King Charles Spaniel
Also known as King Charles
- Height at the withers
- 23 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 3.6 to 6.3 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact little toy spaniel with a distinctive domed head, a flat face, a short nose, large dark eyes, long ears and a silky coat that comes in four colors (Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby and Black and Tan).
History and origins
Descended from the toy spaniels prized by European nobility since the 16th century, and famously associated with King Charles II. Its modern flat-faced look was developed through crosses with Asian breeds in the 19th century.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Mitral valve disease
- Eye problems (corneal ulcers)
- Patellar luxation
- Dental problems
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
King Charles Spaniel FAQ
How big does the King Charles Spaniel get?
The King Charles Spaniel stands 23 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 3.6 to 6.3 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the King Charles Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the King Charles Spaniel live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the King Charles Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the King Charles Spaniel good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the King Charles Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and mitral valve disease.
