Eng-A-Poo

The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby toy dog that presents a charming combination of elegance and sturdiness in a small package. Adults typically weigh between eight and fourteen pounds, with the breed standard favoring smaller specimens when all other qualities are equal. The body is essentially square in proportion, built on cobby lines with a solid, well-constructed frame that belies the delicate appearance suggested by its luxurious coat. Standing approximately ten inches tall at the shoulder, this breed possesses a low center of gravity and a substantial feel when held, distinguishing it from more fragile toy breeds. The breed's most striking feature is its distinctive head, which is proportionately large compared to body size and gives the English Toy Spaniel its characteristic plush, chubby-cheeked appearance. The skull is domed and rounded, with a short, well-turned-up nose that gives the face its pushed-in look, a trait shared with other brachycephalic breeds. The muzzle is very short, with the nose set high and the stop quite pronounced. Large, lustrous dark eyes are set wide apart and convey a soft, appealing expression that radiates warmth and affection. The ears are set low on the head and hang long and pendulous, covered with profuse silky feathering that frames the face beautifully. The English Toy Spaniel's coat is one of its most beautiful attributes, featuring long, silky hair that may be straight or slightly wavy but never curly. Profuse fringing adorns the ears, chest, and body, while flowing feathering decorates both the front and hind legs and the feet. The tail, traditionally docked to two to four inches though many are now born with naturally shorter tails, carries a flag of silky feathering. Four distinct color varieties exist, each with its own formal name: Blenheim presents a pearly white ground with deep red or chestnut patches; Prince Charles displays black and white with tan markings; King Charles shows rich glossy black with mahogany tan points; and Ruby exhibits a self-colored rich mahogany red throughout.

The Poodle is an elegant, well-proportioned dog that comes in three distinct size varieties, each sharing identical breed characteristics apart from height. Standard Poodles stand over fifteen inches at the shoulder and weigh between forty and seventy pounds. Miniature Poodles measure between ten and fifteen inches and weigh approximately ten to fifteen pounds. Toy Poodles stand ten inches or under and typically weigh between four and six pounds. All varieties present a square-bodied silhouette with a proud carriage, long neck, and level topline that conveys dignity and athleticism. The overall impression is one of a balanced, active dog with an air of distinction peculiar to the breed. The Poodle's coat is perhaps its most distinctive feature and contributes enormously to the breed's elegant appearance. The naturally harsh, dense, curly coat grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, which has contributed to the breed's reputation as a hypoallergenic option though no dog is truly non-allergenic. The coat may be presented curly or corded in the show ring, with various traditional clips including the elaborate Continental and English Saddle styles with their shaved hindquarters and pompons. For pets, the Sporting clip with its uniform scissored coat proves more practical. Colors include solid black, white, brown, apricot, red, cream, blue, gray, silver, cafe au lait, and silver beige, with clear, even coloring preferred though natural shading variations are acceptable. The Poodle's head contributes significantly to the breed's refined appearance. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop, while the long, straight muzzle houses strong jaws and a complete set of white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Eyes are very dark, oval-shaped, and set far enough apart to create an alert, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's keen mind. Ears hang close to the head, set at or slightly below eye level, with long, wide leather covered in thick, wavy feathering. The tail is set high and traditionally docked to a length that balances the dog's outline, carried erect when the dog is alert or moving. The Poodle's gait is light, springy, and effortless, covering ground smoothly with strong rear drive.