Family: Spaniel
Breed Group: Gun Dog, AKC Toy
Origin: England
Date of Origin: 17th century
Originally used for: Lap dog
Used today: Companion
Other Name(s): King Charles Spaniel
History of the Breed: This breed can be traced back to England in the 16th century. Artifacts and writings illustrate a toy Spaniel dog
with a pointed muzzle. During the reign of both King Charles's from 1625 to 1685 the Spaniel came into prominence. King Charles issued a Royal
Proclamation and commanded that all Toy Spaniels be granted entry everywhere in the British Empire shoppes. This decree is still in place today.
The English Toy Spaniel of today no longer has a pointed muzzle. Cross-breeding with the Pug, Japanese Chin and Bulldog allowed the development
of the "apple" round head and flat face. Their small size, and fine temperament made these lap dogs the rage by the English and French
during the Edwardian reign. The entire breed was almost lost in the Second World War. Luckily a few breeders were able to maintain the bloodline
and today's Toy Spaniels have descended from these breeders. This breed is only called the English Toy Spaniel in North America, it is called the King
Charles Spaniel outside of North America.
General Appearance: A toy sized dog, square in body, with a large domed head, and a short-nose, large dark eyes, very long low set ears
with heavy feathering. The dog is lushly coated with heavy fringing on the ears, body and on the chest, and with flowing feathering on both the
front and hind legs, and feathering on the feet. The coat is straight or only slightly wavy, with a silken, glossy texture. The tail
is docked to two to four inches in length and carried at or just slightly above the level of the back.
Height & Weight:
Height 10-11 Inches
Weight 8-14 Pounds
Coat: Heavily coated, heavy fringing on the ears, body and on the chest, and with flowing feathering on both the front and hind legs,
and feathering on the feet. The coat is straight or only slightly wavy, with a silken, glossy texture.
Color: Four colors were established: The King Charles (black & tan); the Ruby (rich chestnut red); the Blenheim (has a ground of pearly
white with bright rich chestnut or ruby-red markings distributed in large patches) and the Prince Charles (tri-color has tan with markings in black
instead of red on a pearly white ground).
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: A very gentle and loyal breed ideally suited for people who are retired and can spend time with the dog.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Yes
Suitability as a watchdog: Yes
Exercise Level: Low
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Heart disease (MVD), respiratory ailments
Minor: Ear infections
Life Expectancy: 11-12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 120
First Registered by the AKC: 1886
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, DKCSC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
English Toy Spaniel Club of America (ETSCA)
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