King Charles Spaniel
Charming, affectionate, and gentle, this breed loves close companionship and adapts well to quiet or active homes. Delightful expressive eyes and a sweet temperament make every day brighter.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
30–33 cm (male)
30–33 cm (female)
WEIGHT
5.9–8.2 kg (male)
5.9–8.2 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–14 years
King Charles Spaniel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A King Charles Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding King Charles Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and friendly companions known for their sociable and easygoing nature. They typically bond closely with their families and get along well with children and other pets.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with people and other animals
Learns commands and routines fairly quickly
Enjoys activity but not overly energetic
Likes interactive games and gentle play
Adjusts well to new environments and routines

Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Good with children and other pets
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Generally easy to train
- Moderate exercise requirements
Challenges
- Prone to heart and eye problems
- Can develop separation anxiety
- Requires regular grooming and brushing
- Sensitive to heat and humidity
- May bark excessively if not trained

Protect your King Charles Spaniel
King Charles Spaniel can develop heart disease and ear infections. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
King Charles Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is moderately intelligent and eager to please, making them generally responsive to positive, consistent training. They learn basic commands readily, though patience is needed for more complex tasks.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
King Charles Spaniels have moderate energy levels and require daily walks and play sessions for their physical health. Mental stimulation through interactive toys or gentle training helps keep them engaged.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
King Charles Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a King Charles Spaniel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Gentle nature and easygoing temperament make them suitable for novice owners
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment environments well
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy playtime but may struggle with very high activity levels
Kids
Patient and affectionate with young children, but supervision is still needed
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and adapts well to living with other pets
Being Left Alone
Dislike being left alone and may develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how King Charles Spaniels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Charles Spaniel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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