King Charles Spaniel

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Origin of Breed

Breed Nick Names

[edit] Introduction

The King Charles Spaniel (also known as the English Toy Spaniel) is a breed of small dog of the Spaniel type. The similar Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a different breed. The Cavalier is slightly larger, has a flat head and a longer nose, while the "Charlie" is smaller, has a domed head and flat face.

[edit] Origin and History

Toy spaniels were a favorite pet lap dog in Europe, with each family having its favorite. Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland (1630 – 1685) was very fond of this type of dog, which is why the dogs of today carry his name, although there is no evidence that today's breed descended from his particular dogs. With the expansion of trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, pugs and other dogs arrived from other parts of the world, and became popular pets; this led to breeding with the spaniel lap dogs. The ancestry of the pug is seen in the shorter muzzle of the King Charles Spaniel.[2] The King Charles Spaniel was recognized in North America as the English Toy Spaniel, in order to prevent confusion with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

[edit] Appearance

The English Toy Spaniel is a compact, cobby and essentially square toy dog possessed of a short-nosed, domed head, a merry and affectionate demeanor and a silky, flowing coat. The ears of the King Charles Spaniel are very long and set low and close to the head, fringed with heavy feathering.

[edit] Temperament

The breed is highly affectionate, they are playful, extremely patient and eager to please. As such, dogs of the breed are good with children and other dogs

[edit] Health

The King Charles Spaniel may have health problems such as heart defects, eye problems, patellar luxation (kneecap slipping) and fused toes, which can cause incorrectly grown toenails. They tend to live 10 to 12 years.[3]

The King Charles Spaniel and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have similar health issues. See the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health section for more information.

[edit] External Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Charles_Spaniel

[edit] References