King Charles Spaniels originated in England, where they were used as "lap" dogs for royalty. Dogs of this breed are known for their small size and affectionate personality. Their rounded skull, large dark eyes and long, droopy ears are other distinctive physical characteristics of the breed.
General details
Dogs of the breed are small in size and refined in appearance. The weight ranges between 3 and 6 kilograms, while the height varies between 23 and 25 centimeters. The life expectancy of this breed is 10 to 12 years. They belong to Group 9 of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which groups companion and toy dogs.
Breed history in brief
The King Charles Spaniel breed has a long history dating back to the 16th century in England. They were originally bred as "lap" dogs for royalty, including King Charles I and King Charles II, after whom they are named. Over time, the breed has evolved in physical appearance due to the incorporation of other breeds, such as the Pug and Japanese Chin, into its bloodline. In the 19th century, two types of King Charles Spaniel emerged: the original King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which is larger and has a more elongated muzzle.
In the 20th century, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gained much popularity, which challenged the existence of the original King Charles Spaniel. However, thanks to the dedication of some breeders, the breed was able to survive and sustain itself. Today, the King Charles Spaniel remains a beloved companion for many families because of its loyalty, intelligence and affection.
Breed characteristics
The King Charles Spaniel should have a robust and compact body. The skull is large in comparison to the rest of the body, with a deep, square muzzle. Its large eyes are dark and its long ears are low set and hang close to the cheeks. The tail is never carried above the level of the back, and can be docked.
The coat is long, smooth and soft in texture. The ears, limbs and tail contain bangs of long hair. There are different coloration patterns in this breed, including black and tan, tricolor (white with black and tan markings), Blenheim (white with reddish-brown markings) and ruby (uniform reddish-brown).
The King Charles Spaniel breed is friendly and outgoing, accommodating to its owners and affectionate in nature. They are docile dogs and have a good relationship with people, children and other pets. They are known to be loyal, affectionate and intelligent companions. Although reserved, the King Charles Spaniel is playful and enjoys interacting with their families, making them an excellent family pet.
Common health problems
The King Charles Spaniel, with optimal care and attention, can enjoy a long healthy life, although it shows a predisposition to suffer certain health problems. Cataracts and retinal dysplasia are two diseases for which it has an increased incidence. Other common disorders are epilepsy, factor X deficiency, narcolepsy, hemophilia A and progressive retinal atrophy, among others.
In addition to the above conditions, the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) recommends a cardiac and ocular evaluation exam, along with a test to assess patellar luxation.
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