Small Munsterlander vs King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Classified as a toy breed, the King Charles Spaniel is a small, pure breed dog that originated in the United Kingdom. The dog was named after King Charles II of Britain.

The dog actually has quite a long, illustrious history. People mistake them for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but they are 2 different breeds, just sharing the same coat colors.The King Charles Spaniel was crossbred with the Pug early in the 19th century to shorten the length of the dog's nose.

With a face similar to that of the Pug, it is thought that these toy spaniels may have originated in the Far East.The earliest recorded pictures of toy spaniels in England were in paintings of Queen Mary 1 and King Philip.

Known also as the Kleiner Munsterlander or just plain Munster, the Small Munsterlander comes from the Munster region of Germany and is a beautiful hunting dog.

The dog is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as well as other kennel clubs. It is believed that the Small Münsterländer is an ancient breed, more than 500 years old.

The King Charles Spaniel is a medium sized dog that stands at roughly 23 – 28cm and weighs anything from 3 to 8kg. He is smaller than the Cavalier King Charles.

He has a long coat which can be white, black and tan or a reddish-brown color. He has a domed head with a short, turned up nose and 'squashed' face similar to the pug. The eyes are large and dark and also protruding. The ears are set low and are long and floppy and the tail, once docked, is now left long and feathery.

Temperament:

Friendly, while being somewhat reserved, the King Charles Spaniel is looked upon as a lap dog as he loves to spend time indoors with his human family.

He isn't particularly energetic, but will still need some exercise like ball games and going on a walk. With training and socialization he becomes quiet and obedient and is known as a popular therapy dog. They are kind and loving with kids and pets in the home.

Standing at between 52–56cm in height and weighing between 17–26 kg, this dog is thought to be medium sized, muscled and athletic.

Looking like a large Spaniel he also has feathering around the legs and the tail. The coat is medium length and silky and tends to be slightly wavy. The coat is essentially white with large brown patches as well as some ticking.

Temperament:

Small Münsterländers are very intelligent dogs and they won’t have any trouble being trained and socialized. The Small Munsterlander is a natural born hunter and he is in his element when he is outdoors.

For this particular dog, it would be a shame to get a pet like this if you’re a couch potato. It is why this dog is better suited to living in the countryside as opposed to the city. He needs lots of exciting outdoor activities - hikes, walks, ball games, running and he loves swimming.

He is a loving, social dog and just wants to be 100% part of his human family and will adapt well to life with children in the home and with other pets.

Your King Charles Spaniel is such a joy to have in the home and because he is intelligent he will easily learn some simple commands too.

He wants to please you and be with you wherever you go. He is a social dog and thrives on your attention, and if you open your home and your heart to this sweet dog, you’re going to have a devoted, loving, loyal friend beside you every day.

The Small Munsterlander is such a pretty looking dog with his silky hair. He isn’t only about good looks either and he is intelligent and alert and will learn easily.

He is a well balanced dog and will make a great pet and companion. He is social, friendly, loving and loyal and makes a great playmate for children.

He has always been a hunting dog and likes to be busy with games and work. Go on a hike and he will love to join you, sniffing along woodland paths and chasing birds. He is in his element when outdoors.

When you bring this beautiful dog into your home, you’re guaranteed to have an ideal pet and companion for the entire family.

Eye Problems:

The eye problems that you might need to know about with a King Charles Spaniel are entropian, cataracts and corneal dystrophy.

Heart Conditions:

Heart conditions could include mitral valve disease where the blood flows backwards through the chambers of the heart, leading to congestive heart failure.

Breathing Problems:

The King Charles Spaniel is a brachycephalic breed and these dogs can have upper airway problems. Breathing difficulties can also occur because of an abnormally small windpipe which is a characteristic common to brachycephalic breeds. You may notice rapid breathing with your dog , snoring, frequent panting, coughing and difficulty with swallowing.

Vet Checks:

As a dog owner, you have a responsibility to your pet. He will need to visit the veterinarian for all his puppy vaccinations as well as other vaccinations as an adult dog. He will also need to be de-wormed.

If you don’t want him or her becoming a parent, make sure your pet is neutered or spayed. If your pet is showing signs of an illness that he doesn’t get over quickly, get him immediately to the vet.

There are many clubs and breeders who have a strong commitment to the health of the breed, and this is a healthy, robust dog breed.

The Small Munsterlander can succumb to one of the many common dog illnesses there are. These can be ear infections, dental problems, cancer, diabetes, hip dysplasia, obesity, bloat and many others.

Skin Problems:

There are so many things that can cause skin problems with your dog, and while it doesn’t sound particularly serious, it can drive your pet crazy as he tries to bite and scratch the itchy parts on his skin.

These nightmarish skin problems are one of the most common reasons pet owners seek veterinary assistance.

Some of the reasons pets develop these skin problems include -

⠂ sensitivity to fleas

⠂ mange brought about because of mites

⠂ ringworm

⠂ food- and environmental allergies

⠂ bacterial- and yeast infections

⠂ autoimmune disorders

Your King Charles Spaniel has a long, silky coat that will require brushing twice a week to control shedding and keep his coat free of matting.

His nails will also require regular trimming to ensure they don’t hook on anything. His long ears are also prone to ear infection, so be sure to check them inside and out for ticks and fleas and to also remove excess wax and dirt.

Teeth should also be regularly brushed with canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

Be sure to keep your King Charles Spaniel content and healthy by ensuring he goes on a long walk and that you play with him to build a strong bond between you and to ensure he doesn’t become bored.

Excellent, quality food is important for your spaniel. The best dog food manufacturers have age- and breed-specific formulas and there is the perfect one for your King Charles Spaniel. Homemade food is also excellent for this dog and you can add some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables into his kibble as a nutritious treat.

Make sure your spaniel has a warm, dry, peaceful place to sleep and wash the bedding regularly to keep him healthy and happy.

Ensure he always has a cool, fresh bowl of drinking water nearby.

⠂ Give your Small Munsterlander the best chance to be healthy and happy by being giving him the best dog food there is.

Commercially manufactured dog foods can be a good choice as they’re convenient, and some of the best ones have a good balance of vitamins and minerals in them. Avoid the ones that are packed full of useless ingredients such as toxins and colorants.

Break the monotony of the dry kibble by giving your dog some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boiled brown rice and chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach as well as some pasta can be a nutritious treat. It can be chopped up and added to the dry kibble in small portions.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks need 4 meals a day.

As an adult your Small Munsterlander will need 2 meals a day.

⠂ Your dog will need daily exercise – walks, ball-, rope and frisbee games.

⠂ Reduce excess hair with shedding by brushing your dog twice a week. Check for fleas and ticks at the same time.

⠂ Just like you, your dog needs a warm, dry, quiet place to sleep undisturbed.

⠂ Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies.

⠂ Keep your garden free of dog poop so that your pet can enjoy a clean place to play and relax. Its hygienic too to pick up his feces regularly.