The King Charles Spaniel is a breed of small toy dog, named after King Charles II of England. The spelling of this word uses the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to represent each sound in the word. The first syllable is pronounced /kɪŋ/ with a short "i" and a hard "g". The second syllable is pronounced /ˈtʃɑːlz/, with a soft "ch" sound and a long "a". The final syllable is pronounced /ˈspæniəl/ with a short "a" and a schwa sound. Together, the word is pronounced as "king-charlz-span-yuhl".
The King Charles Spaniel is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its beautiful, silky coat and distinctive facial features. It is a toy dog breed that is categorized under the spaniel family.
A King Charles Spaniel typically weighs between 9 and 18 pounds and stands at about 9 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. It has a compact body with a prominent chest, well-muscled limbs, and a slightly domed head. The breed is famous for its expressive, round, and large dark eyes, adorned with long, silky ears that frame the face. The most common coat color is a rich chestnut brown, sometimes referred to as "Blenheim," with white markings on the chest and face.
Known for its friendly and affectionate nature, the King Charles Spaniel is a popular companion dog. It is known to be gentle, intelligent, and adaptable, making it an ideal choice for families, seniors, or individuals living in apartments. Despite its small size, this breed is known to have a moderate energy level and can be quite playful, enjoying activities such as short walks or interactive indoor games.
Originating in England, the King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II, who was known for his deep affection for small spaniel-type dogs. It was initially bred as a lap and companion dog, and its history can be traced back to the 17th century. Over time, the breed has gained popularity worldwide due to its royal charm, elegant appearance, and loving temperament.