The English Toy Spaniel is not as easily recognizable as his cousins in the toy group. Indeed, many people have never heard of the breed, making him a well-kept secret. For those in the know, the Charlie (as he is affectionately known) is a loving companion dog and great pet! Many are very smart and love to play games; providing endless entertainment and smiles. Some enjoy “showing off” and clowning around quite a bit! A throwback to his spaniel roots, the Charlie does have some spaniel traits and many love to chase birds.
The Charlie is affectionate and loyal with his owners – often playful, mischievous and happy – yet remains aloof around those he does not know well. He can do well with children, although he is sensitive and therefore does best with older, gentler children. The same can be said for other dogs – English Toys can live quite peacefully with canine companions, but prefer their housemates to be mild-mannered rather than rambunctious. It is not surprising that the breed favors people and animals with similar traits as themselves – quiet, gentle and unobtrusive. In fact, many Charlies will pick their “favorite” human and tend to hang out with that person more than everyone else!
A combination of his sensitive nature and his love of (quiet) people, the English Toy is known to suffer from separation anxiety when he is left home alone. Long periods of being left alone are particularly hard for him. If he had his way, he would probably choose to live with a work-at-home owner or a retired senior citizen (Charlies are excellent companions for seniors). This said, separation anxiety can oftentimes be managed through behavior modification.
Charlies are ranked as moderate on the trainability factor. They are sensitive and should be trained with this in mind, focusing on positive rather than negative experiences. As a matter of fact, finding ways to teach by using games can be very succesful for this breed since Charlies LOVE games! Just make sure that you are still installing rules and structure in your training or you may begin to see the English Toy’s stubborn side.
There is a range of temperament in the breed. Some are quite docile and laid-back, while others are more active. All Charlies need some exercise, but the amount to be given depends on the dog’s own activity level. This said, even the liveliest members don’t require much more than a short walk or a romp in a fenced yard each day. Also, this breed generally doesn’t need much space and often thrive in apartments. Most are naturally well-behaved inside with very little training (making them great for novice owners).
Shyness is common in the English Toy Spaniel, especially when they encounter new people and situations. Some Charlies with extreme shyness and insecurities have been known to bite out of fear when they think they are being threatened. Early socialization and positive experiences in puppyhood can go a long way in helping this problem, but the owner must be committed to socializing quite extensively while the puppy is still young!
The Charlie should never be left outside for long periods of time on hot days due to their short muzzle. In our hot and humid Texas summers, extra care and supervision should be taken! This breed needs to live inside with air-conditioning more than other breeds. Furthermore, keeping these dogs brushed out will help with their ability to regulate their temperatures, especially with black and tan dogs (this pattern is called King Charles). Looking for a dog trainer for your English Toy Spaniel? If you live in the Austin, TX area give us a call today!
