Owing to the characteristics of the four varieties being so similar, with the exception of colour, in giving the description they are treated as one, and, with slight alteration, according to the standard formulated by the Toy Spaniel Club, which has classified, and done much to promote the interests of the different varieties of Toy Spaniels.

Head

This is the most prominent feature. "It should be well domed, and in some specimens is absolutely semi-globular, sometimes even extending beyond the half-circle, and absolutely projecting over the eyes, so as to nearly meet the upturned nose."

Eyes

These are set wide apart, with the eyelids square to the line of face - not oblique, or fox-like. The eyes themselves are large, and so dark "as to be generally considered black, their enormous pupils, which are absolutely of that colour, increasing the deception. From their large size there is almost always a certain amount of weeping shown at the inner angles." This is probably owing to the amount of light that enters in consequence, though it is said to be due "to a defect in the lachrymal duct."

Stop

The "stop," or hollow between the eyes, is well marked, as in the Bulldog, or even more pronounced, some good specimens exhibiting a hollow deep enough to bury a small marble.

Nose

The nose must be short and well turned up between the eyes, and without any indication of artificial or unnatural displacement afforded by a deviation to either side. The colour of the end should be black, and it should be both deep and wide, with open nostrils.

Jaw

The lower jaw must be wide between its branches, leaving plenty of room for the tongue and for the attachment of the lower lips, which should completely conceal the teeth. It should be turned up, or "finished," so as to allow of its meeting the end of the upper jaw, turned up in a similar way as above described. The tongue should on no account protrude.

Ears

The ears must be long, so as to approach the ground. In an average-sized dog they measure I5in. to 2oin. from tip to tip, and in some reach 22in., or even more. They should be set low on the head, and be heavily feathered. In this respect the King Charles is expected to exceed the Blenheim, and his ears occasionally extend to 24m.

Size

The most desirable size, according to the Club standard, is determined by weight, which is "from 7lb. to 10lb."; but owing to the deceptive appearance of the small, cobby dogs, I2lb. or 13II). does not mean a large specimen.

Shape

In compactness of shape these Spaniels almost rival the Pug, but the length of the coat adds greatly to the apparent bulk, as the body when the coat is wetted looks small in comparison with that dog. Still, it ought to be decidedly "cobby," with strong, stout legs, broad back, and wide chest. The symmetry of the Toy Spaniel is of importance.

Coat

The coat should belong, silky, soft, and wavy, but not curly. In the Blenheim there should be a profuse mane, extending well down in front of the chest; and the feather should be displayed on the ears and feet, and so long as to give the latter the appearance of being webbed. It is also well carried up the back of the legs. In the King Charles the feathering on the ears is very long and profuse, exceeding that of the Blenheim by an inch or more.

Tail

This is usually "docked" to the length of "three and a half or four inches." "The feather should be silky, and about 5 in. or 6in. in length, constituting a marked ' flag,' "of a square shape, and not carried above the level of the back."

Colour

The King Charles is a rich, glossy black and deep tan; tan spots over the eyes and on the cheeks, and the usual marking on the legs are also required.

The Prince Charles, or Tricolour, should have the tan of the King Charles with the markings like the Blenheim in black instead of red, on a pearly-white ground. The ears and under the tail should also be lined with tan. At present the Prince Charles requires no "spot," that beauty having been reserved as the peculiar properly of the Blenheim; but owing to the breed now being produced by a cross with the Blenheim, it is appearing, and is considered a great acquisition, and will doubtless shortly be added as one of the "points."

The Ruby Spaniel is a rich chestnut-red. The presence of a few white hairs intermixed with the black on the chest of a King Charles, or intermixed with the red on the chest of a Ruby Spaniel, shall carry great weight against a dog, but shall not itself actually disqualify; but a white patch on the chest, or white on any other part of a King Charles or a Ruby Spaniel, shall be a disqualification. The colour of the nose to be black.

The Blenheim must on no account be whole-coloured, but should have a ground of pearly white, with bright rich chestnut or ruby-red markings, evenly distributed in large patches. The ears should be red, with a blaze of white extending from the nose to the forehead, and ending in a crescentive curve. In the centre of this blaze there should be a clear "spot" of red, of the size of a sixpence.

The full coat of the Toy Spaniel is not attained until the age of three years, after which it still continues to improve. It is easier to obtain the various points of excellence in large than in small specimens. This may appear more ideal than real, and arises from the larger dogs impressing the superficial observer, who fails to compare justly the several points of each dog relatively with each other. But the judge would rarely show such incompetence for office, particularly as the smaller specimens are preferred by the fancier and command the highest prices.

In breeding Toy Spaniels, much care and patience is needed, especially for competition in the show-ring. To begin with, the parents must be carefully selected from the right strains, strong and healthy, not too fat, small, or inbred, and, as far as possible, possessing between them all the points essential to make a perfect specimen. About eighteen months old, or the second season, is the best time to commence breeding from the female, but many, if strong and well, may be used the first season. If small progeny is required, a young mother should be mated to an old but healthy and vigorous sire, and an old mother to a suitable young dog.

The King Charles must on no account be crossed with a Prince Charles or a Blenheim, as imperfectly marked animals will be the result; but a Ruby may be used with great advantage, giving brightness and richness to the tan markings, which is one of the attractions of the black-and-tan. The Blenheim and Prince Charles may be also crossed with good results, if they are well selected, as the latter gives a more profuse and richer coat, longer ears, and shorter face, which are sometimes found deficient in the Blenheim. These combinations frequently produce litters with perfect specimens of each, making a charming variety. The Ruby must be bred from the pure black-and-tan; the slightest suspicion of Blenheim or Prince Charles blood results in white markings appearing on the breast, head, or feet - a fatal blemish for the show-ring. It strengthens the Ruby to be crossed with the King Charles, and brightens the tan of the latter.