LIVING WITH THE ENGLISH TOY SPANIEL
(A version of this article appeared in the September 2012 issue of SHOWSIGHTMagazine.) by Tom O’Neal
F or many centuries there existed in various European countries a small dog known as “comforter” or Spanyel, always a favored pet and lap dog. In England, these little dogs were prominent in the royal houses of Charles II and James II, and many recorded incidents prove the association. According to many authorities through the years, these Span- iels evolved to become the breed known as the King Charles or, here in the United States, the English Toy Spaniel. Originally, the breed had a moderate length of muzzle which we think, probably through a cross with an Oriental Toy, be- came the very short, upturned type that our standard calls for today. Over the years, many of the breed characteristics have been set down as goals for the breeders, always emphasizing domed heads, large expressive eyes, soft silky furnishings, and small size. These little Spaniels most readily show their ancient her- itage by their winning dispositions. The English Toy Spaniel is an ideal house pet, as they are af- fectionate, smart, and easily trained. The training should be started at an early age. It is much easier to housebreak an eight-week-old puppy than an eight-month-old puppy. The same is true of lead-breaking and teaching the puppy to stand for grooming. Teaching the puppy to stand for grooming at an early age will save both the dog and the owner a lot of stress as the puppy gets older. The Charlie has a very affectionate disposition and their main goal in life is to please the owner. They are usually friendly with strangers but can be somewhat discriminating. My first English Toy Spaniel, Ch. Dreamridge Dear Charles, was very friendly with guests who were well-dressed but with a repair- man or someone who did not meet his idea of having a worth- while appearance, he would go to an upstairs bedroom and remain there until they left. Their charming personalitymakes theman ideal playmate for children, if exposed to children at an early age. They are also a great pet for a senior citizen as they do not require a lot of exercise, but are sturdy enough for a long walk or a short run.
“The English Toy Spaniel is an ideal house pet, as they are affectionate, smart, and easily trained. THE TRAINING SHOULD BE STARTED AT AN EARLY AGE. IT IS MUCH EASIER TO HOUSEBREAK AN EIGHT- WEEK-OLD PUPPY THAN AN EIGHT-MONTH-OLD PUPPY.”
50 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2022
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