Page 281 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

English Toy Spaniel

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Ruby
10–11in 9–13lb Over 12 years King Charles
(25–27cm) (4–6kg)

Naturally well behaved and eager to please, this dog
A ROYAL FAVORITE
makes a gentle and affectionate companion
King Charles II of England (1630–85) doted on his
companion dogs, which were allowed to roam all
Also known as the King Charles Spaniel, 19th century there were four varieties: the
over the palace, even on state occasions. (Anthony this British breed is related to the Cavalier King Charles (black and tan in color);
van Dyck’s painting, below, shows Charles while
King Charles Spaniel (opposite), although the Blenheim (red and white); the Ruby
still a child with two of his siblings and two of the
treasured dogs.) The diarist Samuel Pepys noted the latter is a more recent breed. The (deep red); and the Prince Charles (white
how much the king loved them—even his “silliness” ancestors of the English Toy Spaniel were with black and tan markings). All four
in playing with his dog instead of attending to first seen in European and English royal types were reclassified as one breed—the
business in meetings. The king’s strong attachment
courts in the 16th century, and thought English Toy Spaniel in 1903.
remains to this day, as the descendants of his dogs to be descended from small Chinese and The modern English Toy Spaniel is
are called King Charles Spaniels.
Japanese breeds. a quiet, obedient, but playful dog and
The original “comforters” looked like makes an excellent family pet. The breed
other spaniels, and some were used for lives quite happily in a small home and
hunting. From the late 18th century they needs only moderate exercise. It loves
were crossed with the Pug (see p.268) to company, so should not be left alone for
give a fashionably short nose and became long periods. The long coat requires
exclusively lap dogs. By the end of the grooming every few days.

Short, upturned
muzzle with large,
wide nostrils
Very
pronounced
stop
Characteristic
domed head
Pendant ears

Long,
Prince Charles silky coat Slightly undershot
jaw (lower jaw
longer than upper)

Blenheim
Tan
Well padded markings
feet on legs

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