19.01.2011
FCI-Standart №128

KING CHARLES SPANIEL

A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

General Appearance
Refined, compact and cobby.
Characteristics
Happy, intelligent, toy spaniel, with distinctive domed head.
Temperament
Reserved, gentle and affectionate.
Head and Skull
Skull moderately large in comparison to size, well domed, full over eyes. Nose black with large, wide-open nostrils, short and turned up. 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
Relatively 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.
Tail
Docking previously 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).
Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.