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.