Origin
Spaniels are one of the ancient dog breeds, known since the Middle Ages. So, there is a legend about the Spanish crusaders who used these dogs for hunting, and some sources indicate that dogs similar to spaniels existed in ancient Rome. Presumably, this is when the breed got its name (from Spania, Spain).
The breed was first mentioned in documents in the 14th century in the work of G. Phebus, who was engaged in describing the fighting and hunting breeds of dogs that existed at that time. In the 17th-18th centuries, the breed spread throughout Western Europe and was divided into several varieties.
In the 19th century, the cocker spaniel breed appeared, which, as a result of intensive selection, was also divided into several breeds, incl. English cocker spaniel, from which a dwarf variety . The breed appeared in Russia only in the 70s of the 20th century.
Are there dwarf spaniels?
Dwarf spaniels, belonging to the toy breed group, have existed for centuries. Presumably, the homeland of these dogs was East Asia, from where they were brought to Europe by merchants or missionaries and presented to representatives of one of the European ruling dynasties.
These dogs appear in the paintings of European artists as early as the 16th century and are the personification of feminine charm. Dwarf spaniels were favorites of European princesses and queens, because they were distinguished by their small, comfortable size, affectionate disposition and cute appearance.
It was nice to keep such dogs in the boudoir and you could carry them everywhere in your arms. If this was necessary, then mini spaniels, being quite strong and resilient despite their height, simply ran next to their owner.
Dwarf spaniels were also popular because they were also used as living hot water bottles . After all, in medieval castles it was damp and cold, and traveling in a carriage in the winter was also not very comfortable. Therefore, noble people constantly kept these dogs on their laps, warming themselves with their warmth.
Over time, when the European nobility moved to more comfortable mansions in the Baroque and Rococo styles, their habit of keeping small spaniels in the house remained.
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Description of the breed
The breed is characterized by the following characteristics:
- General appearance: considered the smallest breed of hunting dogs. Square format, domed skull, voluminous, short muzzle, long hair (except for the head), drooping ears.
- The character of the dogs is very balanced, the dogs are non-aggressive, get along well with people, are easy to train, and are active.
- The coat is shiny, silky to the touch, and can be wavy or straight. Color may vary.
- The length of the limbs is average, the muscles are well developed, the skeleton is strong.
- The tail is set high and very mobile.
- The ears are thin, hanging, wide, thin, close to the head, the hair on them is long.
- The teeth are small, even, and the color is white.
Appearance and character
The dwarf spaniel is a small, elegant and graceful dog with a regular and harmonious physique. The average height of pets of this small breed is 26 cm, and the average weight is 5.5 kg.
Their head is small, the cranial part, depending on the breed, can be either convex or somewhat flattened, and the muzzle is wide and flat or, conversely, elongated and slightly tapering towards the nose.
The ears of English Toy Spaniels are drooping and long, covered with silky hair, while those of Continental Spaniels are medium in length, drooping or erect, but always well-furred.
The eyes are dark, expressive, usually round in shape.
The neck is graceful, beautifully set, the body is short, the back is straight and level. The chest is deep, but somewhat flattened laterally.
The limbs are short, parallel, with regular joint angles.
The tail of English mini spaniels is set at the level of the back and is kept low, while in continental breeds it is thrown over the back and looks like a fluffy fan.
The colors are usually variegated: white with colored spots of various shades, tri-color, black and tan, but toy spaniels are also found in a bright, reddish-red color, called ruby.
By nature, all these dogs are cheerful, playful, intelligent, well-mannered and friendly. Although they have natural hunting instincts, they are generally good with other pets, even rodents and birds, provided they are properly socialized, of course.
Diseases
Like any breed of dog, the Cocker Spaniel has a number of diseases that are more common to it than to other breeds.
Ear diseases
The ears are the most vulnerable place of all spaniels, without exception. They are usually due to the fact that the dog’s ears are poorly ventilated, which creates favorable conditions in the shell and ear canal for the development of fungal and bacterial infections.
The first sign of the disease is itching, due to which the dog begins to actively itch, cannot find a place for itself, and may whine. Then the itching is accompanied by discharge (purulent or serous), and a cloying odor.
With inflammation of the middle and inner ear, problems with coordination of movements and maintaining balance may also occur; the dog may stumble when walking or walk in circles. Most often, spaniels suffer from otitis media of various etiologies. In this case, an undoubted advantage is the inaccessibility of the ears to foreign objects.
The best prevention of ear diseases is regular ear cleaning from an early age (puppies get used to the procedure more easily than adults).
Respiratory system diseases
Another vulnerable spot of the spaniel is the respiratory tract. During the cold season, dogs of this breed easily catch colds, getting bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. diseases.
Eyes
Spaniels need regular (preferably daily) eye care. Mucus and dust accumulate in the corners of the eyes, which must be removed, otherwise conjunctivitis develops quite quickly. To care for your eyes, you can use either a dry cotton swab or a swab moistened with a solution of boric acid. There are also special wipes for the eyes.
Metabolism and digestion
In order for your pet to remain healthy and active, it should be fed to its fullest without fear of obesity. It is advisable that the diet include dry food. Metabolism in these dogs is quite active, so the dog needs regular exercise. You need to walk with your spaniel for at least two hours every day, from time to time the pet must run, swim, play with various objects, etc. Otherwise, these dogs develop physical inactivity.
Appearance and standard
The Mini Cocker Spaniel, despite its small size, has a strong, compact build, a straight back, and a developed chest. The color can vary and be one color (red, brown, black, chocolate), or two or three colors.
The coat of dogs of this breed can be either straight or wavy. It is longer on the ears, body and paws. In healthy animals it should be soft and silky. The animal's hanging ears are located quite low - at eye level.
The mini spaniel has large, expressive and good-natured eyes. The nose, depending on the color of the animal, can be either black or brown.
The height of an adult dog ranges from 35 to 40 cm, and weight from 8 to 15 kg.
Cocker spaniel shows good learning abilities
Note! You can determine whether an animal meets breed standards by the length of its ear. When extended, its edge should reach the tip of the nose.
Care
In addition to eye care and daily walks, the dog needs to comb its coat, trim its nails and brush its teeth.
Swimming in warm water is also very useful and pleasant for a spaniel, especially after a walk. To avoid allergies and skin diseases, you should use only high-quality shampoos for dogs, and in no case resort to “human” products or laundry soap.
Communication with humans and other animals plays an important role in caring for a dog. All spaniels are sensitive dogs that can develop psychosomatic diseases in a negative psychological atmosphere.
English cocker
The breed originated with Norfolks, ancient dogs with hunting abilities. It was from them that two different branches of Spaniels came - heavy Springers and medium-sized (up to 41 cm at the withers) Cockers. They hunt birds.
Most likely, the standard appearance of the Spaniel, which everyone knows, refers precisely to the English Cockers: these are small stocky dogs with a wide loin, a long body, a wedge-shaped muzzle, large drooping ears, and wavy hair. Animals have a good sense of smell thanks to their large sensitive nose and good eyesight. The breed is subject to strict standards. Which you can find in a detailed article about the English Cocker.
A hunting working dog that has migrated to a person’s apartment quickly gains weight due to a lazy lifestyle. Although initially Spaniels are real athletes: fast, agile, strong, fit. Without proper care and education, a pet becomes lazy.
Dogs are family men, they love people, they treat children well, but they are wary of strangers and rarely get along with cats and small animals. Pets are sensitive to the mood of the owner and the atmosphere in the house. They need a loving family with an active lifestyle. The average cost is 10,000-20,000 rubles.
Reviews
Most reviews about the breed are positive; in negative reviews, dog breeders point out how sick their pets are.
- “A very kind plush dog, the life of the party. Not aggressive at all. A little prone to begging. At the same time, a devoted friend who can always cheer you up.”
- “The dog is very kind and obedient, he lived with us for 12 years, during which time there were no problems with him.”
- “A good, but sickly breed... We were warned about diseases of the lungs and ears, but our dog died of a tumor.”
English springer
The breed can be called the progenitor of all living Spaniels - the most ancient companion and hunter of the English nobility is the Springer. A large dog, reaches 46-56 cm at the withers and weighs up to 30 kg. Stately, muscular, strong, but graceful in movement, light and fast . Dogs were especially popular during the Renaissance: great artists painted them on canvas and described them in novels.
Currently, two types of Springers are bred: working hunters and show decorative dogs. They are not very different in appearance, but have different abilities and degrees of development of instincts.
A good family pet: kind, loyal, active, devoted . The best friend for children, a partner for running and playing. Suitable for active people with free time for walking and hunting.
Springers cannot be left alone for a long time: they begin to whine, bark, and destroy everything around them. Recently, there has been a tendency towards increased incidence of rage syndrome. This is a neurological disease related to epilepsy. At the moment of an attack, the dog does not distinguish between commands and does not understand where it is, and attacks its owners for no reason.
