People usually look up the King Charles Spaniel when they’re weighing up a small companion dog: whether it will cope in a flat, how much grooming it needs, and what health problems to watch for before committing to a puppy.
This breed is compact and quietly devoted, with a distinctive domed head and short, upturned muzzle. That shape brings a particular care pattern: steady exercise, regular coat and ear maintenance, and a careful eye on breathing and heart health as the dog ages.1, 2
Origin: England
Breed type: Toy
Weight: 3.6–6.3 kg1
Height: 23–28 cm3
Coat: Long, silky and straight; a slight wave is allowed (never curly)2
Colours: Black and tan, tricolour, ruby, and blenheim (chestnut on a pearly white ground)1, 2
Temperament: Reserved, gentle and affectionate2
Life span: Commonly around 10–12+ years (varies with health, care, and genetics)3
Training: Best with reward-based methods (short, consistent sessions)4
King Charles Spaniel at a glance
The King Charles Spaniel is the smallest of the spaniels: refined and “cobby” (short-backed and compact), with long, feathered ears and a soft, silky coat.2 In a quiet home, the breed often settles easily, drifting from lap to sunny patch to doorstep watch.
It’s also a brachycephalic (short-muzzled) breed, which can make heat and strenuous exercise more complicated than it looks from the outside. Even when they seem keen, you’ll get the best from them with gentle pacing and cool, calm routines.3
History and origin
Toy spaniels have been kept in Britain since at least the 16th century, shaped over time into small companion dogs for court and country house living.5 The King Charles Spaniel became closely associated with the Stuart court, particularly King Charles II, who was famously devoted to his little spaniels.
As fashions in head shape changed, the toy spaniels diverged into distinct types. The modern King Charles Spaniel is the domed-skulled, short-muzzled “Charlie”, while the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel later developed as a separate, larger breed with a flatter skull and longer muzzle. They are related, but they are not the same dog.6
Physical characteristics
Size and build
In the official breed standard used in Australia, adult weight is 3.6–6.3 kg.1 Many sources describe height around 23–28 cm, but the UK breed standard focuses on type rather than a fixed height measurement.2, 3
Coat and colours
The coat is long, silky, and straight, with a slight wave allowed. It should not be curly, and the feathering on ears, legs, and tail is part of the classic outline.2
Recognised colours include:
- Black and tan (glossy black with bright tan markings)
- Tricolour (black and white with tan points)
- Blenheim (chestnut markings on a pearly white ground, often with a central “spot” on the skull)
- Ruby (solid rich chestnut red)
In the standards, white markings are generally undesirable in ruby, and a white chest patch is undesirable in black and tan and ruby.1, 2
Distinctive features (and what they mean day to day)
Expect a well-domed skull, large dark eyes set wide apart, and a short, turned-up nose with wide nostrils. The bite is slightly undershot, which contributes to the breed’s characteristic expression.2
That short face can be associated with breathing difficulty in hot weather or during intense activity. Many King Charles Spaniels manage well with sensible routines, but it’s worth planning your days around cooler walks and careful pacing rather than long midday outings.3
Temperament and behaviour
The King Charles Spaniel is typically reserved, gentle, and affectionate.2 They tend to stay close, keeping an eye on household movement, then quietly rejoining you when things settle. The behaviour reads as devotion, but it’s better understood as a dog that’s been shaped for companionship.
With children, the key variable is handling. A small toy spaniel can be physically overwhelmed by rough play, so calm supervision and teaching kids how to pick up (or not pick up) a small dog matters more than the breed label on the tin.3
Training and exercise needs
Training approach
Reward-based training suits toy spaniels well: food rewards, praise, and short sessions that end before attention drifts. Harsh corrections tend to backfire, especially in small dogs that are sensitive to pressure.4
Socialisation
Early, gentle exposure to sounds, surfaces, visitors, and calm dogs helps them move through the world without becoming jumpy or overwhelmed. Keep it slow. The goal isn’t to make them bold; it’s to make everyday life feel ordinary.
Exercise
Most will be content with daily walks and light play, rather than endurance exercise. Some breed guides suggest up to about an hour a day split into shorter outings, adjusted for weather and the dog’s fitness.3 In warm conditions, choose early mornings and evenings, and watch for noisy breathing, lagging behind, or reluctance to keep going.
Health and lifespan
No breed is free of health risk, and it’s wise to choose breeders who prioritise soundness and health testing. The UK breed standard explicitly emphasises avoiding exaggerations that harm welfare and highlights that soundness is essential.2
Common health concerns
Depending on individual lines, issues that may show up include:
- Heart disease (mitral valve disease is especially well-recognised in the closely related Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and it is a major focus of formal screening schemes).7, 8
- Breathing and heat sensitivity linked to brachycephalic conformation (short muzzle).3
- Ear problems, including infections (long, feathered ears can trap moisture and debris).9
- Eye conditions, where prominent eyes can be more easily irritated or injured.9
If you’re choosing a puppy, ask to see evidence of veterinary checks and any relevant screening done in the line, and get your vet to examine the pup early. Problems caught early are often easier to manage.
How long do they live?
Lifespan varies, but many sources place the breed around the 10–12+ year range, with some individuals living longer when health and weight are well managed.3
Grooming and maintenance
The coat looks effortless, but it behaves like fine fabric: it picks up burrs, twists into small knots, and mats behind the ears if ignored. Brush several times a week, and check:
- behind the ears and under the collar
- feathering on legs and tail
- paw pads (for grass seeds and tangles)
Because ears are long and well feathered, regular gentle ear checks are part of normal care, especially after baths and wet-weather walks.2, 9
Diet and nutrition
A King Charles Spaniel’s small body doesn’t leave much margin for extra weight. Keep meals measured, treats modest, and adjust portions with age and activity level. If you’re unsure, ask your vet to help you assess body condition, not just the number on the scales.
Veterinary nutrition guidelines emphasise that every pet benefits from an individual nutritional assessment at each visit, with feeding recommendations tailored to the animal in front of you (age, health status, lifestyle).10
Final thoughts
The King Charles Spaniel fits best into a household that enjoys closeness, unhurried walks, and regular hands-on care. They are small dogs with a quiet presence: silky, watchful, and usually happiest when life is near and familiar.
References
- Dogs Australia (ANKC) – King Charles Spaniel breed standard
- The Kennel Club (UK) – King Charles Spaniel breed standard (last updated April 2025)
- Purina UK – King Charles Spaniel breed information (size, lifespan, brachycephalic care notes)
- RSPCA Knowledgebase – What is the best way to train my dog?
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (historical notes on toy spaniels)
- Horse & Hound – King Charles Spaniel breed profile (history and separation from Cavalier type)
- The Royal Kennel Club – Heart Scheme for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (mitral valve disease screening)
- The Royal Kennel Club – Media release on the Cavalier heart scheme (2019)
- PDSA – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health advice (ears, eyes, heart and other breed-linked risks)
- WSAVA – Global Nutrition Committee (nutrition guidelines and the value of nutritional assessment)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom