King Charles Spaniel general features, temperament, health

King Charles Spaniel dog breed face

FCI # 128, Origin: Great Britain, Group 9.7 Companion and Toy Dogs. English Toy Spaniels

Height: about 10 in, Weight: 9-12 pounds

Grooming: Medium, Shedding: Medium, Coat: Long silky coat.

Color: Black and tun (King Charles), Tri-color (Prince Charles), White with red markings (Blenheim), Ruby (mahogany-red).

Ease of training: Medium, Energy level: Medium, Span of life: 10-12 years.

Breed: King Charles Spaniel, or, as it is called in America - English Toy Spaniel - is an old breed, first mentioning dates back to 1570 year. Queen Elizabeth adored these dogs. On the old paintings King Charles Spaniels appear more often then the celebrities of that time.

King Charles Spaniel of those times did not look like he does now, he was looking more like a Papillon. His muzzle was not flattened, ears, paws and tail were covered with more luxurious hair than now.

It is possible that this initial type was hybridized with the rest of the courtiers dogs - popular in those days: Maltese, Pug and Miniature Spitz.

In the world history King Charles Spaniel is mentioned very often, and along with the most prominent historical figures.??There is a reference to King Charles Spaniel in 1587: when Mary - the Queen of Scots - was executed, in the folds of her clothing was found a tiny spaniel, covered with her blood.

King Charles Spaniel has held prominence during the reign of two kings, named Charles from 1625 - ??to 1685.??When King Charles died, none of his dog walked away from him.??Then the son of King Charles I - Charles II, decided to name the breed in honor of his father.

When King James II was shipwrecked beside the coast of Scotland and was forced to abandon his ship, he told his team: "Save the dogs first".

King Charles Spaniel dog breeds

When the battle for the Blenheim was completed, the Duchess of Marlborough was waiting for the news on the outcome of the battle and eagerly stroking the head of her red-and-white spaniel.??When the news of a great victory were declared, her spaniel gave birth to five puppies.??As they said then, the five puppies were born with the trace of her thumb on their faces.??Now we know it as "the spot Blenheim" - white diamond on the face.

King William, at who's court lived allot of King Charles Spaniels, picked from the litter of puppies only the ones with a short muzzle.??Thus, dogs with the normal length of the muzzle gradually died out.

Only in 1845, this kind of King Charles Spaniel was registered as a separated breed. That is why we now have two small Spaniels - King Charles Spaniel(with the short muzzle) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (with the long muzzle).

In 1885 appeared the first club of the King Charles Spaniel breed. All four possible colors were evaluated and approved and in the same year was issued the first official breed standard.

At the meeting in October 1902 the club members were discussing a historic title of a Spaniel. The chairman of the English kennel club wanted to separate the breed in accordance with the colors and give an official name - English Toy Spaniel.

Members of the club appealed directly to the king with a request to leave for the breed it's historical name. His Majesty Edward VII, agreed with the fanciers of the breed and approved the official name - King Charles Spaniel.

General Features: King Charles Spaniel is a small dog with a small muzzle, pressed-in and a snubbed nose and a relatively large, wide-set eyes with a friendly look. The body of this Spaniels is covered with long silky hair.Head is round shape. Skull is large, convex. Muzzle is short, broad and deep, rising slightly. Lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper one. Slightly seen undershot. Lips are tight.Tale is in the form of a fellow, never rises above the top line. Docking is optional.

King Charles Spaniel dog breeds photo

Temperament: King Charles Spaniel is very loving and sweet dog. Sometimes they are shy, especially with the strangers, but once they get used to the person, they become affectionate and playful. These dogs are ready to give their love to all family members, but mostly are tied to one person. In case of any mistreatment King Charles Spaniels may bite to defend themselves. However, this breed is not prone to aggression.

King Charles Spaniels get along well with those children, who know how to handle them. They also get along well with the other animals of the household.

It is a very calm and quiet dog, who does not like when there is too much hustle and bustle, but they still need communication with people.??They do not like to be alone for too long, but all what they need, is a passive presence of the owner.

King Charles Spaniels are perfect dogs for people without a family or for a small family with the grown children.??King Charles Spaniels are a wonderful companions for the elderly people, because they do not require much physical exertion, plenty of space and they are easy to clean.

Once the leading position of the owner is installed, this breed of dogs is eager to please and be loved.??King Charles Spaniel??will be obedient and will become the best friend, since he was bred, primarily, as a companion dog.

Many King Charles Spaniels love to learn various tricks to entertain people.??They do not mind playing at home, especially at the young age.

Health problems: The breed is quite fragile. Some King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart diseases and respiratory issues. Their big rounded eyes are prone to infections. Because of the short muzzle many King Charles Spaniels may have problems with breathing in the hot weather.



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