King Charles Spaniel

Also known as: Toy Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel, Blenheim Spaniel, English Toy Spaniels

The King Charles Spaniel, known in Britain simply as the English Toy Spaniel, takes its name from King Charles II, who reportedly kept them with him even in the halls of Parliament. It differs from its cousin the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in having a shorter muzzle and a domed skull, which can make its breathing noticeably louder. At barely 6 kilograms, this is a purely indoor companion, never bred for outdoor work. The long, silky coat needs steady brushing to prevent matting behind the ears and across the chest. The breed is rare even in the UK, considerably less common than the Cavalier. Temperament is calm and devoted, often bonding most strongly with one person in the household. The short muzzle means extra care is needed in hot weather. Life expectancy runs 10 to 12 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

King Charles Spaniel: how old in human years?

3.6–6.3 kgWeight
10–12 yrsLife expectancy

Kromfohrlander

FCI group: Companion and Toy Dogs
FCI section: Section 7: English Toy Spaniels
FCI: 128
Country of origin: United Kingdom

Energy level

2/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

5/5
Grooming need

4/5

At a glance

Height

Males not specified

Females not specified

Weight

Males 3.6–6.3 kg

Females 3.6–6.3 kg

Life expectancy

10–12 yrs

Coat

long, silky, flat or slightly wavy (long)

Temperament & Family Life

King Charles Spaniel's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 5/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

King Charles Spaniel's energy and exercise needs are low.

Energy level 2/5
Exercise need 2/5
Apartment friendly 5/5
Prey drive 1/5
Hunting instinct 1/5

Guarding & Alertness

King Charles Spaniel's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 2/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

King Charles Spaniel's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 4/5

Living with the King Charles Spaniel

Somewhere among the sofa cushions is a small, warm, sighing bundle, and it has been waiting for you for ages. The King Charles Spaniel has been kept as a companion for centuries, and that is its great talent: gentle, devoted and happiest when it is beside you. It has little energy to burn and needs only modest exercise, and it is at home in a flat, because home is wherever you are.

It learns reasonably well, at its own pace: short, cheerful sessions with praise work; sternness doesn't. It gets on with children who are gentle and understand that it is small, and it usually takes other dogs and strangers calmly. It won't guard anything, it barks little, and there is barely any hunting urge in it, so the cat and the pigeons can relax.

A typical day: a short morning walk, a long nap, another gentle outing and plenty of cuddling in between. In summer, plan walks for the cool hours, as a short muzzle doesn't like the heat, and since it pines when left alone for long, think about who will keep it company.

Grooming and coat

The long, silky coat, flat or slightly wavy, doesn't shed much, but it does like to tangle, so go over it a few times a week with a soft brush and a wide-toothed comb. Pay special attention to the feathering behind the ears, in the armpits, and on the legs and feet, and part the hair as you go to look at the skin: a long coat is very good at hiding redness.

The face needs a little daily care. Wipe the corners of the eyes and the small skin fold by the nose gently with a soft damp cloth, then pat dry. Lift the long, feathered ears once a week to look and sniff, and check their fringes after meals: they like to join their owner in the bowl.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

A King Charles Spaniel lives around ten to twelve years and weighs only a few kilos, and its short muzzle and large eyes shape what is worth watching more closely. Breathing, heart, knees, eyes and ears are the areas to keep an eye on with your vet throughout its life. There is nothing here to fear; it simply rewards attention and not putting off questions.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome

A short muzzle means the tissues of the nose, throat and palate are packed into less space, so air has a harder time getting through. You may hear snoring or snorting, or notice your dog running out of breath quickly on a warm day. A King Charles Spaniel has a flat face, so watch its breathing in the heat and after exertion; if it is struggling badly to breathe, its gums turn blue or it collapses, it needs a vet immediately.
Mitral valve disease

This is a disease of a heart valve: the valve between the chambers on the left side slowly thickens and stops closing tightly. The vet tends to hear it first, as a heart murmur; later you might notice your dog tiring sooner, coughing, or breathing faster than before while asleep. With this little spaniel, ask your vet to listen to the heart at every visit.
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecap)

The kneecap, a small bone at the front of the knee, slips out of its groove and the leg briefly locks. You may see your dog suddenly hop along on three legs, then carry on a few steps later as if nothing happened. Small dogs' knees are prone to this sort of thing, so if the skipping keeps happening, let your vet examine the knee.
Eye problems

This covers a range of eye troubles, from eyelid or tear problems to damage on the surface of the eye. You might notice redness, heavy weeping, cloudiness, or your dog squinting and pawing at an eye. The large, slightly prominent eyes of a King Charles Spaniel are more exposed, so show any change to your vet the same day.
Ear infections

This is inflammation of the ear canal, where bacteria or yeast take hold. You might notice head shaking, scratching at an ear, or an unpleasant smell. This spaniel's long, heavily feathered ears cover the canal well, so lifting them for a weekly look is a good habit.

Food for small breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (6 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 99 g of dry food a day, from €5,40 a month For a neutered, normally active 5 kg dog. Calculate for your dog