King Charles Spaniel
Toy

Group:

Toy

Size:

small

Lifespan:

10-12 years

Exercise:

little

Grooming:

moderate

Trainability:

moderate

Watchdog ability:

high

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

England

Date of Origin:

1600’s

Other Names:

English Toy Spaniel

Original Function:

flushing small birds, lapdog

History

The King Charles Spaniel's origins probably trace back to Asian spaniels and perhaps the Pug, however the breed was primarily developed in the British Isles. This loving companion dog became a darling of the British royalty. The breed is named for King Charles II of England who owned quite a few of these charming little "comforter" dogs. During the nineteenth century, the King Charles Spaniel underwent several changes. He was bred smaller, with flattened, upturned face, protruding eyes, and a more rounded skull. The result is today's King Charles Spaniel. The somewhat similar Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is based on the pre-nineteenth century King Charles.

Temperament

This sweet and gentle breed may be somewhat timid but responds well to affection. The King Charles Spaniel is the epitome of a lap dog and loves being around lots of people. Well behaved and generally quiet, King Charles Spaniels are average barkers. They can be somewhat stubborn.

Upkeep

Although it enjoys a nice walk on leash or a fun game in the house or yard, the King Charles Spaniel is not overly active and its exercise needs can be met with minimal effort. It does not do well in heat and is temperamentally unsuited for living outside away from its family. Its long coat needs combing twice weekly.

Official Breed Standard

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
Compact and cobby, on refined lines, chest wide and deep, legs short and straight, back short and level. Tail well flagged, and not carried over the level of the back. Movement free, active and elegant.

Head and Skull:
Skull massive in comparison to size, well domed, and full over the eyes. Nose black with large wide open nostrils, very short and turned up to meet the skull. The stop between skull and nose should be well defined. Jaw; muzzle square, wide, deep and well turned up, lower jaw wide, lips exactly meeting, giving a nice finish. The cheeks should not fall away under the eyes, but be well cushioned up. A protruding tongue is objectionable, but does not disqualify.

Eyes:
Very large and dark, set wide apart, with eyelids block square to face line, and with pleasing expression.

Ears:
Set on low, and to hang quite flat to cheeks, very long and well feathered.

Coat:
Long, silky and straight, a slight wave allowed, not curly. The legs, ears and tail should be profusely feathered.

Colour:
Black and Tan: A rich glossy black, with bright, mahogany tan markings, on muzzle, legs, chest, linings of ears, under tail, and spots over eyes. Tricolour: Ground pearly white and well distributed black patches, brilliant tan markings on cheeks, linings of ears, under tail, and spots over the eyes. A wide white blaze between the eyes, and up the forehead. Blenheim: A ground of pearly white with well distributed chestnut patches. A wide clear blaze with the "spot" in centre of skull. The "spot" should be a clear chestnut red mark about the size of a sixpence in centre of skull. Ruby: Whole coloured, a rich chestnut red.

Weight and Size:
The most desirable size is 3.6 to 6.3 kg. (8-14 lbs).

Faults:
The presence of a few white hairs on the chest of a Black and Tan or Ruby is undesirable, but a white patch is a major fault.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum