The English Toy Spaniel is a true combination of beauty, dignity and personality. Known as a toy dog throughout the world, this diminutive spaniel with an aristocratic past is a popular and charming companion.
A toy dog through and through, the English Toy Spaniel is classified in the Toy Group of breeds in the UK and on the Continent as well as in the US and Canada. While in North America he is known as the English Toy Spaniel, in the UK and Europe he is known as the King Charles Spaniel. Whatever his name, this is a delightful toy spaniel from England to whom we will refer in this book as the English Toy Spaniel.
Working dogs have been around for centuries, bred to assist humans with various jobs and chores. The pastoral dogs would herd and guard the sheep and cattle, and the hounds coursed after deer, rabbits or whatever could be put upon man’s table for a meal. The terriers, large and small, evolved into fast, spirited dogs who could rid a farm of foxes, woodchucks and badgers and who could rid a home of rodents and vermin. The gundogs evolved early on to assist the hunter in bringing home his quarry for the family’s table. All of these dogs had a purpose and were bred to make humans’ lives easier. The dogs that were unable to do the job for which they were bred were disposed of, and those who could do a good day’s work were bred.
An early illustration of “Blenheim Spaniels.” Bred and kept by the Duke of Marlborough, the chestnut and white variety was named for his family’s place of residence, Blenheim Palace.
Over the generations, talents and abilities were honed and perfected: the dogs became keener of eyesight and scent, swifter of leg and quicker at the hunt. These were the dogs that lived and worked side by side with man, becoming part of his workforce but not always members of his family.
ABOUT OUR BREED’S NAMESAKE
The interests of King Charles II included the theater, gambling and horseracing. His court was worldly and extravagant, and there was no secret about his many mistresses or the rumored 17 children that he had by them.
Toy dogs have been around for centuries as well, belonging to the aristocrats and the royalty, whether in England, France, China or Egypt. Dr. Johannes Caius wrote inOf English Dogs, written in Latin in 1536, “These dogs are little, pretty and fine, and sought for to satisfy the delicateness of dainty dames and wanton women’s wills, instruments of folly for them to play and dally with, to trifle away the treasure of time. These puppies, the smaller they be, the more pleasure they provoke, as more meet playfellows for mincing mistresses to bear in their bosoms.”
Champions of the 1930s, left to right: Eng. Ch. Ashton-More Domino, Eng. Ch. Cystal, Eng. Ch. Ashton-More Crusader, Eng. Ch. Ashton-More Wildflower and Eng. Ch. Barritone.
From the early 1930s, this illustration was reproduced from a pastel drawing specially made forHutchinson’s Dog Encyclopaedia by the famous animal artist Mrs. G. Shaw-Baker. Shown are the Blenheim and Prince Charles varieties of the English Toy Spaniel.
COMFORTERS AND FLEA TRAPS
The toy dogs were sometimes called “Comforter” dogs. In the 16th and 17th centuries, bathing was not done on a regular basis and personal hygiene was poor compared to modern standards. Dogs were often held on laps with the thought that the dog would become host to the fleas that were on the mistress or master. These dogs were also referred to as “living flea traps.” In addition, the dogs were used for warmth in the drafty palaces and mansions.
Two English Toy Spaniels owned by Mrs. A. H. Bradley were among the participants in the Ladies’ Kennel Club show of May 1931, held in Olympia, England.
As civilization advanced, man realized that dogs could be bred for pleasure as well as for work, and, as the Industrial Revolution began to lighten man’s workload, he had more of an inclination to bring the dog inside and to make it his companion. For the lofty role of companion dog, it was difficult to find a better pet than a toy dog. With the toys, one would have the choice of a smooth or long coat, a long or cobby body, a pushed-in or elongated muzzle and short or long legs. Whatever the toy dogs’ physical construction, they all have affectionate natures and a longing to be close to their masters or mistresses.
Eng. Ch. Ashton-More Baronet, bred by Mr. F. G. Borryer, was exhibited in the early 20th century and was an important sire.
Born in 1927, Eng. Ch. Ashton-More Nebo won his first Challen
