English Toy Spaniel

AKC Group: Toy

Club: English Toy Spaniel Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Susan Jackson
Address: 18451 SHEFFIELD LN, BRISTOL, IN , 46507-8913
Website: www.etsca.org
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. His compact, sturdy body and charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and character. The important characteristics of the breed are exemplified by the head.

Size:

Size - The most desirable weight of an adult is eight to fourteen pounds. General symmetry and substance are more important than the actual weight; however, all other things being equal, the smaller sized dog is to be preferred. Proportion - Compact and essentially square in shape, built on cobby lines. Substance - Sturdy of frame, solidly constructed.

Coat:

Profusely coated, heavy fringing on the ears, body, and on the chest, and with flowing feathering on both the front and hind legs, and feathering on the feet. The coat is straight or only slightly wavy, with a silken, glossy texture. Although the Blenheim and the Ruby rarely gain the length of coat and ears of the Prince Charles and King Charles, good coats and long ear fringes are a desired and prized attribute. Over-trimming of the body, feet or tail fringings should be penalized.

Temperament:

The English Toy Spaniel is a bright and interested little dog, affectionate and willing to please.

History:

Following the spread of civilization from East to West, it is natural that most of the oldest breeds of dog trace their origin to eastern countries; the history of the English Toy Spaniel follows this path. Authorities agree the dog's ancestry to be in Japan, and possibly China of ancient times, but the exactness remains a matter of doubt. It is certain the Toy Spaniel did not make its first appearance in England during the reign of King Charles I, for whom the black and tan variety took its name. The Toy Spaniel was present more than a hundred years before.

The black and tan, King Charles, appear to have been the King's favorite and the emphasis in early breeding programs was on this variety. For a long time the varieties were bred with out reference to color, producing several varieties in the same litter. Historians have noted that families of privilege had their favorites and breeding programs closely aligned with development of a single variety and purpose.

Although an adornment to many owners desiring a merry, affectionate dog of distinction the English Toy Spaniel was said to be a fine small hunting spaniel, particularly on woodcock. The English Toy Spaniel achieved breed recognition with The American Kennel Club in 1886.

Fun Facts:

• Most authorities agree that the English Toy has its origins in the East, namely Japan (traveling to Europe as part of royal presents).
  
  
• Evidence that the English Toy was a favorite of Mary Queen of Scots, where it is said that her favorite refused to leave her, even on the scaffold.
  
  
• All English Toys seem to have been Black and Tan up to the time of King Charles II (these were later called the King Charles); the different colors emerged much later.
  
  
• English Toys still possess the natural hunting instinct.
  
  
• Celebrated professor and physician to Queen Elizabeth refers to the English Toys as "Spaniell Gentle, otherwise called the Comforter."
  
  
• In the U.S. the breed has appeared in the AKC's records since the club was founded. Before 1903 all four colors were classified as separate breeds for show purposes, but were permitted to intermix for breeding. But in 1904 the AKC ruled that they should be combined into one breed, the English Toy Spaniel, and shown in two color varieties: King Charles and Ruby; and Prince Charles and Blenheim.