what they are likeKing Charles Spaniel temperament
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.1253
how to spot oneKing Charles Spaniel coat and colours
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.12
Comes inblack and tan (King Charles)tricolour (Prince Charles)red and white (Blenheim)solid red (Ruby)12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksKing Charles Spaniel exercise needs
Low exercise needs: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day, and it is not a high-energy breed.53
where they are happiestKing Charles Spaniel at home
Small and quiet, it suits flat or apartment living well.53
who they like aroundKing Charles Spaniel with people and other pets
A true lapdog that wants to be close to its family. It is fine with children who handle it gently and calmly.32
the hands-on bitsKing Charles Spaniel grooming and care
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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?
Pet Wiki'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
How often does a King Charles Spaniel need brushing?
Brush your King Charles Spaniel more than once a week, and Pet Wiki'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
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
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. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play. They are not high-energy, so gentle activities suit them well.53
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
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 10.3
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.1253
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.32
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.
per year, in your countryWhat a King Charles Spaniel costs
Running costs for a King Charles Spaniel, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the King Charles Spaniel legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the King Charles Spaniel in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
King Charles Spaniel tip
With their short nose, King Charles Spaniels manage best with small pieces and shallow, wide bowls. Extra weight makes their breathing and kneecap problems worse, so keep treats small and watch body condition.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Each of the four colours has its own traditional name: King Charles, Prince Charles, Blenheim and Ruby.1
2
A Blenheim is prized for a thumbprint-sized red spot in the middle of the skull.1
3
Queen Victoria owned one of these spaniels, named Dash.3
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.3
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.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
The Young Victoria2009
Princess Victoria's beloved spaniel Dash is at her side through court life.
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 1945.135
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 2021.4
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.2
Sources (8)
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Japanese Chin
Pekingese
Papillon