ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
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PORTUGAISKing charles spaniel
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog king charles spaniel!
Here, you will find all the useful information about king charles spaniel. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
The King Charles Spaniel is a very old British breed, its creation would go back to the 16th century, it draws its origins in England where it was eminently appreciated by the royal court, in particular the King Charles II, owner of several subjects and great lover of the breed, which he baptized in his name.
Its ancestors were crossed with small dogs imported from the Asian continent by merchants, especially the Japanese Spaniel. Several of his ancestors were brought back to the United Kingdom by Portuguese missionary ships, and thanks to these imports, breeders began a selection process, which took place mainly at the beginning of the 19th century.
The International Cynological Federation recognised the breed definitively on 3 January 1955, the last update of the official standard in force was published on 27 July 2021.
The King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant, well-proportioned dog with a graceful gait and supple movement. His body is slightly longer than it is tall, so he fits into a rectangle, slightly arched at the level of the loins, his back is straight, with a wide barrel-shaped trunk. The legs are vigorous and of good constitution, always carried straight, the tail is of medium length and set high.
The size of the head is proportional to the rest of the body, with a round skull, the stop is clearly marked. His ears are long and drooping along his neck, dotted with long shiny fringes. His coat is long, silky and straight, a slight wave is permitted by the breed standard, however, the hair is never curly. The legs, ears and tail are profusely feathered. The permitted coat colours are black and tan, bicolour or tricolour.
The King Charles Spaniel is a peaceful, affectionate and docile dog. Its calm temperament makes it a remarkable companion. Very attached to his family, he appreciates very much the constant presence of his owners, it is even necessary to his blooming, besides, he will have a lot of difficulties to support the long periods of solitude.
Active and playful, he is particularly fond of family games, especially with children, with whom he gets along wonderfully. His natural benevolence will certainly seduce everyone in the house. He is a sociable and welcoming animal, he is not shy and does not generally show any signs of aggression towards strangers.
The King Charles Spaniel is a shy little dog, which will reveal itself after a short period of observation, it is a dynamic animal, but will remain calm when the situation requires it. In short, this is a remarkably well-balanced breed that is very close to its family circle, the perfect little companion dog that will gladly accompany you in your daily life.
Adult: The King Charles Spaniel will weigh 7.5 to 14 lbs and stand approximately 10" to 12.5" at the withers.
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Origins
The King Charles Spaniel, also known as the King Charles Spaniel, originates from England. This aristocratic companion dog was particularly prized by the nobility during the 17th and 18th centuries. The breed was named in honor of King Charles II, who was a devoted admirer. Its development resulted from crosses between Asian and European toy spaniels, creating an elegant breed with a gentle and affectionate temperament.
History
The history of the King Charles Spaniel is closely linked to the British royalty. In the 17th century, King Charles II of England was so passionate about these little dogs that they followed him everywhere, even in state affairs. The breed became a symbol of social status among the nobility. Over the centuries, the appearance of the breed has evolved, notably in the 19th century with the influence of Asian breeds such as the Pekingese. Despite the changes, the King Charles Spaniel has maintained its place as a sought-after companion dog for its loving temperament.
Standard
The King Charles Spaniel standard describes a small, elegant and well-proportioned dog. Males and females are about 25 to 27 cm tall at the withers and weigh between 3.6 and 6.3 kg. Their coat is long, silky and slightly wavy, often with fringes on the ears, legs and tail. Coat colors include black and tan, ruby, blenheim (white and chestnut) and tricolor. The head is characteristic with a domed skull, a short, flat muzzle, and large dark and expressive eyes. The ears are long and drooping.
Physical characteristics
The King Charles Spaniel is a small dog measuring 25 to 27 cm at the withers, weighing between 3.6 and 6.3 kg. Its coat is long and silky, often with fringes on the ears, legs, and tail. The coat colors can be black and tan, ruby, blenheim (white and chestnut), and tricolor. Its head is distinctive with a domed skull, a short, flat muzzle, and large, dark, expressive eyes. The ears are long, drooping, and well feathered, adding to its elegant and noble appearance.
Character
The King Charles Spaniel is known for its gentle, affectionate and loyal nature. It is an intelligent and sensitive dog, who forms close bonds with its owners. It is generally sociable and gets along well with children and other pets. Although it is active and enjoys playing, it also loves to relax on its owner's lap. Its calm and adaptable nature makes it an excellent companion for families and elderly people. It is rarely aggressive and can sometimes be reserved with strangers.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the King Charles Spaniel is generally 10 to 12 years. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is crucial to provide them with a balanced diet, regular veterinary care, and a loving environment. Regular visits to the vet can help detect and treat any potential illnesses quickly. By giving the King Charles Spaniel continuous attention and a healthy lifestyle, owners can maximize their life expectancy and ensure they remain a happy and healthy companion.
Exercise and activity needs
The King Charles Spaniel, although a small dog, has moderate exercise needs. One or two daily walks and some play sessions indoors are usually enough to keep him fit and happy. He enjoys playing and interacting with his owners, but does not need intensive activities to expend his energy. An enriching environment with toys and regular interactions is essential to prevent boredom and stimulate his lively and curious mind.
Recommended diet
The diet of the King Charles Spaniel must be balanced and adapted to its small size and activity level. High quality food specially formulated for small breeds is recommended. Portions should be monitored to avoid overweight, a common problem in small breeds. A mix of premium kibble and fresh foods such as meat, vegetables, and fruits can make an ideal diet. Nutritional needs may vary depending on the age, weight, and activity of the dog, so it is advisable to regularly consult a veterinarian to adjust its diet.
Training and obedience
The education of the King Charles Spaniel must start from a young age. Intelligent and eager to please, he responds well to positive and consistent training. Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, are particularly effective for this breed. Early socialization is crucial to familiarize him with different people, animals, and environments. Patience and consistency are essential for successful training, ensuring that this dog is well-rounded, obedient, and happy.
Behavior with children
The King Charles Spaniel is generally very good with children. Its gentle and affectionate nature makes it an excellent companion for families. It tolerates children's games well and enjoys their company. However, due to its small size, it is important to supervise interactions to avoid any unintentional accidents. Teaching children to respect the dog and to be gentle with it will contribute to a harmonious and incident-free relationship. Its patience and gentleness make it a precious friend for young children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The King Charles Spaniel is generally sociable and gets along well with other pets, especially if properly socialized from a young age. It can peacefully coexist with other dogs and even with cats. Its gentle and friendly nature makes positive interactions with its peers easier. However, as with all dogs, proper introductions and initial supervision are recommended to ensure interactions go smoothly. Its peaceful nature makes it adaptable to different living environments.
Grooming needs
Grooming of the King Charles Spaniel requires regular attention due to its long and silky coat. Weekly brushing is recommended to prevent knots and tangles, as well as to remove debris and dead hair. During shedding periods, more frequent brushing may be necessary. It is also important to check and clean its ears to prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed regularly, and occasional baths will help maintain a clean and healthy coat. Regular dental care is also essential to prevent oral health problems.
Health
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is generally a sturdy breed with some common health problems. Common ailments include heart issues, luxating patellas, and eye conditions. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and frequent veterinary visits help maintain their health. Prevention through regular care and attention to signs of illness is essential to ensure a long and healthy life. Owners should be vigilant about their dog's health and consult a veterinarian if in doubt.
Average price
The price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy can vary considerably depending on several factors, including the breeder's reputation, the parents' lineage, and the geographical region. Typically, you can expect to pay between 1,000 and 2,500 euros (or between 1,200 and 2,800 dollars) for a puppy of this breed. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who adheres to the breed standards and performs the necessary health tests to ensure the puppies' good health.
Expenses
Annual expenses for a King Charles Spaniel include food, veterinary care, grooming, and various accessories. For food, you should budget around 300 to 500 euros (330 to 550 dollars) per year. Routine veterinary care, including vaccinations and annual check-ups, can cost around 200 to 400 euros (220 to 440 dollars). Grooming, depending on frequency and location, can represent an annual cost of 100 to 300 euros (110 to 330 dollars). Accessories and toys can add around 50 to 150 euros (55 to 165 dollars).
Name ideas
Choosing a name for a King Charles Spaniel can be a fun task. For a male, "King" could reflect his royal appearance. "Charlie" is a tribute to the royal origin of the breed. "Duke" evokes nobility. For a female, "Queen" symbolizes her grace. "Ruby" recalls the ruby color of some coats. "Lily" is sweet and elegant. Other names like "Prince" for his presence, "Belle" for her beauty, "Jewel" for her shine, and "Grace" for her gentleness are also appropriate.
Legislation and regulation
As for legislation and regulation, the King Charles Spaniel is not subject to any particular restrictions. Like all dogs, it is important to comply with local laws regarding registration, vaccination, and pet control. Owners must also ensure that their dog is well trained and socialized to prevent any problematic behavior. Rules may vary by country and region, so it is advisable to inquire with local authorities.
Official recognition
The King Charles Spaniel is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) under standard No. 128. The breed is also recognized by other worldwide cynological registries such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom. In England, the official organization that oversees this breed is the King Charles Spaniel Club. This organization works on the promotion, preservation, and improvement of the breed through breeding programs and shows.
Pedigrees
Pedigrees of King Charles Spaniels are available from various breed clubs and canine registries. These documents provide detailed information about the dog's lineage, including medical history and show successes of its ancestors. In England, the King Charles Spaniel Club and the Kennel Club are primary sources for obtaining these pedigrees. These documents are essential for breeders and owners looking to understand and preserve the genetic qualities of the breed.
Destination and usage
The King Charles Spaniel is primarily meant to be a companion dog, appreciated for its gentle and affectionate nature. Though it has roots as a noble dog, it excels today as a family companion. Its intelligence and playful character make it suitable for various living environments. It enjoys participating in leisure activities and can also excel in disciplines such as agility. Its small size and pleasant temperament make it an excellent dog for apartment living.
Prohibitions
According to our research, the King Charles Spaniel is not subject to specific bans in countries or regions around the world. Owners should always check local laws regarding dogs, as regulations can vary significantly from one place to another. Some regions may have specific restrictions on owning certain dog breeds or impose strict rules on the keeping and control of pets.
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