Buying or Adopting an English Toy Spaniel
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the English Toy Spaniel until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is an English Toy Spaniel the right breed for you?
English Toy Spaniel Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for an English Toy Spaniel?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No large dogs in the household (safety issue)
- Extra safety precautions – ongoing supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your English Toy Spaniel, being careful where you step or sit, not allowing leaps from high furniture, keeping small objects off the floor so the dog can't choke, closing all gaps in fences and gates, etc.
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games
- Brushing – moderate
- Trimming – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems English Toy Spaniels are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with moderate/heavy shedding, snorting/wheezing, and housebreaking taking a long time
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your English Toy to lots of people and other animals
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your English Toy Spaniel, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt an English Toy Spaniel?
English Toy Spaniels are not a common breed in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, English Toy Spaniels rank 130th.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find an English Toy Spaniel available from a Dog Rescue group. But not many English Toy Spaniels are turned over to Rescue groups, because not many people own them in the first place. Also they're not that difficult to live with, so fewer owners tend to give up on them.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
English Toy Spaniels are very rarely found here for the same reasons listed above. Plus, English Toy Spaniel Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. On the off chance that their breed turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy an English Toy Spaniel from a show breeder, who breeds English Toy Spaniels to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy an English Toy Spaniel from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of an English Toy Spaniel puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your English Toy Spaniel ends up with cataracts and heart disease.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
English Toy Spaniels are occasionally found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right English Toy Spaniel Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of English Toy Spaniel puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered English Toy Spaniel puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams
My dog buying/adoption book will help you find a good-tempered, healthy family companion.
To help you train and care for your dog
Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action.
The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership.