English Toy Spaniels: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

One of the most amiable and undemanding of the toys, the elegant English Toy Spaniel is easy to live with and easy to like.

One breeder describes him as "quiet, intimate, dignified, funny, and sweet."

Though he does love to play in the yard, he doesn't need or want much more exercise than that. The yard must be fenced, for he has just enough spaniel instincts to chase birds or butterflies into the street.

Calm indoors, a lover of comfort and couches, he enjoys cuddling on laps and snuggling into soft pillows. His soulful eyes invite pampering, which he accepts graciously without taking nasty advantage.

This docile yet merry breed is terrific for senior citizens.

At the other end of the spectrum, he is easily overwhelmed by small children and cannot take rough handling or mischief.

The "Charlie" (reflecting his European name: King Charles Spaniel) is somewhat reserved with strangers. His own family is enough for him, thank you very much.

He is mildly stubborn, but the little training he needs will go well if you use praise and encouragement -- and food rewards never hurt.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult English Toy Spaniels have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your English Toy Spaniel to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the English Toy Spaniel

If I was considering an English Toy Spaniel, I would be most concerned about...

1. Separation anxiety. More than most other breeds, English Toy Spaniels need a great deal of companionship and do not like being left alone for more than a few hours. They become anxious, which they express through destructive chewing and barking.
2. Providing enough socialization. English Toy Spaniels tend to be standoffish with strangers. They need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds so that their natural caution doesn't become shyness. Teaching your toy spaniel how to be confident with the world is essential. Read about socialization on English Toy Spaniel Training.
3. Grooming and shedding. To keep their silky coat short and free of mats, English Toy Spaniels require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming. English Toy Spaniels shed quite a bit, on the high side of average.
4. Finding one. This is an uncommon breed, so be prepared for a waiting list and a high price tag.
5. Health problems. Unfortunately, breeders deliberately breed these dogs to be deformed, with a short face and domed head. As such, they suffer more than their share of health problems – not only with their labored breathing, but also eye problems and neurological problems. See English Toy Spaniel Health.