In the United States and Canada he is known as the English Toy Spaniel and the name "King Charles" is attributed to the black and tan variation alone. The English Toy Spaniel is the quintesential lap dog, as he adores sitting by his owner, soaking up much appreciatede affections. He is gentle, shy, easygoing and is affectionate to his people and those he is used to being with. They Make the ultimate canine companion for senior citizens.
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Temperament in the English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniel is generally a happy, playful, affectionate and of a tender demeanor, but it is sometimes timidity and shyness can emerge. Almost anyone that demonstrates an affection attitude toward this breed will find like response. The English Toy Spaniel has an in-bred propensity, toward a tractable, well-behaved attitude. They are smart, but a tad willful. The general temperament of this dog insists of a careful, gentle approach. They are social with other canines. The English Toy Spaniel should be around many people. While some Charlies live well with children, these little dogs tend to gravitate toward older or reserved children, adults, and seniors. They also choose favorites
among family members. They may bark a little, and may behave as an alarm dog on occasion - but were not really meant for such a function, being more of a dog for companionship.
They might express finicky behavior while dining. They mostly just like to be around the people thhey love and simply to be adored.
Formal Breed Standard for the English Toy Spaniel
General 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. His compact, sturdy body and
charming temperament, together with his rounded head, lustrous dark
eye, and well cushioned face, proclaim him a dog of distinction and
character. The important characteristics of the breed are exemplified
by the head.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size - The most desirable
weight of an adult is eight to fourteen pounds. General symmetry and
substance are more important than the actual weight; however, all other
things being equal, the smaller sized dog is to be preferred. Proportion
- Compact and essentially square in shape, built on cobby lines. Substance
- Sturdy of frame, solidly constructed.
Head
Head large in comparison to size, with a plush, chubby look, albeit
with a degree of refinement which prevents it from being coarse.
Expression
Soft and appealing, indicating an intelligent nature.
Eyes
Large and very dark brown or black, set squarely on line with
the nose, with little or no white showing. The eye rims should be
black.
Ears
Very long and set low and close to the head, fringed with heavy
feathering.
Skull
High and well domed; from the side, curves as far out over
the eyes as possible.
Stop
Deep and well-defined.
Muzzle
Very short, with the nose well laid back and with well developed
cushioning under the eyes.
Jaw
Square, broad, and deep, and well turned up, with lips
properly meeting to give a finished appearance.
Nose
Large and jet black in color, with large, wide open nostrils.
Bite
Slightly undershot; teeth not to show. A wry mouth should be penalized;
a hanging tongue is extremely objectionable.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck-Moderate in length; nicely
arched. Topline - Level. Body
- Short, compact, square and deep, on cobby lines, with a broad back.
Sturdy of frame, with good rib and deep brisket.
Tail
The tail is docked to two to four inches in length and carried at or
just slightly above the level of the back. The set of the tail is at
the back's level. Many are born with a shorter or screw tail which is
acceptable. The feather on the tail should be silky and from three to
four inches in length, constituting a marked "flag" of a square shape.
The tail and its carriage is an index of the breed's attitude and
character.
Forequarters
Shoulders well laid back; legs well boned and strong, dropping straight
down from the elbow; strong in pastern. Feet, front and rear, are neat
and compact; fused toes are often seen and are acceptable.
Hindquarters
Rear legs are well muscled and nicely angulated to indicate strength,
and parallel of hock.
Coat
Profusely coated, heavy fringing on the ears, body, and on the chest,
and with flowing feathering on both the front and hind legs, and
feathering on the feet. The coat is straight or only slightly wavy,
with a silken, glossy texture. Although the Blenheim and the Ruby
rarely gain the length of coat and ears of the Prince Charles and King
Charles, good coats and long ear fringes are a desired and prized
attribute. Over-trimming of the body, feet or tail fringings should be
penalized.
Color
The Blenheim (red and white) consists of a pearly white ground with
deep red or chestnut markings evenly distributed in large patches. The
ears and the cheeks are red, with a blaze of white extending from the
nose up the forehead and ending between the ears in a crescentic curve.
It is preferable that there be red markings around both eyes. The
Blenheim often carries a thumb mark or "Blenheim Spot" placed on the
top and the center of the skull.
The Prince Charles (tricolor) consists of a pearly white ground, with
evenly distributed black patches, solid black ears and black face
markings. It is preferable that there be black markings around both
eyes. The tan markings are of a rich color, and on the face, over the
eyes, in the lining of the ears, and under the tail.
The King Charles (black and tan) is a rich, glossy black with bright
mahogany tan markings appearing on the cheeks, lining of the ears, over
the eyes, on the legs and underneath the tail. The presence of a small
white chest patch about the size of a quarter, or a few white hairs on
the chest of a King Charles Spaniel are not to be penalized; other
white markings are an extremely serious fault.
The Ruby is a self-colored, rich mahogany red. The presence of a small
white chest patch about the size of a quarter, or a few white hairs on
the chest of a Ruby Spaniel are not to be penalized. Other white
markings are an extremely serious fault.
Gait
Elegant with good reach in the front, and sound, driving rear
action. The gait as a whole is free and lively, evidencing stable
character and correct construction. In profile, the movement exhibits a
good length of stride, and viewed from front and rear it is straight
and true, resulting from straight-boned fronts and properly made and
muscled hindquarters.
Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is a bright and interested little dog,
affectionate and willing to please.
Approved June 13, 1989
Effective August 1, 1989
Note:MFU
