companionable nature, English Toys are prone to having separation anxiety more than many other breeds. This may lead to destructive habits, so it is important that the dog isn't left alone for too long. [23]
  5. The English Toy Spaniel excels as an indoor dog but does enjoy to occasionally play in a yard or the outdoors. Make sure, however, that any yards are securely fenced and that they have a leash when outside so the dog won't escape or go too far chasing something. [24]
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      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if you wish to know the breed of your own dog. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is an English Toy Spaniel.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/things-didnt-know-english-toy-spaniel/
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/EnglishToySpaniel.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishtoyspaniels.html
      11. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel
      12. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel
      13. ↑ https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/english-toy-spaniel
      14. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishtoyspaniels.html
      15. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/englishtoyspaniels.html

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