English Toy Spaniel (Blenheim & Prince Charles)

The English Toy Spaniel has a long history as a companion dog associated with European royalty and the aristocracy. Small spaniels of this general type appeared in paintings and written accounts for centuries, particularly in England.

The breed became closely associated with King Charles II during the seventeenth century. Charles was famously devoted to his small spaniels, and the dogs became strongly linked with the royal court, and ultimately, with his name.

Early toy spaniels had longer muzzles and a somewhat different head shape than the modern English Toy Spaniel. During the nineteenth century, breeders increasingly favored dogs with a more rounded skull, shorter muzzle, and larger eyes, creating the distinctive appearance recognized today.

Several color varieties developed within the breed. The black-and-tan dogs became known as King Charles, the tricolors as Prince Charles, the red-and-white dogs as Blenheim, and the solid red dogs as Ruby.

The Blenheim variety takes its name from Blenheim Palace, the ancestral home of the Dukes of Marlborough, where red-and-white toy spaniels were bred for generations.

The breed became established in the United States during the nineteenth century. The American Kennel Club recognized the English Toy Spaniel in 1886 and placed the breed in the Toy Group.

The English Toy Spaniel Club of America serves as the breed’s AKC parent club. In the United Kingdom, the breed is known as the King Charles Spaniel and is recognized separately from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.