Cavalier King Charles SpanielClose relative
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King Charles Spaniel
Health grade D- Shoulder height25–27 cm
- Weight4–6 kg
- Life expectancy10–12 yrs
- Energy2/5
Why this breed is missing
Why we don't currently place King Charles Spaniel puppies
The breed-specific health risks for the King Charles Spaniel are high — especially when it comes to breathing and stamina. In these cases, a lot depends on the breeder: on consistent screenings, transparent results, and breeding choices that put health ahead of appearance. Assessing this breed is complex and not straightforward. We currently don't have a standard for this that we would rely on — which is why we aren't showing any breeders or puppies for this breed for the time being. As soon as we can change this, we'll include the breed again.
What a short muzzle means for the dog
See dogs available for adoptionThe essentials at a glance
The King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, extremely affectionate companion dog—bred by British nobility to provide unconditional company and to trade the hunting instincts of its ancestors for an absolute desire to always be on your lap.
- Health grade D: The King Charles Spaniel is rated D for health, as it carries a significant risk of breed-specific problems, which are particularly characterized by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and a paralyzed, constantly visible tongue.
- You are looking for an uncomplicated shadow whose only genetic job is to seek your proximity.
- You work from home a lot or can easily take your dog everywhere, as it is made for constant companionship.
- You need to leave it alone regularly for several hours—this dog was bred for permanent company and will wither without you.
Self-check
Would the King Charles Spaniel really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the King Charles Spaniel fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the King Charles Spaniel right for you?
At a glance
King Charles Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
Shoulder height
25–27 cm
Weight
4–6 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: —
- Coat: Silky, long, no undercoat
- Origin: England
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a King Charles Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the King Charles Spaniel come in?
The coat colors that occur in the King Charles Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Long
Silky
Perfect for you if:
- You live in an apartment and prefer cozy, relaxed walks over athletic marathons.
- You are a first-time dog owner looking for a forgiving, gentle companion by your side.
Less ideal if:
- You expect a robust, weather-resistant companion for hours of hiking, jogging, or intensive dog sports.
- You value personal space and don't want a dog following you every step of the way, even into the bathroom.
The real vibes check
A King Charles Spaniel is like a soft, breathing sofa cushion with a huge heart. It doesn't ask for complex tasks or sprints in the rain, but simply for your undivided attention. If you accept that your personal space will now have a constant, silky companion, you will receive the purest form of canine devotion.
Breed Profile
The King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant dog breed that belongs to the group of companion dogs. Originally from Great Britain, it was primarily bred as a companion dog. Its appearance is characterized by a compact, well-proportioned body, a round head with large, expressive eyes, and long, silky ears. The soft, shiny coat is usually wavy and found in various color combinations such as Blenheim (red and white), tricolor, or ruby. The King Charles Spaniel is known for its friendly, gentle nature and its close bond with its people. Despite its small size, it shows a lively and playful nature, making it a popular family dog.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 25 - 27 cm (Female), 25 - 27 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 4 - 6 kg (Female), 4 - 6 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 12 yrs
- Character
- Loving, gentle, affectionate
- Coat
- Silky, long, no undercoat
- Coat Color
- Red and White
Character & Temperament
The King Charles Spaniel is a loving and affectionate companion dog, distinguished by its gentle and friendly nature. It loves being close to its people and feels especially comfortable in a quiet, family environment. Despite its rather small size, it shows a lively and playful side, making it a charming companion for children and adults. This spaniel is intelligent and enjoys learning, but does not require excessive physical exercise. Mental stimulation and short, regular walks are enough to keep it satisfied. Due to its strong attachment to people, it should not be left alone for too long, as it can suffer from separation anxiety. The King Charles Spaniel is not a typical guard dog, but rather a friendly and open dog that usually meets strangers openly. Its calm and balanced temperament makes it an ideal family dog and loyal companion, who wins its owners' hearts by storm with its charming manner.
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Mild interest in movement and small animals — easily managed. | Low |
Fun Fact!
King Charles Spaniel: The King Charles Spaniel was once valued by British kings as a loyal companion and is known for its charming, gentle nature as well as its striking, large round eyes that immediately steal everyone's heart.
What Awaits You
The King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and affectionate companion dog. He loves being close to his people and often shows himself to be playful and lively. This breed is well suited as a family dog and requires regular care of its silky coat. King Charles Spaniels are adaptable and enjoy both quiet times and moderate exercise.
Housing & Care
King Charles Spaniels are friendly and affectionate dogs that are particularly well suited as companions in families. They are usually very people-oriented and enjoy being close to their owners. Due to their calm and balanced nature, they fit well in apartments but still require regular walks and gentle exercise. They generally get along well with children but should be supervised around very young children to avoid accidental injuries. King Charles Spaniels usually get along well with other pets, especially if socialized early. They are not dogs for intense physical activities but prefer more relaxed and loving engagement.
- Family Friendly
Lives for its family — the born family companion.
Ideal family dog - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Ideal city dog
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and eager-to-learn dogs that are well suited for gentle but consistent training. They respond particularly well to positive reinforcement and loving attention. Due to their friendly and affectionate nature, it is important to start socialization early to promote balanced behavior. Compared to more active breeds like Labradors or German Shepherds, King Charles Spaniels require less intense physical exercise but benefit greatly from mental stimulation, such as simple tricks or search games. Patience and calmness are crucial during training, as they can be sensitive to harsh methods. Their strong need for closeness to humans makes them excellent companions who enjoy being involved in everyday life. Regular, loving training strengthens the bond and ensures a balanced, happy dog.
Nutrition & Care
King Charles Spaniel: The King Charles Spaniel requires a balanced diet tailored to its moderate activity and weight to avoid overweight. High-quality dog food with all essential nutrients is recommended. The silky, medium-length coat of the King Charles Spaniel should be brushed regularly, ideally several times a week, to prevent matting and keep the coat shiny. Increased shedding is to be expected especially during the coat change periods in spring and autumn. The King Charles Spaniel adapts well to the Central European climate. Its coat protects against cold, but in very hot weather, sufficient shade and water should be provided to prevent overheating.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Enjoys daily movement but isn't a sports dog. | Moderate |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
D
Elevated risks
Health grade
The King Charles Spaniel is rated D for health, as it carries a significant risk of breed-specific problems, which are particularly characterized by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and a paralyzed, constantly visible tongue. A responsible breeder actively counteracts these burdens by having their breeding dogs comprehensively tested and only mating animals that achieve grade A for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and are free from a paralyzed, constantly visible tongue. In addition, tests must be available for cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) with the limit carrier, patellar luxation (PL) with the limit grade 0 or 1, as well as for cataracts, retinal dysplasia, and ectropion / entropion with the limit free. Before buying, make sure to ask for the complete written results of these tests as well as proof for Episodic Falling (EF) with the limit free or carrier – whereby carriers may only be mated with a free partner.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly limit heat and physical exertion, schedule regular veterinary heart check-ups, and honestly budget for a significantly higher amount for potential treatments.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the nervous system, heart, knees, and eyes extensively tested and pay attention to clearer airways—however, the fundamental risks of this breed cannot be completely eliminated even with this care.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
10
Risks tracked
4
Recommended standard
3
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a King Charles Spaniel cost?
Keeping a King Charles Spaniel costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €310, depending on your setup) — about ~€22,970 across the dog's life (11 years). We deliberately don't quote a purchase price: we don't place puppies of this breed.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€2,840
Across the dog's life
~€22,970
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a King Charles Spaniel?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The history of the King Charles Spaniel dates back to the 17th century, when it was very popular at the royal courts of England. Named after King Charles II, who particularly appreciated these small, elegant dogs, they were bred as companion dogs. Their ancestors come from small spaniel types that were used for hunting birds. Over time, the King Charles Spaniel developed into a charming companion dog with a gentle nature. The breed was further refined in the 19th century and eventually officially recognized by the Kennel Club.
Original Use
The King Charles Spaniel was bred as a companion dog for the nobility and is known for its gentle nature.
Origin
England
Date
1600
Owner experiences
FAQ & more
Is a King Charles Spaniel the right dog for me?
The King Charles Spaniel is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a King Charles Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a King Charles Spaniel is 10-12 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a King Charles Spaniel need?
King Charles Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a King Charles Spaniel good for families with children?
The King Charles Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the King Charles Spaniel come in?
The King Charles Spaniel comes in these colors: Black and tan, Red, Red and white, Tricolor.
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