Facts & Origin
Profile: King Charles Spaniel - origin, history and suitability
The King Charles Spaniel, a small but charming companion with an impressive history, is a true gem among dog breeds. Discover the fascinating origins, historical development and versatile suitability of this breed.
Origin and history
- Country of origin: The King Charles Spaniel comes from England.
- Nobility and royalty: Closely associated with the English nobility, especially King Charles II, who gave his name to the breed.
- Breeding history: Originally bred as a lap dog for the nobility, the breed has evolved over the centuries.
- Crossbreeding: In the 19th century, they were crossed with Asian breeds such as the Pekingese, resulting in the appearance we know today.
Characteristic features
- Appearance: Distinctive due to its small size, flat face and large, round eyes.
- Coat colors: Common in black and white, red and white, black and tan and tri-color.
Suitability and temperament
- Family dog: Due to its friendly and gentle nature, it is an ideal family dog.
- Companion dog: Perfect for people looking for a small but loyal companion.
- Adaptable: Well suited to living in an apartment.
- Trainable: The King Charles Spaniel is intelligent and willing to learn, but with a certain independence.
- Sociability: This breed loves the company of people and should not be left alone for long.
Conclusion
The King Charles Spaniel is more than just a pretty face; it is a loving, affectionate companion with a rich history. Its adaptability and gentle nature make it an excellent pet for families and single people alike.
| Alternate Name | English Toy Spaniel, Epagneul King Charles, Toy spaniel inglés, Spaniel del Rey Carlos |
| Origin | England |
| Life expectancy | 9 - 13 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | English Toy Spaniels |
| AKC group | Toy Group |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Lovable personality
- Affectionate: These dogs build a strong bond with their families and are considered particularly loyal companions.
- Friendly: They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, which makes them great pets for families.
Social behavior and handling
- Sociable: The King Charles Spaniel generally gets along well with other dogs and pets.
- Child-friendly: With its gentle and patient nature, it is ideal for households with children.
Temperament and activity level
- Balanced temperament: He is neither overly active nor particularly lazy and adapts well to his family's lifestyle.
- Playfulness: Despite his calm nature, he has a playful side and enjoys interactive games.
Intelligence and trainability
- Able to learn: He is intelligent and can be trained well with consistent training.
- Sensitivity: Sensitive to harsh training methods, the King Charles Spaniel responds best to positive reinforcement and patient training.
Ideal for
- Apartment living: Due to his size and calm temperament, he is well suited to apartment living.
- Seniors and singles: His affectionate nature makes him a great companion for single people and seniors.
Conclusion
The King Charles Spaniel is a loving, friendly and adaptable dog that fits well into a variety of lifestyles and living situations. Its friendly and patient nature makes it an excellent family dog that gets along well with both children and other pets. With the right care and training, he is a wonderful companion for many years.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Grooming requirements
- Coat care: Regular brushing is necessary to keep the coat shiny and free of tangles.
- Eyes and ears: Due to their size and shape, the King Charles Spaniel's ears are prone to infection. Regular checks and cleaning are therefore important.
- Dental care: Due to their small mouth, they are prone to dental problems. Regular tooth brushing and check-ups at the vet are recommended.
Health aspects
- Heart disease: The King Charles Spaniel is prone to certain heart problems, such as mitral valve disease.
- Syringomyelia: A disease of the spinal cord that is relatively common in this breed.
- Eye diseases: These include cataracts and dry eyes.
Breeding information
- Breeding goal: It is important to maintain the characteristic appearance and friendly nature.
- Genetic testing: Potential breeders should carry out genetic testing to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases.
- Breeding responsibility: Responsible breeders pay attention to the health and welfare of their animals.
Conclusion
The care of the King Charles Spaniel requires attention, especially with regard to coat, eyes and ears. Regular veterinary checks are essential to detect and treat health problems at an early stage. When breeding, genetic testing and responsible selection of breeding stock should be a priority in order to maintain the health and typical friendly nature of this popular breed.
Visual characteristics
- Facial expression: Lovely, with large, dark eyes and gentle facial expressions.
- Head shape: Characteristic, rounded skull with a pronounced stop.
- Ears: Long and pendulous, covered with abundant fur, giving the face a noble expression.
Coat texture and care
- Coat type: Long, silky and smooth.
- Grooming requirements: Regular brushing is recommended to prevent matting and keep the coat shiny.
- Shedding: Moderate, regular grooming helps to remove loose hair.
Color variations
- Variety of coat colors, including:
- Blenheim: chestnut brown patches on a pearly white background.
- Tricolour: Black and white with tan markings.
- Ruby: Uniform, deep red.
- Black & Tan: Black with tan markings.
Size and weight
- Size: Petite, with a shoulder height of about 30 to 33 cm.
- Weight: Light, typically between 5 and 8 kg.
Conclusion
The King Charles Spaniel is a graceful and attractive dog breed, characterized by its silky coat and friendly eyes. Despite its small size, it has a great personality and is a loyal companion. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain its splendid appearance. With its charming nature and manageable size, the King Charles Spaniel is perfect as a family dog and for lovers of small dog breeds.
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | flat coated |
| Ear shape | Floppy Ear |
| Tail | lang |
| Anatomy | dainty |
| Size ♀ | 25 - 32 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 3 - 6 kg |
| Size ♂ | 25 - 32 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 4 - 7 kg |
| Suitable For | Beginner, Children, Seniors |
