Group: Toy

Weight: 9-12 pounds

Height: about 10 inches

Overview
It is thought that English Toy Spaniels date as far back as the Asian spaniels and pugs. This breed was first bred in the British Isles, and intended to be a used as a woodcock dog. They however quickly became preferred by the British royalty, and soon became above all used as companion dogs. The term King Charles Spaniel also came from King Charles II of England, as he was the owner of several English Toy Spaniels. Today, these dogs are still well-liked in England, and favored by many.
Temperament

English Toy Spaniels are calm, happy, good-natured and affectionate; they can however be timid at times. They will be friendly toward those who approach them in a loving manner. The breed is naturally well-mannered a very bright, but they have a stubborn tendency. The English Toy Spaniel is a very easy-going dog that should be treated tenderly. They are gracious with other dogs, and will need to be with a lot of people. They are typically good with all children, but will do best with a grown-up, considerate child. The English Toy Spaniel is an average barker and will be relatively okay as a watchdog. They are, on the other hand solely a companion dog.

Care

The English Toy Spaniel should be brushed regularly to keep shedding at bay. These dogs can be bathed, however not excessively and only with a mild shampoo. It is extremely vital to daily clean out the ears and eyes of this breed. The English Toy Spaniel will not do well in hot and moist climates.

Training

English Toy Spaniels are very clever and always keen to please their owners, especially once the dominance has been established. This breed can be stubborn, and it is therefore very important to establish yourself as the Alpha dog from early onwards. Seeing that these dogs can be wary of strangers, it is very important for them to be socialized from puppyhood onwards. This will help the English Toy Spaniel to not be fearful later on. Crate training usually works well for this breed if you want to housetrain them. This breed is however difficult to leash train, and patience is very important with this task.
Health problems

Many of the English Toy Spaniels are prone to respiratory problems, and may wheeze, snore and have trouble breathing - particularly in warm conditions. They also have problems with ear and eye infections, so these should be checked often to make sure that they are clean. At times the English Toy Spaniels also experience mitral valve heart disease, which is a life threatening heart defect. Seeing that these dogs have had a number of problems, it is important to consider a reputable breeder when you're considering buying one of these dogs.