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Engatzu Spaniel |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Great Britain <> Tibet -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| The Engatzu Spaniel is a small hybrid dog derived from crossing the Shih Tzu with the King Charles Spaniel. They are attractive little dogs, with long silky coats that come in a variety of colors. These dogs are naturally cheerful, alert and devoted to their owners. Engatzu Spaniel are true people dogs, they like to be part of everything you do and don't like to be left alone for long periods. They make ideal family dogs and generally tolerate violent play from young children, but watch very young children with them, as they can unintentionally hurt a small dog. Because they are not the most active dogs, they do well as house dogs and even better in apartments. |
History of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| The Engatzu Spaniel has little historical data, but examining the breed history of the parent dog can help to understand its possible characteristics. |
A little of the King Charles Spaniel |
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| The King Charles Spaniel also has royalty in its history, having been a favorite of royal courts. Mary Queen of Scots was a great fan of the little spaniel, as were her grandsons, Charles I and Charles II. They originally had a pointed muzzle, but cross-breeding with the Japanese Spaniel and Pug produced a dog with the short muzzle we know today. They should not be confused with the Cavalier King Charles, which has a slightly larger and longer nose. They were both considered to be a single breed, but over time have become distinct breeds. | ||
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| Standard of the King Charles Spaniel | ||
A little of the Shih Tzu |
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| The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed steeped in mystery. Debate still rages as to whether its origins lie in Tibet or China, but it's clear that this little dog was a treasured companion. They are said to resemble small lions and became popular in 1861 at the Chinese imperial court. These dogs were so precious that anyone who harmed them was immediately put to death. Empress Tzu Hsi had a great love of animals and set up a breeding program for the Shih Tzu. The dogs were often given in pairs as gifts to visiting nobles or eminent persons. In 1933, Lady Brownrigg's Kennels in England began breeding the Shih Tzu, and they were the first to import and breed the Shih Tzu in the United States. In 1969, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the Toy Group. | ||
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| Standard of the Shih Tzu |
Appearance of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| The Engatzu Spaniel is a compact, robust little dog with a body slightly longer than it is tall. The muzzle is short, with 2.5 centimeters or less from the tip of the nose to the defined stop. The domed head, large black eyes and long, often fringed ears are complemented by a silky, flowing coat. Coat length varies according to the parent from which they inherit their genes. Their legs are straight and well boned, and their tail is set high and carried over the back or may be docked a few centimeters long, like the King Charles Spaniel parent. The tail is adorned with silky feathers. Because they have a short muzzle, they are susceptible to heat exhaustion, so limit their time outdoors in hot weather. It's accepted that hybrid dogs can vary considerably in appearance, depending on the percentage of the parents' genes, but one thing's for sure about the Engatzu Spaniel, it will be an attractive and adorable little dog. |
Temperament of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| The Engatzu Spaniel is a cute, adorable and happy little dog. They love to play with their family and adore new toys, which is fortunate as they tend to destroy old toys quickly. They depend on their family and don't like to be left alone for long. These little dogs make surprisingly good watchdogs and will alert you to any new arrivals on the property. They are easy to train because of their willingness to please and their above-average intelligence. They respond best to firm but friendly training. The Engatzu Spaniel is an ideal dog for families living in small houses or apartments, as they are not overly energetic and don't require a lot of space. Happy, cheerful and playful describes this dog, and if well socialized when young, will be easy to introduce to other people and dogs. Warm knees and lots of attention are essential for this fluffy, dependent pooch. |
Needs and activities of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| Although it's easy to say that the Engatzu Spaniel isn't very active, there are exceptions to this rule, with some dogs inheriting the instinct to chase anything that moves. They generally prefer to sit on your lap instead of exercising intensely, but will love to stroll around the neighborhood or along the beach with the family. Walking every day is a wonderful way to keep your Engatzu Spaniel healthy. They are easy to train and learn quickly with positive training and lots of praise and rewards. |
Maintenance of the Engatzu Spaniel |
| The Engatzu's long, silky coat requires a little more grooming than shorthaired dogs. Thorough daily brushing with a stiff bristle brush will keep the coat tangle-free and in good condition. Bathing is done on an as-needed basis, as these are generally very clean little dogs. Use of a dog shampoo and soap will prevent allergies and dry skin. The eyes need to be checked often, as long hair can sometimes irritate the eyes, and the ears can be prone to infection, so check these areas regularly. Train them from an early age to get used to the teeth-brushing routine, and life will be easier when they're older. A nail clip will complete the routine. Your dog may need occasional clipping around the eyes of an experienced groomer. |
English (United Kingdom) 
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