Arete
English Toy Spaniels
Striving to produce excellence in the breed.
Arete
Preservation of the breed is our goal.
We strive to produce English Toy Spaniels that meet the breed standard and bring years of joy to thier owners.
Our Breeding Program
We are dedicated to preserving the rich history, gentle temperament, and classic breed standard of the English Toy Spaniel. Our puppies are lovingly raised and socialized in our home, ensuring a happy, healthy transition into their forever families.
The meaning of Arete
In classical Greek culture, Arete (ἀρετή) translates to “excellence” or “virtue” in its highest sense.
In the context of breeding and showing, it is the perfect name—signifying a commitment to the absolute highest standard, quality, and beauty in everything you do.
English Toy Spaniel Club of America
The English Toy Spaniel Club of America is the parent club for our breed. You will find resources on this website to educate you further on the breed and it’s standard.
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Our dogs are evalutated for hereditary conditions like heart, patella and eye issues known to this breed. We have all the dogs in our breeding program screened to make healthy decisions for our future litters. Click the link below and search our dogs OFA certifications.
Meet the pack
Our English Toy Spaniels are the heart of our home. Raised in a loving environment, our dogs are bred and shown with a dedication to health, temperament, and the AKC breed standard. Meet the wonderful dogs that make up our pack and bring so much character, love, and standard-conforming beauty to everything we do.
Arete is built on more than two decades of breeding and dog show experience. We are always happy to welcome the next generation of English Toy Spaniel fanciers into the breed.
What people are saying
“If you are looking for a reputable, honest English Toy Spaniel breeder, I would go directly to Sebastian at Arete. He conducts all the health screenings recommended by the parent club and possesses an incredible knowledge of animal husbandry. Because of his dedication, every generation of his dogs improves in both conformation and health. Sebastian is genuinely the nicest person you will ever deal with. His dogs are beautifully kept, they have wonderful temperaments, and the puppies are lovingly raised right in his living room. If you start your journey with one of his English Toy Spaniels, you will never want to go anywhere else.”
Debb Nuss
“I am beyond happy with Cupid. He is a tri male that is beyond sweet. He also has an amazing head, topline and build. I can’t wait to get him into the show ring. Not only did I get an amazing dog, I got a contact who has plethora of knowledge and helps me with questions anytime I call. I will definitley be back for my next puppy.”
Tonya L.
“Finding a great breeder is NOT an easy task, trust me! I was looking for someone who would answer all of my questions and educate me first hand on the breed. YES, I did read countless books and did research before deciding this was the right fit for me. Sebastian politely interviewed me before placing a puppy in my care. He is someone I could call at anytime with questions once the puppy was home. I not only found a wonderful breeder, I found a man who dedicates himself with all of his heart to the betterment of this amazing breed. I.am so grateful for Sebastian and even prouder to call him my friend. Archie is the sweetest, smartest puppy ever and he was even taught great potty manners too! Archie is a true testament of all the hard work that goes into producing such amazing puppies.”
Dee DeMoss
Location
We are located in Des Moines, IA.
We have a network or travel companions available for hire to help get your new family member home to you.
The English Toy Spaniel Standard
englishtoyspanielsofarete.com 