English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel is a small, square-bodied dog with a coat that flows very much like a royal cloak. This breed is divided into four main varieties based on color: Blenheim (rich mahogany red and white); ruby (rich mahogany red); Prince Charles (white with black and tan markings); and King Charles (black and tan). The coats in the Prince Charles and King Charles varieties tend to be longer. The breed appears in numerous noble portraits of the 1600's to the 1800's. The English Toy Spaniel is a bright and interested little dog. They are extremely affectionate and eager to please.

English Toy Spaniel History:

The English Toy Spaniel originated in Great Britain and was kept as a companion dog for royalty. The breed’s modern appearance is the result of crossing short snouted Japanese toy breeds with small, long snouted European spaniels. Very popular with the wealthy, the English Toy Spaniel was regularly known as a “Comforter spaniel” as they served as lap or foot warmers. During the 1600's, English Toy Spaniels were a loyal companion to King Charles I of England, resulting in the adoption of the name King Charles Spaniel. This name is still widely used outside of the Americas. Over the course of early breeding the breed began to inherit some hunting qualities, however, as centuries passed, these qualities gradually diminished and it returned to being a lap dog.