King Charles Spaniel Picture Gallery

King Charles Spaniel Breeders

King Charles Spaniel Clubs/Associations

The Full King Charles Spaniel Description

Indicative Breed Standard

General Appearance

Refined, compact and  cobby.

Characteristics

Happy, intelligent, toy spaniel, with distinctive domed head.

Temperament

Reserved, gentle and affectionate.

Head and Skull

Skull large in comparison to size, well domed, full over eyes. Nose black with large, wide-open nostrils, very short and turned up to meet skull. Stop between skull and nose well defined. Muzzle square, wide and deep, well turned up, lower jaw wide, lips exactly meeting, giving nice finish. Cheeks not falling away under eyes, but well cushioned.

Eyes

Very large and dark, set wide apart, eyelids block square to face line, pleasing expression.

Ears

Set on low, hanging quite flat to cheeks, very long and well feathered.

Mouth

Bite should be slightly undershot. Protruding tongue highly undesirable.

Neck

Of medium length; arched giving proud carriage of head.

Forequarters

Legs short, straight. Shoulders well laid back, elbows close to rib cage, turning neither in nor out.

Body

Chest wide and deep, back short and level.

Hindquarters

Sufficient muscle to give positive driving movement, stifles well bent, hocks well let down and defined. Straight when viewed from behind, turning neither in nor out.

Feet

Compact, well padded and feathered, toes well knuckled, round cat-shaped foot, well cushioned, pasterns firm. Occasionally central pads and nails fused together.

Tail

Docking optional.
Docked: Well feathered, not carried over or above level of back.
Undocked: Well feathered, not carried over or above level of back. In overall balance with the rest of the dog.

Gait/Movement

Free, active and elegant, driving from behind. Sound movement highly desirable.

Coat

Long, silky and straight, slight wave allowed, never curly. Legs, ears and tail profusely feathered.

Colour

Black and Tan: rich glossy black, with bright mahogany-tan markings on muzzle, legs, chest, linings of ears, under tail and spots over eyes. White patch on chest undesirable.
Tricolour: ground pearly white, with well distributed black patches, brilliant tan markings on cheeks, linings of ears, under tail and spots over eyes. Wide white blaze between eyes and up forehead.
Blenheim: ground pearly white, with well distributed chestnut-red patches. Wide, clear blaze with the ’spot‘ in centre of skull, should be a clear chestnut ed mark about the size of a penny.
Ruby: whole coloured, rich chestnut red. White patch on chest highly undesirable.

Size

Weight: 3.6-6.3 kgs (8-14 lbs).