Is There a Dog Breed Called King Charles?

Yes, there are two distinct dog breeds that bear the name “King Charles”: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the King Charles Spaniel (also known as the English Toy Spaniel in the United States). While they share a historical connection and a similar appearance, they are recognized as separate breeds by most major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Kennel Club (UK).

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the more popular and widely recognized of the two breeds. They are small, affectionate dogs known for their gentle and playful nature. Cavaliers typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds and come in four recognized colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (rich red), and Black and Tan.

Cavaliers have a longer nose and a slightly larger size than their King Charles Spaniel cousins. They are known for their expressive eyes and their eagerness to please, making them relatively easy to train. Their amiable temperament makes them excellent family pets, particularly good with children and other animals.

The breed’s history is closely tied to British royalty, having been favored by King Charles II, hence the name. Efforts to recreate a dog resembling the King Charles Spaniels depicted in historical paintings led to the development of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the 20th century.

The King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel)

The King Charles Spaniel, sometimes referred to as the English Toy Spaniel, is a smaller, more compact breed than the Cavalier. They also weigh between 9 and 12 pounds. Key distinguishing features include a noticeably shorter, “pushed-in” nose, a domed skull, and a more square-shaped body.

Like the Cavalier, the King Charles Spaniel comes in four colors: Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, and Black and Tan. However, the colors can appear differently due to the conformation of the breed. Their personality is similar to the Cavalier – affectionate and gentle – but they may be a bit more reserved.

The King Charles Spaniel boasts a longer history in England, having been a popular companion of royalty and nobility for centuries. Through selective breeding, their appearance evolved over time, resulting in the shorter-nosed, more domed-headed breed we know today.

Key Differences Summarized

In short, while both breeds share a name and history, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is larger with a longer nose, while the King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) is smaller with a significantly shorter, “pushed-in” nose. Both make wonderful companions, but their distinct appearances and breeding histories necessitate their recognition as separate breeds.