AKA: Japanese Chin, Chin

Description: The Japanese Spaniel is a small spaniel-type breed that has a distinctive short broad face. Its forehead is round and there is a defined stop. The Japanese Spaniel also has a very short nasal canal. The nose is wide, the color matching the markings of its coat. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The teeth forms a either a level or undershot bite. The ears, usually hanging, are covered heavily with hair.

The Japanese Spaniel’s body is squarely proportional. The legs are well-boned, with the front legs straight. The tail is feathered and is curled up over the back. Its soft and feathered coat also adds to its distinguishing features, especially its thick ruff around the neck and on the chest.

Dynamics: The Japanese Spaniel is a lively, playful and cheerful breed. It has a very pleasant personality and affectionate temperament. It is extremely loyal and devoted to its owner. It is very loving to those it knows. It is careful and reserved around strangers. It may not be tolerant to children who are more playful and teasing than it is. It is good with other dogs and pets, however.

The Japanese Spaniel likes to be the center of attention. It is very obedient and eager to please. It is mild-mannered, and is not a barker.

Breed Group: Toy

Weight: 4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)

Height: 7-11 inches (18-28 cm)

Color: The coat of the Japanese Spaniel is mainly white with colored patches, which is most often black. Other colors for the patches are red, lemon, orange, sable, and brindle.

Country of Origin: The Japanese Spaniel is considered to be a native of Korea. But it was developed in Japan and became a favorite of the Japanese Court. A pair was given by Commodore Perry to Queen Victoria as a gift, and it became popular in Europe.

Activities: There is no need to exercise the Japanese Spaniel, although it needs to be walked regularly because of a dog’s innate need to exercise its legs. The Japanese Spaniel can be used as a watch dog, and is good at performing tricks. It is mostly favored as a companion dog.

Grooming: Comb and brush the feathering hair everyday to avoid tangles and remove dead hair. Clean the eyes and check the ears for any signs of infection. Bathe and dry shampoo occasionally.

Other Info: The Japanese Spaniel has an average life expectancy of under 10 years. This breed tends to wheeze and snore because of its short face. It is prone to respiratory problems and heat prostration. It is sensitive to extreme temperatures. The Japanese Spaniel is okay living in an apartment.

Photo by Trysha

AKA: King Charles Spaniel
Description: The English Toy Spaniel is a perfect toy dog, small with regular length hair, and has firm built. They have short, black nose like that of a pug. Their head is shaped like a dome . Its head is well rounded in shape, as well as their dark eyes expressing their affection to their owner. They have rounded long hairy ears set low near their head. Their muzzle is short, have square and wide jaw, bite is moderately undershot not showing its teeth. Tail is docked and carried just level on its back. Coat is soft, shiny and plumy all over their body, that come in various colors.

Temperament: This breed has a very sweet temperament. They are a loving pet dog, intelligent and very sweet. They are a very quite companion kind of dog and a medium barker therefore not suitable to be a guard or watch dog since they are very friendly and polite towards strangers. They don’t need much socialization training since they are considered everybody’s pet dog. Playful, affectionate and loves to be with everybody but sometimes has bad attitudes too. They are loyal to their owner too. And would choose to be with them always. They love children and other dogs as well. In some unforeseen ways, you’d just be surprise that they could show off and entertain people.

Activity: They are required to have daily walk to lead them away to behavioral problems and increase their energy and be healthy. Also, they would enjoy playing and frolic around in a wide but safe area.

Health: They are prone to respiratory ailments, heart disease , slipped stifle, eye problems and ear infections. Ears and eyes should be kept clean always to avoid infection. Their life span is about 10-12 years.

Grooming: They only require less grooming as long as they should be brushed well to prevent mats and tangles especially on their ears,eyes and feet. This breed is not a heavy shedder.

Breed Group: Gun Dog
Color: Blenheim are red and white, The Prince Charles are tricolor, The King Charles is black and tan.
Height: About 10 inches (25cm.)
Weight: 9-12 pounds (4.1-5.4kg.)
Country Of Origin: England

Dynamics: This breed has sweet temperament although they could also be stubborn at times. They are a pet dog that children would love to play. They are named after King Charles the II in England who also has little sweet dogs.

AKA: Epagneul Francais

Description: The French Spaniel has a well-formed head, of medium length and width. It has a sloping stop, with a brown nose, dark oval eyes, and long feathery ears set back and hanging. The neck is muscular and arched, and the back is slightly sloping. The thighs are muscular and well-rounded. The chest is wide and deep. The tail is not docked and is usually set low. The coat of the French Spaniel is feathery along the back of the legs, belly, tail, and ears.

Dynamics: The French Spaniel has a calm and even temper. It is affectionate and is gentle with children. It has the tendency to become so attached to its owners. This breed is people-oriented and do not like to be alone. It can be easily trained and is sensitive, so training and caring for it has to be consistent, firm, but gentle. This is an intelligent and brave breed, enthusiastic and persistent in hunting and possessing an excellent nose.

Breed Group: Hunting

Weight: 44 – 55 pounds (20-25 kg)

Height: males 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), females 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)

Color: The coat of the French Spaniel comes in white with liver markings, which can either be small or dominating. Speckling may be present.

Country of Origin: The French Spaniel is a distant descendant of the Chien d’Oysel from the middle ages. The French Spaniel is a rare breed, even in its homeland France, where it was almost endangered but was revived by Father Fournier.

Activities: The French Spaniel loves exercise, and it has the amount of stamina for it. This breed is known as a remarkable hunting companion, retriever and flusher.

Grooming: The feathery coat of the French Spaniel should be brushed regularly. Bathe only when necessary. The ears has to be checked to avoid infections.

Other Info: The French Spaniel is not recommended to live in the city or in an apartment. This is an active dog made for the hunt and action. This breed can resist the cold and harsh conditions.

Photo by Trisha Shears

AKA: Field

Description: The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, with a long body and silky coat. The legs, chest, tail, undersides, and also the ears are heavily covered with long hair.

The Field Spaniel’s jaws form a scissors bite. Its eyes are a hazel or chestnut brown, almond-shaped and carrying a gentle expression. The nose is black and large. The ears are pendant and fringed. The neck is muscular and strong, the back level, and the tail docked.

Dynamics: The Field Spaniel is mild-mannered and has a sweet temperament. It is very affectionate and playful. It is smart and active. Socialization and training is important to avoid excessive shyness or behavior problems. This is a very friendly breed, ands is only a little reserved with strangers. It is excellent with children and gets along well with other dogs and animals.

The Field Spaniel likes it when it has work. They are intelligent and can be serious. They learn quick and are sensitive to your voice. Training should be consistent and firm. This breed needs human companionship and dislikes to be kenneled.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 18–25 kg (40–55 lb)

Height: 17–19 inches (43–48 cm)

Color: The Field Spaniel is either in solid black or liver. Some may have tan markings or roan or speckled. Some may also have white hair in the chest.

Country of Origin: The Field Spaniel originated in England.

Activities: The Field Spaniel needs a lot of exercise as it is bred to be a working field dog. It likes to roam and run around and explore. It can adapt to any kind of situation. Its talents include tracking, hunting, retrieving, and watchdogging.

Grooming: The Field Spaniel needs to be combed or brushed at least once a week. The hair should be trimmed every few months, with the dea hear removed or plucked. Check the ears for infections.

Other Info: The Field Spaniel has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. It is generally a healthy breed, but, like every other breed, is also prone to hip dysplasia and ear infections. This breed is not recommended for the city life or in lving in an apartment. The Field Spaniel is at its best on a large property or open field, as it is deeply rooted to its hunting instincts. The Field Spaniel prefers cool climates.

AKA: German Spaniel, Deutscher Wachtel, German Quail Dog

Description: The Deutshcer Wachtelhund is a medium-sized dog with a long, thick, and wavy coat. Its body is muscular and solid. The whole body is twice as long as its height. Its distinctive feature is its ears; they are fairly long and can reach half way to the tip of the nose.

Dynamics: The Deutscher Wachtelhund has vibrant and friendly personality. It is a loyal dog and needs lots of attention from its owner and family. At the same time it is an aggressive hunter. It was bred to be an exceptionally versatile gun dog, excelling in tracking and trailing large game. It is an intelligent breed, brave and determined in its work. It also loves water work.

Breed Group: Gundog

Weight: 44 to 66 pounds (20-28 kg)

Height: males 18 7/8 to 21 1/4 inches (46-54 cm), females 17 3/4 to 20 1/2 inches (44-52 cm)

Color: The coat of the Deutscher Wachtelhund is usually either black, liver, dark brown, with hair streaks on the neck, chest, stomach, and back that are either white or a lighter shade of its overall coat.

Country of Origin: Germany

Activities: The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a hunting dog, possessing a good amount of energy and requiring a good amount of exercise. This breed is an excellent retriever and like to take long walks when outdoors. It is also a lover of water, which makes swimming a good exercise for this breed.

Grooming: Regular brushing and trimming is needed to keep the coat of the Deustcher Wachtelhund in good condition. The hair between the toes should especially be cut. The ears should be checked regularly for infections and the eyes inspected after every hunting to flush out any dirt.

Other Info: The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. The breed is prone to hip dysplasia, although this is not normally a problem. Crooked legs and splayed feet are minor problems, and skin conditions and allergies are also possible. Though a hunting dog, the Deutshcer Wachtelhund is a great family companion and behaves best indoors. It will get along fine in the city but it needs to be taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised. It can be taken off the leash because the Deutscher Wachtelhund will always come back to its owner.

AKA: Boykin

Description: The Boykin Spaniel came from the breed of Spaniels, larger than the Cocker Spaniel, and with a rather wavy or curly coat. Its distinctive feature is its ears which are small and set high on the head, covered with long wavy hair. It also has yellow or amber eyes that is also considered its trademark characteristic.

Dynamics: The Boykin Spaniel is a pleasant-mannered and obedient companion dog. It is intelligent, enthusiastic, and eager to please its owner. This breed is an excellent swimmer, fueled by its love for water. It needs to be dried immediately though, because this breed is prone to ear infections. The Boykin Spaniel also has an excellent nose, which makes it a great hunter.

Breed Group: Gun Dog

Weight: 25-40 lbs (11-18 kg)

Height: 15-18 inches (38-46 cm)

Color: The Boykin Spaniel comes in either liver or brown.

Country of Origin: The Boykin Spaniel originated in South Carolina, United States, bred as a hunting spaniel and descended from a small brown spaniel dog found by Alexander White who gave it to his partner L. Whitaker Boykin. Crossed with American Water Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Pointers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, the dog (named “Dumpy”) gave existence to the Boykin Spaniel.

Grooming: The coat of the Boykin Spaniel needs to be brushed every few days to avoid matting.

Activities: The Boykin Spaniel is a hunting spaniel and therefore needs a lot of exercises. It has an enthusiastic personality that adds makes the breed energetic and hardworking. It needs to have a job to do to burn off its energy, otherwise it’ll get bored and become destructive. This breed is used in hunting and retrieving upland birds and water fowls, and is very popular among bird hunters.

Other Info: The Boykin Spaniel has a life expectancy of 14-16 years. Like other breeds, it is prone to hip dysplasia, eye problems, and sometimes heart and skin problems. But it is a generally healthy breed. The Boykin spaniel will be fine living in an apartment as long as it is taken outdoors from time to time and sufficiently exercised.

Description: This breed, is a cross between the Afghan Hound and the Cocker Spaniel. The hair on its head is short and medium length on their body. There is feathering of its hair,on the ears, body, chest, belly and legs. This breed are very sociable with fellow Spaniel as well as with the household pets. But should be protected from children’s play which can become too rough.

Temperament: They are lovable, playful dogs that is intelligent and obedient. On trainings, they are sensitive to the tone of your voice.

Activity: This breed loves to play and frolic also enjoys swimming and retrieving.

Grooming: Grooming for them is very important because their hair needs to be brushed and combed daily. And of course ears should be checked regularly to prevent infections and excess hair between the pads of the feet, under and inside the ear, should be trimmed.

Health Problems: Prone to cataracts and possible hip dysplasia.

Breed Group: Sporting

Color: black, deer red, light beige, black and tan, and multi-colored

Height: 38cm (15in) for dogs and 35.5 (14in) for bitches

Weight: 500-2,500g (1-5 1/2lb)

Country Of Origin: Western World in Afghanistan

Dynamics: They are very intelligent, sociable to other animals, always loves to play and friendly dog

Description: The English Springer Spaniel is a compact and medium-sized dog that are distinctive for their long pendant ears. It has sturdy body with a level back and a wagging tail. Generally, the tail is docked. Its front legs are straight and the feet are compact.

The head of the English Springer Spaniel is refined and is in good proportion to the rest of the body. The neck is about the same length as that of the head. The eyes are either hazel or brown, with a gentle expression. The ears are set in line with the eyes. The length should reach all the way to the top of the nose when pulled forward. Its jaw is powerful and the teeth forms a scissors bite.

Dynamics: The English Springer is an even-tempered and sociable breed. Intelligent, willful, and energetic, this breed gets along very well with children. It is easily trained, as long as it knows who the boss is. The English Springer loves people and does best around them. It may become destructive when left alone for too long.

The English Springer is a playful and merry dog. It loves water and may find themselves wet and muddy. It is great with other pets, although it may sometimes fight with same sex dogs.

There are two types of Springers: the field type and the bench type. The field type is used for hunting and field work, while the bench type is used for shows. The field type tend to have more white coat, less hair, and more energy than the bench type. The bench type usually has more liver or black hair. It also has more hair and are usually calmer than the field type.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: males 45-55 lbs (20-25 kg), females 40-50 lbs (18-23 kg)

Height: males 19-21 inches (48-56 cm), females 18-20 inches (46-51 cm)

Color: The English Springer comes in liver and white, black an white (sometimes with tan markings), blue or liver roan. The white part may have flecks of colored hair.

Country of Origin: As derived from its name, the English Springer Spaniel originated in England. This breed is actually the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. It got its name from the way it hunts; it springs forward to drive out birds out of hiding.

This is the founder of all the English hunting spaniels. During the Renaissance, it was considered the ideal companion for the European hunter. Its popularity in America began in 1700. The Springer Spaniel gets its name from his method of flushing game: he springs forward to drive birds out of hiding.

Activities: The more exercises given to the English Springer Spaniel, the more it’ll be happy. This breed loves to run, play, retrieve, and swim. It performs well in land, water, and is good at work. The English Springer Spaniel is used for hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, agility, shows and performances, and is also a good companion dog.

Grooming: Regular brushing with a stiff bristle brush is needed for the field-type English Springer Spaniel. The bench-type Springer Spaniel, however, will need more attention when it comes to grooming. Both types should be bathe only when necessary. The ears should be checked regularly for any infections. Long coats tend to mat if it is not brushed often. Hair under the ears should be shaved to avoid chronic ear infections. Hair on the feet also needs to be cut to prevent burrs and foxtails.

Other Info: The English Springer Spaniel has a life expectancy of about 12-14 years. It is a generally healthy breed but it prone to hip dysplasia, PRA, PFK, epilepsy, and HD.

The English Springer Spaniel will be fine in an apartment, but it needs to be sufficiently exercised. This breed can adapt well to town or city life.

AKA: Cocker Spaniel

Description: The American Cocker Spaniel has very distinct features, which includes its long hanging ears and its medium-length coat. It has a round head, a wide and deep muzzle, and a square jaw. Its upper lip can be seen to cover the lower jaw completely, and the teeth forms a scissors bite. The nose is black, especially on black dogs. But there are some that has a brown nose. The eyes are round and the rims are slightly oval.

The body of an American Cocker Spaniel is compact. It has a short back, where the topline slopes gently from the front to the back. Dewclaws on the front and rear legs should be removed. The tail is carried on a line with its back and is constantly in motion. The feathery coat is silky, flat, or slightly wavy and can be cared for easily. It should be trimmed enough so as not to hide the Cocker Spaniel’s true lines and movements.

Dynamics: The American Cocker Spaniel can be either a gun dog or a family pet. It is cheerful and sweet, and it doesn’t challenge a master’s authority that much. Its tail-wagging is proof to its playful and merry nature. The Cocker Spaniel is usually good with children. It has to be socialized well with people and other animals to avoid the development of shyness. It is fairly easy to train. The Cocker Spaniel is also used for hunting, tracking, retrieving, watchdogging, and agility.

Breed Group: Gun Dog, Sporting

Weight: 15-30 lbs (7-14 kg)

Height: 14 ½ inches (36.8 cm), 15 ½ inches (38 cm)

Color: The Cocker Spaniel may come in buff, black, and other solid colors. But it can also come in black-and-tan and parti-color like white with black, white with bluff, etc.

Country of Origin: The American Cocker Spaniel was originally bred from the English Cocker Spaniels that came to the United States.

Activities: The American Cocker Spaniel has plenty of stamina. It loves to play and run. Taking it out for an exercise and daily walks is great for its well-being.

Grooming: In grooming the Cocker Spaniel, brush its coat daily and shampoo frequently. Clip the hair regularly and be careful not to pull out silky hair.

Other Info: The American Cocker Spaniel has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. Major health concerns for the breed include catarcts, glaucoma, and patellar luxation. It is also prone to hip dysplasia, ectropion, entropion, PRA, allergies, seborrhea, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, liver disease, urolithiasis, prolapse of nictitans gland, CHF, phosphofructokinase deficiency, and cardiomyopathy. Gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, and IMHA are included. Cocker Spaniels will do okay in apartments as long as they are taken outdoors or exercised form time to time.