English Toy Spaniel
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Overview
In England, the English Toy Spaniel is known simply as the King Charles Spaniel, after King Charles II, who kept many of these charming little dogs. English Toy Spaniels make adorable, endearing and peaceful indoor companions for owners who hope to shower their small dogs with love, affection and praise. They don't want to live in overly active or chaotic homes. They prefer to bring constant joy to their owners with their gentle personalities and noble dispositions.
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Personality
These small dogs absolutely love their owners. They live to be companions and will sulk if they are left alone or neglected. English Toy Spaniels love to spend time curled up right next to their owners and trailing them around the house. They don't have much desire for outdoor play or even exercise. They prefer to spend their time relaxing with their owners. English Toy Spaniels thrive on human companionship, and they will attempt to be involved in most of their owner's activities. They are naturally obedient, without much of a desire to misbehave or act out.
Socialization is very important for the tiny English Toy Spaniel. Excitement and loud activity can overwhelm them, and they can be timid and shy around strangers if they do not become accustomed to meeting new people. English Toy Spaniels are naturally quiet, reserved and a little shy, so meeting new people is an excellent way to help them come out of their shells. English Toy Spaniels will not be very happy in homes with lots of loud noise and excitement.
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Coat Care
English Toy Spaniels have a silky, flowing coat of medium length. Their long ears are feathered and fringed. They have feathering covering their feet. The hair around their chest, stomach, tail and legs is longer than the rest of the body hair. They come in four different coat types, each named for one of the old separate breeds of King Charles Spaniel. "King Charles" spaniels are black and tan, solid red spaniels are "Ruby," "Blenheim" spaniels are red and white and "Prince Charles" spaniels are black, white and tan. English Toy Spaniels have some physical differences from their relatives, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. They are smaller, weighing as much at their largest weight as the smallest of the Cavaliers. Their ears are set lower on their heads and their skulls are domed and round with a small snub nose.
Gently comb out the hair around his ears, under his belly and around his legs and feet with a small metal comb or pin brush to remove tangles and keep the coat shiny and healthy.
With preparation, perseverance and a positive attitude, bathing can become a fun and fulfilling part of the regular grooming cycle, while helping your dog avoid many diseases and infections.
Breeds with combination coats should be bathed seasonally, or about every three months. Naturally, it can be done more often if needed. The coat should end up fresh smelling, with no loose or shedding hair. First give the dog a good brushing to remove dead hair and mats. Place a rubber mat in the tub to provide secure footing and fill the tub with three to four inches of lukewarm water. Use a spray hose, pitcher or unbreakable cup to wet the dog, taking caution to avoid getting water in the eyes, ears and nose. Massage in pet shampoo, saving the head for last. Immediately rinse thoroughly, starting with the head to prevent soap from dripping into the eyes. Towel dry. Coat should be fresh smelling, with no loose or shedding hair.
Clipping or trimming your dog’s coat is far easier than you would ever imagine. With the right clipper, trimmer and scissors, giving your dog a haircut is easy on your wallet and your schedule.
Dogs with combination coats generally require routine trimming. It lessens the chances of matting, tangles and the infestation of fleas and other pests, thus reducing the risk of skin infections. There is no set timetable. Judgment should be made on an individual basis, depending on functionality and owner preference. There are a wide array of trimmers available that will make each snip a snap. It’s a good idea to take your dog for a short walk to calm him down before you groom him. Thoroughly brush the coat to remove tangles and mats. Use trimmers to trim excess fur off the dog's body, choosing the appropriate clip attachment to achieve desired length. Start with the shoulders and progress towards the tail. Use a trimmer or a scissors to even out areas around the tail, paws, sanitary areas and chest, as needed. Groom the head and face last, being watchful for sudden movement. Trim with the flow of the fur, away from the eyes and nose.
Because the English Toy Spaniel is primarily an indoor dog, make sure to clip his nails routinely if they become too long and noisy.
Wash the area around his ears and eyes to keep them clean. The English Toy Spaniel's long ears are prone to infection.
Many owners do not realize how important it is to brush your pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Some dogs are prone to dental problems and sensitive teeth, especially small dogs with tiny teeth and dogs with special diets. These problems can be easily combatted with frequent brushing.
Cavities are rare with dogs but gum disease caused by tartar buildup is not, which is why they require regular brushing with toothpaste and a toothbrush formulated specifically for dogs. While daily brushing is ideal, doing so on a weekly basis will be a big help in avoiding the need to bring your dog to a veterinarian for a cleaning, which usually has to be done under sedation.