If you Google “calmest dog breeds,” the list will be filled with different spaniel breeds. It is true that they were usually bred as hunting dogs, but over time they evolved into obedient pets. Spaniels are now one of the most popular dogs in the world. It's hard not to fall in love with these little bundles of happiness.
Did you know that there are two types of spaniels: water spaniels, which specialize in catching waterfowl, and land spaniels, which are best at catching pheasants, rabbits and other field game.
Typically, you will immediately recognize this dog breed with long ears. Most spaniels have a characteristic wide muzzle and long, wavy, curly coat. A spaniel will have an average weight of 11-22 kg and a height of about 35-38 cm. Small breeds such as Papillons have a lower average height of about 20-28 cm. But what is amazing is that some spaniels have a brown nose that can change color depending on depending on the season!
Spaniels are often described as intelligent, loyal, obedient, and darn cute dogs. They are gifted with a loving and affectionate nature - so much so that they become hyper-attached to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety if kept isolated for too long.
These fluffy balls come in a variety of colors and sizes, so we will tell you about the characteristics of different spaniel breeds. This way, you can choose the best spaniel for your home and family.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Height: from 30 to 33 cm
- Weight: from 6 to 8.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 9 to 14 years
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, fearless, sociable, patient, graceful, gentle, adaptable
Have you ever wondered why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is called that? This is because they were originally bred for the British nobility and had a rich heritage. You may have seen these dogs in famous paintings of the 16th-17th centuries. However, after the fall of the House of Stuart, the nobility distanced themselves from the breed, making the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a rare breed.
Funny facial expressions and large, round, beady eyes are typical of this breed. Plus, their super silky hair comes in vibrant colors (enough to make you jealous!). four different color variations found in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels : white with chestnut markings (known as "Blenheim"), white with black markings, black with brown markings, and deep tan.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is the perfect combination of the athleticism of standard spaniels and the calmness of toy breeds.
This breed only grows to 33 cm in height and is ideal for apartment living . Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love children and get along well with other pets, but will sometimes chase small animals such as guinea pigs and hamsters.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a burrow hunter from the British Isles. If you compare the English dog breeds in the photo, you will immediately notice its adaptability to chasing an animal in a hole. Short muscular legs, large head with powerful jaws, rough short fur. Exterior features allow dogs to move deftly in confined spaces and effectively grab fairly strong prey. Most often they are used to catch foxes and badgers in branched underground corridors. Also for reconnaissance before a hunt, to determine by smell whether wild animals are hiding in holes. On the farm, pets destroy a lot of rats and rabbits that destroy granaries and straw warehouses.
Burrow hunter from the British Isles
The breeding of Jack Russell Terriers continued throughout most of the 19th century. The Jack Russell breeder, an avid fox hunter, took fox terriers as a basis. When crossing with various terriers, he selected among the offspring those most adapted to climbing burrows. He also welcomed physical strength and courage, the tendency to chase prey long and hard. Prick ears were undesirable, although they are still seen occasionally.
The breeder did not attach much importance to the color of the coat, but white with brown spots on the head and in the back of the back is considered classic. More rarely, reddish spots are combined with black ones; such animals probably had bulldogs among their ancestors. The white spotted helper cannot be confused with the red fox, which is similar in size. The height of an adult Jack Russell Terrier is between 25-30 cm, weight 5-6 kg.
Important: There are a huge number of outwardly similar crossbreeds - with bulldogs, bull terriers, Lakeland terriers, Sealyham terriers. Not all such dogs are capable of hunting effectively. Some are bred specifically for dog fighting, now banned in the UK.
English toy spaniel
- Height: from 23 to 28 cm
- Weight: from 3.5 to 6.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Temperament: affectionate, playful, gentle, mischievous, loving
This is the smallest spaniel, its small size makes it an ideal dog for city apartments. The gentle, cheerful and playful English Toy Spaniel originated in the Far East , and later appeared in England. These sweet and affectionate family companions enjoy playing with children and other pets.
Did you know that the English Toy Spaniel was a favorite of Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland? They say that he refused to leave his mistress even on the scaffold.
This compact breed with short legs and a small body has a long, shiny coat in four different colors. Its abundant coat is easy to maintain and only needs brushing once every two weeks.
Why are my ears drooping?
The ancestor of all domestic dogs is the wolf, which is why many breeds have ears attached and triangular in shape. So why do so many dogs have floppy ears? Breeders explain that pets received floppy ears as a result of domestication.
The appearance of many breeds has changed significantly. Modern domestic dogs differ from their ancestors in the structure of the skull, the size of the teeth, the quality and type of coat. A drooping ear is also a consequence of long-term selection.
English cocker spaniel
- Height: from 36 to 43 cm
- Weight: from 12 to 16 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: Playful, affectionate, friendly, loyal, easy to train, quiet
The English Cocker Spaniel is an old breed of land spaniel used for catching and retrieving game from dense cover. Today, the hunting nature of English Cocker Spaniels is evident when they begin to chase birds, butterflies and squirrels in the park. Charming, isn't it? But this is also the reason why you need to be careful when you take this breed out into public. Putting a collar on them is the safest way.
This is a cheerful and affectionate dog whose tail rarely stops wagging. The loyal and charming English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent companion for families with children . Thanks to its balanced temperament and easy trainability, this breed can adapt to various living conditions.
IMPORTANT! The English Cocker Spaniel is not suitable for owners who lead a sedentary lifestyle. He requires daily exercise, because he is naturally prone to obesity. However, the English Cocker Spaniel may become frightened by intense and harsh training. Everything should be in moderation.
Hunting breeds
The hunting breeds include the following fold-eared dogs:
- American Cocker Spaniel;
- English Cocker Spaniel;
- Afghan Hound;
- beagle;
- basset hound;
- bloodhound;
- Hungarian Vizsla;
- greyhound;
- drathaar;
- Irish Red Setter;
- Labrador Retriever;
- Russian piebald hound;
- Russian hunting spaniel;
- dachshund;
- Estonian hound.
Papillon
- Height: from 20 to 28 cm
- Weight: from 3.2 to 4.5 kg
- Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Temperament: smart, mischievous, friendly, energetic, attentive
When Josh Billings said, “A dog is the only creature on the planet that loves you more than itself,” he must have been talking about the Papillon. Papillons, also known as continental toy spaniels, will be your loving four-legged companions until the very end. But these are not the dogs you should get if you are away from home for a long time.
These dogs are naturally blessed with adorable ears with fringed edges, giving them the name "Papillon", which means "butterfly" in French. And it is right! These dogs are bright, outgoing and energetic, making them ideal companions.
Papillons are overly friendly and will get along well with other pets. But don't let their small size fool you. Their watchful nature, typical of guard dogs, will easily drive away all the small rodents from your garden. Although Papillons are not hunting dogs, they do have a "spaniel instinct" that can be mitigated with proper training.
Great Danes
Great Danes, for example, also have floppy ears, which are also called blue. This is an active dog that protects its owner and territory, serves faithfully, and is distinguished by its devotion. However, raising a Great Dane should be done with all seriousness; this is a responsible task, because the dog has a special temperament. A puppy can be taken from breeders or from a nursery, at a price of 5 thousand rubles or more. But you need to remember the need to raise such a dog and be prepared for the difficulties that this process will create. Dog training is absolutely necessary; for this you should take him to courses.
English Springer Spaniel
- Height: from 46 to 56 cm
- Weight: from 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Temperament: cheerful, affectionate, attentive, intelligent, alert, active
The English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel and Field Spaniel were not originally three different breeds, they often appeared in the same litters. The larger English Springer Spaniel was only recognized as a separate breed in 1902.
Muscular, energetic and very hardy, English Springer Spaniels are created for an active lifestyle , they are absolutely unsuitable for couch potatoes. Don't believe us? Well, here's an undeniable fact: English Springer Spaniels are often chosen to work in the police and military. Their sensitive noses, easy trainability and endurance made them the best detectors of bombs and drugs.
However, English Springer Spaniels also have a loving, affectionate and sociable side. Springers love (and need) company and get along well with both children and other animals. Their energetic nature makes them excellent running companions.
IMPORTANT! English Springer Spaniels are a healthy breed; however, they are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, and their eyes also need to be monitored. To avoid infection, you should check your springer's long ears regularly.
Dunker
The main purpose of the breed is pursuit and search, but in the pursuit they often lose. That is why the body is strong, but squat. The height at the withers for females is 49-51 cm, and for males - 50-58. The muzzle is long with a pronounced stop. The eyes are set deep, the gaze is expressive. The ears are located slightly above eye level. They are moderately long and sedentary.
The hair is hard and dense. The breed standard allows several colors:
- black;
- blue;
- marble.
American Cocker Spaniel
- Height: from 34 to 39 cm
- Weight: from 7 to 14 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: mischievous, sociable, balanced, trusting
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds. They are sporting hunting dogs , and as the name suggests, American Cocker Spaniels are closely related to their English cousins. The only difference is their accent and the spelling of certain words... just kidding.
Their round heads, square faces, cute nose and low-hanging ears combined with their playful, sweet and expressive personalities make them an absolute favorite with families with children.
They have long and silky hair all over their body, even on their feet, and this is their distinguishing feature. This also means that they require regular grooming to keep their hair from becoming tangled. the Jolly Cocker this breed can be your ultimate source of joy and happiness.
Chihuahua
This breed is the smallest in the world, but its ears cannot be called small. The dog has a long body and large protruding eyes, and despite its apparent fragility, it can delight with significant endurance and strength, accompanying its owner on walks for hours. You can buy a puppy in a nursery or from breeders, the price starts from about 15 thousand rubles.
Clumber Spaniel
- Height: from 43 to 51 cm
- Weight: from 25 to 39 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Temperament: dignified, affectionate, gentle, devoted, calm, warm-hearted
The Clumber Spaniel is an intelligent and purposeful dog with a long, low-set body and a slow, rolling gait. The breed originated in France in the 18th century , where it was valued for its excellent hunting skills. Their strong jaws can crush even the toughest materials!
Did you know that this is one of the oldest and stockiest breeds of spaniels. The Clumber is considered a combination of the Basset Hound and the St. Bernard. It is usually white in color with small areas of lemon or orange color.
They are sure to win many medals at dog shows due to their obedient, intelligent and enthusiastic nature. The list of adjectives doesn't end there! They are also very friendly, charming and affectionate. Get ready to have your heart melt when the cute Clumber greets you with his adorable wagging tail and slobbery face.
Gentle, loyal and affectionate, the Clumber Spaniel gets along well with children and other animals. He is enthusiastic about work and play. Clumber Spaniels are prone to obesity and require at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity per day. However, they prefer daily walks to strenuous exercise. Their dense coat also requires daily brushing.
Bavarian mountain hound
This is a bold, energetic dog with well-developed muscles. The chest, back and croup are strong and long, the stomach and groin area are tucked. The paws are straight, like most hounds. The tail is of medium length, saber-shaped, set high. The neck flows into a dome-shaped head. The transition line from the forehead to the nose is pronounced. The skull sharpens closer to the nose, the jaws are powerful with a scissor bite. The ears are set high and rounded at the tips, hanging down without folds. The coat is smooth, short, reddish-brown, sometimes with black tiger stripes or white spots on the chest. Height - 48-52 cm.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Height: from 43 to 48 cm
- Weight: from 16 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: active, affectionate, stubborn, friendly, loyal, playful
Welsh Springer Spaniels are excellent hunting dogs and absolute favorites of athletes. The hard-working Welsh Springer Spaniel is a strong, muscular dog with a strong sense of smell, a waterproof coat and webbed feet to help them swim. This medium-sized breed has a unique dark reddish-white coloring.
Did you know that this ancient hunting breed dates back to 7000 BC. The Welsh Springer Spaniel was so named because it "jumps" on game when hunting.
This is one of the most affectionate, intelligent and loyal spaniels. This gentle, loyal and sensitive companion has earned the nickname "Velcro Dog" because he feels happiest when he is close to his family. However, their hunting instincts make them unsuitable for apartment living. A little fresh air, some open space and a rabbit or two to chase is all a Walsh Springer Spaniel needs to be happy!
Features of dogs with long ears
Initially, only hunting breeds had this feature, which helped them in their search for prey. After all, long ears help improve a dog’s sense of smell. While running, their lobes sweep away microparticles from the ground, thereby enhancing the smell.
But later decorative breeds were obtained that also have this feature. When keeping these pets, it is necessary to provide regular walks and active games in the fresh air. Otherwise, a lack of movement can lead to obesity and the development of sluggishness, which will negatively affect the health of the pet.
Irish Water Spaniel
- Height: from 53 to 61 cm
- Weight: from 20 to 30 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Temperament: smart, mischievous, inquisitive, alert, fast, active
Irish Water Spaniels are water retrievers that are generally energetic, fun-loving, and intelligent. They learn very quickly and obedience training is a cakewalk with them. However, this active and energetic companion is not intended for novice dog owners , as it can be stubborn and overly mischievous.
Trying to play with these little dogs when they're not in the mood is a real challenge.
These dogs are excellent swimmers and fiercely guard the home, barking only to alert the family to any danger.
Irish Water Spaniels typically have thick, curly hair on their bodies, making them almost identical to Poodles. Their hypoallergenic coat looks best with occasional brushing and trimming.
What to look for when choosing a puppy
Before you chase a puppy, you should take a responsible approach to choosing the breed of your future pet. There are many eared breeds, and each of them has its own unique qualities.
The second step is to find a responsible breeder. If you want to buy a purebred puppy, you should not go to a bird market or any other place where babies are sold for a low, undocumented price.
IMPORTANT! Remember that only an officially issued puppy card or pedigree can confirm the breed of an animal. If you buy a pet without such documents, there is a risk that the puppy will grow up to be a mixed breed.
What to look for when choosing a puppy:
- the child must be active and mobile;
- a healthy puppy is interested in new people, runs around, sniffs and gets to know each other, tries on clothes for one tooth;
- dandruff-free hair, soft, clean and shiny;
- the nose is moist, with a shiny surface;
- eyes are clean, without copious transparent or purulent discharge;
- the inner surface of the ears is clean, without dark plaque or unpleasant odor;
- the belly is not round, soft.
The remaining puppies in the litter and other dogs living in the house should be active, inquisitive and cheerful. The place where children grow up is definitely worth a visit. It should be clean, without a lot of garbage and feces.
Field Spaniel
- Height: from 43 to 46 cm
- Weight: from 16 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
- Temperament: Sensitive, cautious, obedient, sociable, adaptable
Known for its stamina and intelligence, the Field Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that enjoys tracking and catching birds on land and in water. This is an unusually calm and balanced breed of dog. The Field Spaniel's gentle and affectionate personality makes it an ideal choice for homes with small children.
Did you know that poor breeding practices in the late 1800s nearly led to the breed's extinction? Mortimer Smith is credited with reviving the breed.
These adorable four-legged creatures love physical activity. They won't hesitate to jump straight into a pool of water or spend the day sniffing around the garden plot. These dogs need a lot of mental stimulation.
As much as Field Spaniels love to exercise, they are also world-class foodies . They will eat any food they see without hesitation and may eventually become obese. This is why they are not suitable for couch potatoes.
Field Spaniels love to be involved in family activities. They love children and other dogs, but may mistake smaller pets for prey. Their silky-soft, wavy, medium-length coat comes in black or brown. It should be cleaned weekly and trimmed from time to time.
Smooth-haired and short-haired breeds
Short-haired and smooth-haired dog breeds with floppy ears include:
- American Bulldog;
- American Pit Bull Terrier;
- American Staffordshire Terrier;
- English Mastiff;
- Dogo Argentino;
- basset hound;
- boxer;
- bullmastiff;
- Weimaraner;
- Hungarian Vizsla;
- Dalmatian;
- Mastino Neapolitan;
- pug;
- Rhodesian Ridgeback;
- dachshund.
Boykin Spaniel
- Height: from 36 to 46 cm
- Weight: from 11 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy: 14 to 16 years
- Temperament: intelligent, friendly, energetic, impatient, sociable, easy to train
Boykin Spaniels, bred in South Carolina to hunt muddy river swamps , are naturally alert, brave and intelligent. These are excellent swimmers and field hunters. They have a characteristic liver or chocolate-colored fur with a thick undercoat.
Boykin Spaniels have recently gained popularity as family dogs due to their loyal, outgoing and friendly nature. They tend to get along well with their families and do things they enjoy. These pets learn quickly due to their intelligence and require a lot of daily exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Black and tan coonhound
The body has a square shape with well-developed muscles. The chest is voluminous, the legs are elongated, with strong bones. The front ones are straight, and the rear ones are slightly set back. The tail is moderately thick, but set rather low. Height - 63-70 cm.
The head and muzzle look very noble: dry, with a regular rounded forehead and prominent eyebrows. The stop is noticeable, but not clearly defined. On the rectangular muzzle there are drooping lips that form small folds at the corners of the mouth. The jaws are massive and have a scissor bite. The ears are located quite low and closer to the back of the head. The soft cartilage creates beautiful folds.
The coat is shiny, moderately soft and short. But special attention is paid to the noble color: pure black with barely noticeable red tan markings in the eye area, on the sides of the muzzle, on the chest and limbs.
Sussex Spaniel
- Height: from 33 to 38 cm
- Weight: from 16 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Temperament: cheerful, friendly, loyal, sociable, sociable, calm
If you enjoy hunting, hiking, or even long walks, the Sussex Spaniel is the perfect dog for you. Although this breed has a dark, serious expression, it is actually friendly and lively. The Sussex Spaniel has a balanced temperament and is gentle and affectionate with his family.
IMPORTANT! This breed is fiercely protective of its family and barks non-stop at any visitor. Before your neighbors start complaining about the constant barking, it is important to teach your pet the command “enough.”
Overall, Sussex Spaniels make great companions if you lead an active lifestyle and need a cute little friend to keep you company. These short-legged dogs have a massive, rectangular body with large, long ears and a thick coat that can be smooth or wavy.
Did you know that the Sussex Spaniel originated in the 18th century? The name of the breed is given in honor of Sussex, England, where the first Sussex Spaniel kennel was founded by Augustus Fuller.
Basset Hound
Clumsy at first glance and melancholic, the dog only evokes pity and tenderness among passers-by, but in reality it is a fierce hunter, even despite its small height (35-38 cm). Their small body is of outstanding size: strong, bony, and strong muscles are hidden under the elastic skin with many folds.
The skull is rounded, and it is the abundance of skin on the muzzle that gives it a suffering appearance. The lower eyelid sags slightly under the overall weight of the skin. The ears are unusually long, reaching to the ground.
The most common color is tricolor, but you can find two-tone (white with fawn spots) or solid red.
Kooikerhondje
- Height: from 35 to 40 cm
- Weight: from 9 to 11 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Temperament: intelligent, active, dexterous, friendly, alert
Kooikerhondje dogs are the perfect combination of athleticism and friendly demeanor. They enjoy hunting as much as they enjoy licking the faces of their favorite family members.
The Kooikerhondje has large ears with black tips, which are a characteristic feature of this breed. Their auburn or chestnut-white coats are naturally dirt-repellent and waterproof . Amazing, isn't it? No more trying to get your dog into the bath every other day!
Kooikerhondje are friendly, well-mannered and easily open up to strangers, but do not let their guard down. A little exercise and a lot of attention is what Kooikerhondje needs to be happy and healthy.
Sealyham Terrier
English terrier breed with an elongated body. It took quite a long time to breed them, but the breeders succeeded. The key difference from all other terriers is their snow-white coat. These are dogs for the soul; they have a lively and balanced temperament. They adore children and become wonderful companions for their owners. These beauties will charm you not only with their easy-going character, but also with their appearance. White wavy coat, shaggy muzzle and interesting haircut make these dogs a favorite of passers-by. They are physically strong and can be good guards and defenders, but not attackers.
American Water Spaniel
- Height: from 38 to 46 cm
- Weight: from 11 to 20 kg
- Life expectancy: 13 to 15 years
- Temperament: Smart, friendly, energetic, obedient, protective, easy to train
As you may have guessed from the name, American Water Spaniels are very skilled swimmers with a waterproof double coat. They are excellent swimmers even in rough waters , using their tail as a rudder. Primarily bred as hunting dogs, American Water Spaniels can also make fantastic family companions if given enough space to run and exercise.
Did you know that the American Water Spaniel is one of the rarest American dog breeds, with only about 3,000 registered dogs.
They are intelligent, energetic and eager to please pets. They make excellent watchdogs, but that doesn't mean they aren't affectionate. However, if left alone for long periods of time, they can become destructive and stubborn.
golden retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most beautiful English dog breeds. Created by crossing many others, including the Flat-Coated Retriever, Setter and Newfoundland. Officially recognized by the dog breeding community in 1913. Subsequently, goldens were crossed with bloodhounds in order to improve their sense of smell and increase their body size.
One of the most beautiful English dog breeds
The sizes are relatively large, gender differences are pronounced: males reach a height of 56-61 cm and a weight of 26-41 kg, females reach a height of 51-61 cm and weigh 25-37 kg. The physique is powerful, muscular, wide head and chest, long strong neck, strong paws, straight tail. The ears are hanging, set approximately at eye level. The color is golden or cream, small white spots are allowed. Fur that is too light is considered an anomaly, and such individuals are not allowed to breed.
Golden Retrievers were originally created for hunting. Then other activities were found for sensitive animals with a good memory: participation in rescue operations, searching for drugs and explosives at customs. They have a good character and no tendency to dominate. These are ideal companions for children, people with visual impairments and mobility impairments. Four-legged friends patiently accompany fellow travelers and help them navigate difficult situations. They are commonly used as companion dogs and therapy dogs. Many films have been made about the gentle and artistic Golden Retrievers.
Note: Golden Retrievers rarely bark. Therefore, they are not suitable as watchdogs. In addition, being kept on a chain can traumatize the friendly psyche of the animal.
German Spaniel
- Height: from 45 to 54 cm
- Weight: from 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
- Temperament: versatile, passionate, friendly, obedient, intelligent, active
The German Spaniel is also known as the "German Wachtelhund" or "German Quail Dog" . This bundle of energy was bred to be an excellent hunter, and he excels at his job. These well-built dogs have long, wavy coats that are weather resistant.
Did you know that German Spaniels are rarely found outside of Germany.
German Spaniels are also renowned for their sweet and simple-minded nature and are very obedient and friendly. These pets love to play with anything and anyone. They require enormous daily physical activity and are not suitable for keeping indoors due to their strong hunting instinct.
Based on materials from: www.waggel.co.uk
Saluki
One of the most ancient breeds, the Saluki originates in the Middle East. There are two types of wool depending on the region of origin - long-haired and short-haired. Salukis are timid with strangers, but affectionate with family members. Salukis become very attached to people and have a hard time with long separations. The genetic feature of the species is that they do not get along easily with other animals; the level of communication increases with the help of early socialization. They require walking for at least 3 hours a day and lots of physical activity. The hunting instinct of the graceful Saluki has been nurtured for centuries; the dog, without the necessary physical activity, will run after any object that seems similar to prey. For this reason, it is preferable to walk your dog on a leash.
