A little look at life together.
Getting to know the English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is a compact companion with a domed head, short muzzle, and long, silky feathering. Introduce regular brushing and gentle handling around the face and ears as part of the weekly routine.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
English Toy Spaniel questions
What is the difference between an English Toy Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
They are two separate breeds, even though they share the same coat colors. The English Toy is smaller, at 8 to 14 pounds against 13 to 18 for the Cavalier, with a high domed skull, a very short muzzle and a slightly undershot bite. The Cavalier has an almost flat skull, a longer muzzle and a scissors bite.
Is the English Toy Spaniel the same as the King Charles Spaniel?
Yes. The breed called the English Toy Spaniel in the United States is known as the King Charles Spaniel in the United Kingdom. In the United States, King Charles is also the name of the breed's black and tan color variety, which is part of why the names get mixed up with the Cavalier.
How big does a full-grown English Toy Spaniel get?
Adults usually stand 9 to 10 inches tall and weigh 8 to 14 pounds, which is the most desirable adult weight. It is a compact, square, sturdy little dog.
How long do English Toy Spaniels live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years for the breed. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Do English Toy Spaniels shed, and how much grooming do they need?
They shed a moderate amount. The long, silky coat and heavy ear fringes tangle easily, so plan on brushing at least twice a week, a bath every four to six weeks, and occasional tidying around the face and feet.
Are English Toy Spaniels good apartment dogs?
They are well suited to it. These are moderately active dogs that are playful outdoors and calm at home, and a good match for city dwellers in small apartments who provide daily walks on a leash. Because the breed has a short face, it does not tolerate hot weather and should not be left outside on warm or humid days.
Do English Toy Spaniels bark a lot?
Not as a rule. The breed is low on barking, and these dogs are quiet and devoted to their owners. Individual dogs vary, so ask the breeder or current caregiver what a particular dog is like.
What are the four colors of the English Toy Spaniel?
Each color variety has its own name. Blenheim is red and white, King Charles is black and tan, Prince Charles is white with black and tan, and Ruby is solid red. Blenheims often carry a red thumb mark on top of the head, known as the Blenheim Spot.
