King Charles Spaniel info

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.

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.

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.

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.