Talk about adorable dogs; the English Toy Spaniel is a breed that is definitely on the list. Sweet and friendly are common traits of dogs, and the EST is one of the breeds that perfectly defines these qualities. It is known for its relatively small size, along with an elegant coat. However, appearance is not the only reason why many people admire the EST.
The English Toy spaniel possesses qualities that make a truly adorable breed. Besides its looks, its soft nature is what keeps dog enthusiasts attracted; it has an irresistible charm that works best with various people. These incredible qualities are the perfect combination that makes a toy dog that would indeed bring a smile to any dog lovers’ faces.
Origins of the English Toy Spaniel
The incredible history of the English Toy Spaniel shows a touch of its royal ancestry. We can trace back the origins of the EST to the 17th century in Britain; these little toy dogs were associated with Charles I and II, wherein they were known as happy breeds. The joyful nature of the EST was a significant feature, which helped it to gain the recognition that it has today.
Despite the greatness of the English Toy Spaniel, there are some uncertainties regarding its origins. Some speculations state that toy spaniels initially came from Japan or China, which was brought to Europe; however, other statements show that toy spanielswere brought from Spain to Asia. Its features were developed further and then was imported to Europe.
Over the years, toy spaniels became a significant part of the noble families. Their royal affiliation earned them recognition as a noble dog, which attracted many dog lovers in Europe.
Interestingly, the toy spaniels were mixed with Asian toys, which produced the English Toy Spaniel, also known as King Charles Spaniel. This new breed of toy spaniel has developed appearance compared to its earlier version. However, the earlier version of the EST was not entirely forgotten since it was restored and preserved until today, which is now called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Characteristics of the English Toy Spaniel
Height: 9 – 10 inches
Weight: 8 – 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The English Toy Spaniel is apparently a small dog that could stand up to ten inches tall and weighs up to fourteen pounds. Its relatively small size makes it considered a toy breed, which is what attracts dog lovers. Its irresistible charm and adorable looks captured the hearts of royal families; that is why this breed is often regarded as a noble dog. Beautiful appearance is not the only remarkable feature of the EST; it also possesses various qualities that make it a truly lovable dog.
The English Toy Spaniel is a lapdog, which evidently, enjoys getting pampered by its owner. It has a large domed head along with its long and lush ears. Its eyes are dark, which expresses the breed’s affectionate nature. Besides its adorable face, it is known for its beautiful body coat, which mainly comes in four varieties.
Interestingly, the English Toy Spaniel is an intelligent dog; it is eager to please its owner and is also open for training. Its brilliance also complements its soft nature; this breed is known for being playful and sweet when it comes to its family. As a part of a royal family, the English Toy Spaniel enjoys the company of its owners. It loves to play; that is why it is necessary to have enough space for this breed to do various activities.
Caring for the English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is not a tough dog to feed despite its royal ancestry; this dog works well with high-quality dog food. However, it is always best to regularly consult your local vet for diet recommendations for your dog to consume ample amounts of nutrients. Be mindful of the amount of food to feed your dog to avoid unnecessary weight gain, as it could lead to obesity. With proper monitoring of your dog’s calorie intake, you can prevent them from getting overweight, as well as having more serious medical conditions in the future.