The King Charles Spaniel

The King Charles Spaniel

Breed:  King Charles Spaniel

Description:  The King Charles Spaniel is also know as the English Toy Spaniel. They are a small compact spaniel type dog with a turned up nose, long flowing ears, a silky slightly wavy coat and a very merry and friendly demeanour. They are seen in ruby, black and tan, tricolour and brown and white.

Characteristics: This very sweet natured dog is a great choice for those who have never owned a dog before. The King Charles Spaniel is intelligent, easy to train and well behaved and is really never a problem. They are gentle, loving, always playful and very sensitive to people’s moods and when needed is a comforting friend.

They do very well in the city and will not mind living in an apartment. As their exercise needs are minimal, The King Charles Spaniel fits well into a not so active household or with an elderly or retired person.

This dog can be a little shy with strangers, but is very friendly once they gets to know them. They will bark at strange sounds, but really can’t be counted as a watchdog as they’re simply too sweet and gentle.

They get along wonderfully with other pets and children of all ages, but little ones should be taught to be gentle with them as to much rough housing could hurt.

Origins:  The King Charles spaniel is an old breed. Origins can be traced back to either China or Japan. They made their first appearance in England in the 1500s where they were much sought after by the Royalty and nobility of that time. The King Charles Spaniel was once a hunting dog of woodcock. In the 1600s they were bred with Pugs which resulted in a smaller dog with a pushed up nose and slightly protruding eyes.

Special needs:  To keep them neat and clean the coat should be brushed every couple of days and the ears and eyes need a weekly cleaning.

Highlights :

-Usual life span is around 10-12 years

-Can be a fussy eater and many breeders suggest a natural home prepared diet..

- They can suffer from heart problems, eye and ear infections and respiratory disease.

- Due to the pushed in face they may wheeze, snore and have trouble breathing in hot weather.

- They should not be ridiculously pampered and spoiled as that could ruin the lovely temperament and turn them into a very badly behaved noisy