So, what is this mysterious, rare, unusual and endangered breed — the King Charles Spaniel? The King Charles Spaniel, or Toy Spaniel, is an English breed of small companion dogs with a gentle temperament and an amazing ability to adapt to the lifestyle of their owners. These miniature dogs are perfect for any family: active, with children, or elderly people. The English themselves call them 'dogs that create comfort.'
These small dogs have a very ancient history. It begins around the 9th century, when very similar dogs were brought to the British Isles by the Celts. In the 13th century, during the reign of King Canute, they began to be actively used for hunting, but several centuries later miniature spaniels were already kept at court.
King Charles I loved small spaniels very much; he never went anywhere without his dogs. A special decree was even adopted, allowing the ruler to appear in the House of Parliament with his King Charles Spaniels, whereas previously it was forbidden to enter with any animals. By the way, this law still exists today. And when the king was dying, not a single dog left his bedside. As a sign of respect, his son, Charles II, named the breed in honor of his father.
In the 18th century, a fashion for short-muzzled dogs came to England, imported from China and Japan, and spaniels began to be crossed with Japanese Chins and Pugs. As a result, their appearance changed slightly: the ears dropped lower, the head became more rounded, and the tail curled. Puppies with short muzzles were selected for breeding.
These dogs are also considered couch dogs; they truly love lying on sofas. This goes back to the times of the king — they warmed nobles with their bodies in the cold halls of castles. The dogs are very people-oriented.
The King Charles Spaniel is a small decorative dog with a charming, distinctive face: a slightly flattened muzzle, a round head, large eyes, and luxurious long ears give it an incredibly cute appearance. The medium-length coat is relatively easy to maintain, although regular brushing is essential.