Small and lovable, the King Charles Spaniel is distinguished by its striking appearance and endearing nature. This breed has a long history of gentle and devoted companionship, stemming from its royal companionship.
The King Charles Spaniel, small in stature but bursting with personality, is ideal for singles, families, and anyone else seeking a devoted friend. It is a favorite among dog lovers because of its charming eyes and silky coat.
These dogs are renowned for their easy training and friendly disposition in addition to their attractive appearance. The charming, lively nature of the King Charles Spaniel is bound to enchant you, regardless of your level of familiarity with the breed.
Characteristic | Description |
Breed Name | King Charles Spaniel |
Size | Small, typically 12-18 pounds |
Coat | Silky, medium-length, often wavy |
Color | Black and tan, ruby, tricolor, or blenheim |
Temperament | Affectionate, friendly, and loyal |
Exercise Needs | Moderate, enjoys daily walks and play |
Lifespan | 10-14 years |
- Characteristics of the King Charles Spaniel breed
- Pros
- Cons
- History of origin
- King Charles Spaniel breed standard
- Head
- Body
- Limbs
- Wool
- Colors
- Differences from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Character of the King Charles Spaniel breed
- Features of education and training
- Caring for a King Charles Spaniel
- Hygiene procedures
- Nutrition
- Health
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Characteristics of the King Charles Spaniel breed
"Spaniel of King Charles" is how the name King Charles Spaniel is translated. During Charles I’s reign (spelled Charles in English), these dogs were bred in England. Small spaniels had a different appearance and were used as hunting dogs prior to that. Compared to contemporary examples of the breed, they resembled cocker spaniels more.
The English toy spaniel is another name for this breed these days. These dogs resemble funny, fluffy toys quite a bit. They were previously well-liked by aristocrats and members of royal families. As they were held in their arms, they observed the coat’s exquisiteness with great attention. King spaniels are therefore categorized as decorative dogs, in contrast to other spaniel varieties. Despite this, they are gregarious, energetic, and resilient.
Parameters | Characteristics |
---|---|
name | King Charles Spaniel (English. King Charles Spaniel) |
life expectancy | 9-14 years |
height | 25-28 cm |
weight | 3.5-6.5 kg |
brief description of appearance | short muzzle with a slightly upturned nose, large bulging eyes, long fluffy ears |
colors | tricolor, black and tan, ruby, blenheim |
activity | average |
attitude to humans | friendly, not aggressive, love children |
training | easy, suitable for inexperienced owners |
security and guard qualities | no |
features of keeping | in a house, city apartment |
difficulty of care | show dogs require a special haircut |
health | average |
Pros
A sociable and friendly pet is the King Charles Spaniel. It’s ideal for an apartment because of its modest size and understated style. This is a faithful friend that doesn’t act aggressively toward people. There are numerous benefits for these dogs:
- they become attached to the owner, remain faithful to him for life;
- love children;
- have an attractive appearance;
- moderately active, do not need long walks;
- adapt to the habits of the owner;
- the character is docile, peaceful, no desire for dominance;
- suitable for the elderly;
- easy to train, learn tricks.
Cons
English toy spaniels are a common breed for interior design. However, there are drawbacks to these dogs:
- very affectionate, can be persistent, follow their owner everywhere;
- cannot stand loneliness;
- they are possessive, protect things that they consider theirs, can even bite;
- can be touchy and jealous;
- cannot stand heat, often have breathing problems;
- show animals need a haircut.
These dogs’ qualities are complemented by an intriguing video:
English Toy Spaniel in a video. Price, selection criteria, facts, history, care, and pros and cons
Video: A dog show featuring a King Charles Spaniel
English Toy Spaniel in a Video
History of origin
In Great Britain, this breed was bred. Hunting has long been associated with small spaniels. However, aristocrats eventually started owning these cuddly, amiable dogs and even kept them in royal castles. They were initially utilized for practical reasons, such as keeping warm and acting as flea bait. but over time gained the affection of English lords.
One particularly ardent supporter of the breed was King Charles I. He took his pets to parliament and spent a lot of time with them. These dogs were given the name King Charles Spaniels in his honor. In Great Britain, a law passed at that time is still in force. It states that these dogs are permitted to go to any public location.
The breed’s popularity began to decline in the eighteenth century. William III, who had a stronger affinity for pugs, ruled during this time. As a result, short muzzles became common among aristocrats’ dogs. Breeders of King Charles crossed them with chins and pugs to appease the nobility. The spaniels’ features changed, with their ears lowered, heads more rounded, muzzles short, and eyes big.
Breed clubs were established at the close of the 1800s, and the first standard was accepted. These dogs went by the traditional name of English toy spaniels in other countries, but it was kept in Great Britain. They are common companion dogs these days. Even though their forefathers were hunters, contemporary King Charles are ornamental canines, companions, and comfort seekers.
The King Charles Spaniel is a tiny, devoted dog that is well-liked by both families and individuals due to its kind disposition and amiable disposition. This breed requires little exercise and enjoys cuddling, making it an easy breed to take care of. Regular grooming is necessary for their gorgeous, silky coats, but their affectionate nature more than makes up for it. The King Charles Spaniel adapts well to any home and will provide happiness and companionship whether living in an apartment or a house.
King Charles Spaniel breed standard
A tiny dog is the King Charles Spaniel. Females reach a maximum height of 25 cm at the withers, while males can reach up to 28 cm. The physique is compact and stocky. An adult King Charles Spaniel should weigh between 3.5 and 6.5 kg. Smaller dogs are valued by the standard.
Head
Its head is small in relation to its body. The skull is domed and rounded. The muzzle is nearly square in shape, short, and fairly wide. The halt is distinctly defined. The nostrils are large and black, and the earlobe is slightly upside down. Breed members have a slight undershot bite, meaning that their lower jaw sticks out slightly forward.
The eyes are round, dark, and fairly large. spread widely, somewhat convex, but not sticking out. The expression is friendly, cheery, and curious. Long, low, and broad at the base are the ears. pressed firmly to the cheeks, hanging down. covered in wavy, ornamental hair.
Body
The body has a harmonious structure and a slight elongation. The nape has a distinct shape. The croup slopes slightly to the back, which is short and straight. The belly is slightly tucked up, and the chest is deep. Long hair hides the bottom line. The tail is fluffy and long. resembles a sickle and is frequently curled into a semicircle.
Limbs
The legs have robust bones, muscles, and a short stature. The front legs are parallel and straight. The legs have a lot of volume. The toes have thick pads, and the paws are small.
Wool
King Charles Spaniels have silky, long, and thick coats. It fits the body snugly and is soft and pleasant to the touch. There should be no fluff or curl to the coat. particularly long hair on the limbs, ears, tail, and chest.
Colors
The colors of King Charles Spaniels include the following:
- Blenheim or red and white: white legs, chest, muzzle, a stripe on the forehead characteristic of the breed, ruby ears, areas around the eyes, sides;
- tricolor – black areas (ears, circles around the eyes) and red spots on the cheekbones and legs on a white background;
- black and tan – black background with ruby spots, characteristic markings above the eyes and on the cheekbones;
- ruby – uniform red color, a small white spot on the chest is not a serious flaw.
Only these dogs and Cavaliers have the blonheim color. It was acquired at the Castle of Blenheim. A pearl-white color, distinct boundaries between ruby areas, and an elongated white spot in the middle of the muzzle are indicators of a pure breed.
The description of the appearance is enhanced by photos:
Differences from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The King Charles is the foundation for the breeding of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Despite being distinct, they are frequently categorized as a single breed. Size is the primary distinction. An adult King Charles Spaniel can stand up to 28 cm tall, while a Cavalier can reach up to 33 cm. Additionally, Cavaliers are heavier, weighing between 5 and 8 kg.
King Charles of the Cavaliers learned a lot from the Spanish cocker. He has a flat skull, an elongated muzzle, and a scissor bite, in contrast to the King. Compared to the King Charles, the ears are slightly higher on this animal, and the eyes are smaller. Additionally, there is a distinction in behavior and character. Cavaliers are more gregarious, resilient, and agile.
Character of the King Charles Spaniel breed
Charles the King Dogs that are friendly and well-mannered are spaniels. They are quite devoted to their owner and dislike being by themselves. They dislike commotion, shouting, and scandals. This dog will feel at ease with a person nearby, even in a passive capacity. He is prepared to spend a lot of time sitting in the owner’s arms or lying close to him.
These dogs are affectionate and amiable toward every member of the family, but they typically favor just one. They always attempt to be close by and submit to him without question. They are docile, playful, joyful, and loving. They have a serene, tranquil demeanor. These characteristics exist:
- sociability;
- cheerfulness;
- friendliness;
- playfulness;
- curiosity;
- intelligence;
- touchiness.
English toy spaniels adore kids and can spend all day playing with them. When most kids pull practical jokes, they are understanding and non-aggressive. To keep the child from hurting the dog, though, you must exercise control over him. Toy spaniels are prone to snapping in self-defense and dislike being treated roughly.
Despite the fact that this breed’s representatives are not usually aggressive. They even greet strangers with friendliness. They may exhibit shyness and wariness at first, but as they become acclimated to it, they act amiably. Additionally calm around other animals are toy spaniels. They coexist peacefully with other dogs, cats, and birds. This dog is not fit to serve as a security or guard dog.
Many owners observe that the personalities of cats and toy spaniels are comparable. They are equally sensitive, envious, and will not put up with unfair or impolite behavior. However, the dog will react kindly if you show him love and care. These dogs have the ability to treat depression and relieve stress because of their happy, humorous behavior and loving, gentle nature.
Features of education and training
If you don’t teach and socialize this adorable puppy, it could cause you a lot of trouble when it grows up. Training it from an early age is advised. Requirements for this breed:
- know its nickname, come on command;
- know the place to sleep, to eat;
- understand the rules of behavior in the house;
- go to the toilet outside (although this dog can be trained to use a diaper or tray);
- walk on a leash during a walk;
- know the commands "no", "sit", "stand", "next to".
It is so simple to train a toy spaniel that even a novice dog breeder can do it. These intelligent, gentle dogs genuinely want to please their devoted owner. Playing games is a good way to train. Classes ought to be brief, dynamic, and consistent. Physical punishment and harsh methods are not acceptable. This will cause the pet to lose your trust and start acting inappropriately.
A toy spaniel is a companion; you cannot train it to be a service dog. However, these animals pick up simple commands fast and tricks with ease. All you have to remember is that members of the breed may experience issues with their joints and intervertebral discs, so jumping is not recommended for them.
Caring for a King Charles Spaniel
The Toy in English Spaniels are tamed canines. It cannot be left outside, does not like the heat or cold, and becomes bored when its owner isn’t around. It can live in a small apartment with peace of mind because of its compact size. This pet is comfortable and doesn’t require a lot of room. Investing in a plush house or bed is advised. It will also take a lot of toys for this dog.
Dogs that are King Charles Spaniels are not often active. They must walk every day, even if it’s only for a short distance and not much exercise. These dogs can’t run for very long because of their short limbs and slightly flattened muzzles, which causes them to tire out quickly.
Walking requires consideration of the fact that English Toy Spaniels do not fare well in the heat, similar to other dogs with short muzzles. As a result, it is advised to go for walks early in the morning or late at night during the summer, and to always carry water. In cold weather, you should also avoid taking long walks.
Hygiene procedures
It’s not hard to take care of this dog. The fur alone may pose an issue. It doesn’t shed much, but it gets tangled easily. Pets that take part in exhibitions need to be professionally groomed and given a haircut.
The dog needs to be trained to follow hygienic practices from a young age. They will support the preservation of the pet’s attractive appearance and overall health. It is crucial to perform the following actions on a regular basis:
- brush the fur every day or every other day;
- bathe once a month with shampoo for long-haired breeds;
- be sure to wash the paws after being outside, to make it easier to keep them clean, it is worth trimming the hairs on the fingers;
- trim the claws a couple of times a month;
- wipe the eyes in the morning;
- check and clean the ears several times a week;
- brush the teeth weekly with a special toothpaste, regularly give chewing treats.
Nutrition
The diet of the English Toy Spaniel is very particular. It might turn down food for unclear reasons. Never take a bite out of someone else’s bowl. Not a lot of food is required for these dogs. They shouldn’t be overfed because they tend to put on weight. You can use natural products or commercial feed for your pet. In the first scenario, calculating portion sizes is simpler, and additional vitamin and mineral supplements are not required.
Should you opt for prepared food, it ought to be of the super-premium or holistic variety. It has every nutrient and microelement a dog could possibly need. Savarra, Pro Plan, Probalance, Royal Canin, Go, and Acana are breeds that work well with this one. Adding canned food of the same brand to dry food is advised by veterinarians. However, you shouldn’t entirely give up on dry food because this could lead to dental issues.
Pets are fed natural food by many breeders. All you have to do is make sure the diet is properly balanced and gives the dog the nutrients it needs. Keeping an eye on the amount of food given is also crucial to prevent the pet from gaining weight. Vegetables, grains, and lean meat should be on the daily menu. Giving fruits, vegetables, kefir, cottage cheese, and one to two eggs every week is beneficial. A veterinarian may advise the addition of vitamin complexes to the food.
Health
English toy spaniels typically live 10 to 12 years. The dog can live up to 14 or 15 years if given the right care and there are no inherited illnesses. They were intended to be ornamental dogs. Genetic pathologies emerged as a result of breeding with different breeds. Numerous illnesses that these pugs have. This is cataracts, inversion of the century, and ocular inflammation. They frequently experience breathing issues as well. Their short muzzle causes them to snore, wheeze, and have poor heat tolerance.
Moreover, members of this breed occasionally suffer from the following illnesses:
- ears inflammation;
- vice of heart valves;
- pathologies of intervertebral discs;
- seizures of the joints;
- hydrocephalus;
- Cryptorchrism;
- obesity;
- epilepsy.
The King Charles Spaniel is a devoted and loving friend who is ideal for both individuals and families. Any home is made happier by its playful nature and amiable demeanor.
This breed, despite its small stature, is vivacious and enjoys being active, whether it’s playing inside or going for walks. It needs care and exercise on a regular basis to stay happy and healthy.
A breed that can easily win over anyone’s heart is the King Charles Spaniel, with its gorgeous coat and gentle disposition. This endearing dog will live a long, happy life if given the proper love and care.