King Charles Spaniel
Bred down from larger gun dogs, the King Charles Spaniel became English royalty’s favourite breed for several hundred years. Its size and shape changed dramatically over these years but its reserved and affectionate nature which remained constant has made it a fine companion.
Origin
There are two schools of thought on the origin of the King Charles. Some say it came from China or japan and was well established in France before appearing in England in the 1 500s. The second theory claims the breed came from gundogs owned by English nobility. For centuries, runts were culled but in the sixteenth century people started to keep them as pets. Mating these runts produced the type of dog we see today.
Either way, the breed received its regal name from the Stuart Kings — Charles I of England and his son Charles II. It became popular at woodstock shoots in the 1800s but its sporting instinct had been bred out. Its shorter nose and domed head were created in Victorian times when it reached its peak as a family dog. In the 1920s breeders reverted to the old type and in the process created a new breed, leaving the King Charles behind.
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General Appearance
The King Charles is refined, compact and cobby, with a large, well-domed head and appealing expression. The muzzle is very short, nostrils wide and open and its eyes large and dark. The ears are long and well feathered.
It has a wide, deep chest, short legs and well feathered tail. His movement is free, active and elegant and the coat long, silky and straight. Four colours are recognised: black and tan, tri-colour (black, tan and pearly white), Blenheim (pearly white with chestnut-red patches), and ruby.
Size
They are 25-27 cms taIl and weigh up to 5.5kgs
Temperament
Reserved and gentle, this dog is reliable with children and other dogs. Known for its quiet contentedness, it is the ideal housedog, happy to accept the rules of the house and curl up in its favourite corner or chair. It loves human attention and returns kindness with loads of affection.
Care and Grooming
It is a hardy dog despite its size. The coat and feathering (ears, tail etcetera) should be combed daily. The ears must be cleaned regularly and eyes washed.
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