King Charles Spaniel

Also called English Toy Spaniel, Toy Spaniel, Charlies, Prince Charles Spaniel, Ruby Spaniel

Recognised breedFCI group 9Short profile

From Great Britain (England). Its early toy spaniel ancestors are thought to have reached Europe from East Asia through trade.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight3.6 to 6.4 kg3 4

Height23 to 28 cm2

Lifespan10 to 12 years2

Sizetoy

FCI gives 3.6-6.3 kg; AKC gives 8-14 lb (about 3.6-6.4 kg), with smaller dogs preferred when otherwise equal.

gentle and affectionate

quiet, easygoing house companion

bright and eager to please

3 4 2

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, silky coat

A compact, cobby little spaniel with a high domed head and short turned-up nose. The coat is long and silky, straight or slightly wavy, with generous feathering on the ears, chest, legs and tail.3 4

Coloursblack and tan (King Charles)tricolour (Prince Charles)red and white (Blenheim)solid red (Ruby)3 4

Personality what they are like

A happy, bright little spaniel that is devoted to its people. It can be a little reserved at first, but is gentle and loving, and is one of the quieter toy breeds, so it is not much of a watchdog.3 4 5 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low exercise needs: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day, and it is not a high-energy breed.5 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Groom more than once a week, paying attention to the feathering on ears, legs and chest so it stays tangle free. The medium-long coat does shed.5

Home where they are happiest

Small and quiet, it suits flat or apartment living well.5 2

Company who they like around

A true lapdog that wants to be close to its family. It is fine with children who handle it gently and calmly.2 4

The story where it all began

Toy spaniels of this kind were kept by wealthy households for centuries, gradually bred smaller and shorter-nosed from sporting spaniels and eastern toy dogs, and the breed takes its name from King Charles II. In 1903 the Kennel Club combined four colour-based toy spaniels under one name. Breeders who wanted the older, flatter-headed type split away from 1926, and the two were recognised as separate breeds, King Charles and Cavalier King Charles, in 1945.3 2 5

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Each of the four colours has its own traditional name: King Charles, Prince Charles, Blenheim and Ruby.3
2
A Blenheim is prized for a thumbprint-sized red spot in the middle of the skull.3
3
Queen Victoria owned one of these spaniels, named Dash.2
4
A popular story says Charles II decreed these dogs could enter any building in the UK, but there is no evidence the law exists.2

Name ideas for your new friend

CharliePrinceCocoPipDaisyRosieBiscuitButtonsMuffinPercyWinstonLily

A day in the life told by a King Charles Spaniel

I woke up slowly, nuzzling into the soft blanket beside my human. After a gentle stretch, I followed them to the kitchen, where I sat nicely for a morning treat. Then we had a quiet cuddle on the sofa, and I watched the birds through the window with a soft wag of my tail. Later, we took a short, pleasant walk in the park, where I sniffed every flower and greeted a friendly pug. Back home, I played with my favorite squeaky toy for a bit, then settled on a cushion for a long, cozy nap. The best part of the day was the evening, when everyone came home and I got lots of gentle strokes and kind words.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard no. 128, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 7 English Toy Spaniels; accepted on a definitive basis 3 January 1955; current standard published 24 August 2021.1
The Royal Kennel Club: Toy group; listed as a vulnerable native breed. Recognised as a separate breed from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in 1945.5
AKC: Recognised as the English Toy Spaniel in the Toy Group; current standard approved 13 June 1989, effective 1 August 1989, covering the Blenheim, Prince Charles, King Charles and Ruby colours.4

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a King Charles Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my King Charles Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your King Charles Spaniel at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Sticking to set meal times helps their digestion. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a King Charles Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their size and age. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a complete list.7

How often should I bathe a King Charles Spaniel?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a dog-specific shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a King Charles Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your King Charles Spaniel more than once a week, and Furry Diary's plan recommends every 2 days. Pay extra attention to the feathering on ears, legs, and chest to prevent tangles. Their medium-long coat does shed, so regular brushing helps manage that.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a King Charles Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 21 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you how.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a King Charles Spaniel need?

This breed has low exercise needs, with the Royal Kennel Club suggesting up to 30 minutes a day. Furry Diary's plan includes daily walks and play. They are not high-energy, so gentle activities suit them well.5 2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a King Charles Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and never use human toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never push anything into the ear canal. Regular care helps prevent problems.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a King Charles Spaniel live?

King Charles Spaniels typically live between 10 and 12 years. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a happy life. Senior years usually start around age 10.2 Pet Wiki plan

Is a King Charles Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are gentle and loving, and fine with children who handle them gently and calmly. They are devoted to their family and get along well with other pets when properly socialized. They are one of the quieter toy breeds.3 4 5 2

Can a King Charles Spaniel be left alone?

This breed is a true lapdog that wants to be close to its family, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. They can be left for short times if used to it, but they thrive on companionship. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or your vet.2 4

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.