Blenheim (chestnut and white) English toy spaniel.
Photo: Ashbey Photography
Height: 9-11 inches.
Weight: 8-14 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group:
Companion DogsOverview
The English toy spaniel is delightfully affectionate with everyone, including gentle children and other animals. Obedience training usually goes well as long as there is positive reinforcement and praise.
Many toys can be yappy, mistrustful, and nippy, but not the English toy spaniel. It is an ideal dog for city living.
Appearance
The long, silky coat can be straight or wavy. There are four varieties of the breed based on coat colors: The Blenheim (white with chestnut patches) The Prince Charles (white, tan and black). The King Charles (rich, glossy black and bright mahogany) The ruby (rich mahogany red).
In all varieties the short, upturned nose is pink at birth but turns jet-black as the dog matures
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The English toy spaniel's coat needs to be brushed twice a week. This dog is content to take short walks. It also enjoys chasing and retrieving balls.
Origins
A favorite lapdog of British royalty and aristocracy since the 17th century, this tiny dog was never developed as a hunting dog as so many spaniels were.
Special Alerts
Breed-related health concerns: patellar luxation, susceptibility to umbilical hernia, cataracts, heart defects.