Dog
Group:
Toy 
English Toy Spaniel Champions
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Breed Description:
The English Toy Spaniel, also known as the King Charles Spaniel, is a happy go lucky little breed with a zest for life and genuine affection for people. He has a fine silky coat that comes in several colors: Blenheim (red and white), Ruby (mahogany red), Prince Charles (tricolor white black and tan) and the most popular, King Charles (black and tan). The coats of the King Charles and Prince Charles varieties are generally somewhat longer than for Blenheims and Rubies. Breed characteristics are a compact and cobby body, a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and -- of course -- the silky, flowing coat. The head of the English Toy Spaniel breed of dog is comparatively large, with a plush, chubby look, but also a degree of refinement. He has a soft, intelligent expression, centered mainly in his large, dark eyes. His ears are very long and set low and close to the head, fringed with heavy feathering. His skull is high and well domed, curving out (from the side) as far out over the eyes as possible. He has quite a short muzzle, with the nose well laid back and cushioning under the eyes. His jaw is square, broad, and deep, with lips meeting in such a way as to give a finished appearance. His nose is large and jet black, with large, wide open nostrils. The bite of the English Toy Spaniel breed of dog should be slightly undershot; his teeth do not show. His neck is arched, topline level, and body short compact and square, with a sturdy broad back and deep brisket. The tail of the English Toy Spaniel breed of dog is docked to two to four inches in length and carried at or just slightly above the level of the back. Many English Toy Spaniels are born with a shorter or screw tail, which is acceptable. The feather on the tail should be silky and from three to four inches in length. The tail and how it is carried are important hallmarks of the English Toy Spaniel breed of dog. His shoulders are well laid back, legs strong, feet neat and compact. Fused toes are often seen. The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog should have an abundant coat, heavily fringed on the ears, body, and chest, with flowing feathering on both the front and hind legs, and feathering on the feet. His coat is straight or slightly wavy, with a glossy texture. The Blenheim (red and white) consists of a white ground with deep red or chestnut markings evenly distributed in large patches. The ears and the cheeks are red, with a blaze of white extending from the nose up the forehead and ending between the ears. Red markings around both eyes are preferred. The Blenheim often carries a thumb mark or "Blenheim Spot" placed on the top and the center of the skull. The Prince Charles (tricolor) consists of a white ground, with evenly distributed black patches, solid black ears and black face markings. Black markings around both eyes are preferred. Tan markings are on the face, over the eyes, in the lining of the ears, and under the tail. The King Charles (black and tan) is a glossy black with mahogany tan markings on the cheeks, lining of the ears, over the eyes, on the legs and underneath the tail. He may have a small white chest patch about the size of a quarter. The Ruby is a self-colored mahogany red. Like the King Charles, he may have a small white chest patch about the size of a quarter, or a few white hairs on the chest. The gait of the English Toy Spaniel breed of dog should be elegant, free and lively, with good reach in the front and sound, driving rear action.
Temperament:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog has a joie de vivre typical of his relatives. He is affectionate and enthusiastic and loves to be in on the action. A true people lover, it is difficult for him to be left alone for extended periods. He is generally quiet and well-behaved and not the demanding diva that many toy breeds can be. Housetraining can be slow going, however. Early socialization will put to rest any tendency toward shyness.
Height:
10 inches
Weight:
8 to 14 pounds
Health Problems:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog is vulnerable to cataracts, patellar luxation, mitral valve disease, ear infections, and glaucoma.
Living Conditions:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog is a relatively quiet indoor dog who loves outings with the family. His primary requirement is that he be with people as much as possible. He does well with apartment living.
Exercise:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog has the moderate exercise requirements one might expect from a dog his size. He eagerly anticipates outings, but is equally happy getting some of his exercise needs met by running around the house.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Grooming:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog has a fine, long, silky coat that requires frequent brushing. The fact that his featherings reach nearly to the ground can exacerbate the difficulty of keeping him clean and mat-free. In addition, the skin folds on his face need special attention to keep them clean, dry and free of infection.
Origin:
The English Toy Spaniel breed of dog originated in Great Britain as a companion and hand and foot warmer to the aristocracy. They were essentially miniaturized versions of the hunting dogs. King Charles II was so enamored of the breed that it was named after him -- King Charles Spaniel -- the name by which the English Toy Spaniel is known outside of North America. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
