Size range:
Medium: 20-30 inches; 25-45 pounds.

Kid-tolerance scale:
Excellent

Average lifespan:
12 years

Overall behavior of breed:
PROVIDED the dog comes from a GOOD BREEDER it will be very tolerant, easily trained, well-behaved - and an excellent companion for children. Bitches are more docile than a dog but both love attention, which is usually what a child wants to give to a pet.

Explain why this breed was good/not good with your kids:
We had a bitch, Lady, with our young children, and she was quite happy being 'dressed up', perambulated around the garden, caged (upturned doll's cot!) for a 'zoo' and could be relied upon to be first on the sledge when tobogganing in the snow! She would also lie at the bottom of the slide so they HAD to touch her when they went down it! She was their constant companion and could also be relied upon to be with them in water, mud, puddles and mischief! A perfect family member.

Typical colors:
Usual spaniel mixtures of black, white, peach, etc

Does this breed shed?
No

Special grooming needs:
If kept for show the long 'feathers' require regular daily brushing but if, like us, you want a family dog you have them clipped short which requires a weekly groom (to remove the debris from romping in the garden with the kids!)

Daily exercise requirements:
A garden, with young children, helps to tire them but they DO need a regular walk - which also exercises the children!

Other comments or suggestions
They can be trained easily to use one part of the garden for toilet needs (to keep it clear of young children) but you still need to carry out a regular search (just in case!)