King Charles Spaniel

Like every breed, the King Charles Spaniel is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Start socialisation and habituation early so your puppy grows into a confident dog; small dogs can easily be overwhelmed or frightened.
• Use positive reinforcement with food and toy rewards.
• Work on a reliable recall so they can safely enjoy more freedom.
• Teach loose-lead walking to help prevent injuries caused by pulling.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Often lives with cats when introduced carefully.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Breathing problems (BOAS)

  The short, flat face can lead to breathing problems, and these dogs can overheat easily in hot weather. In August 2026 the Royal Kennel Club recognised breathing testing under its Respiratory Function Grading scheme as a best-practice test for breeding dogs.

• Eye problems

  The large, prominent eyes need extra care to keep clean. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme before breeding.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip out of place.

• Syringomyelia

  Fluid-filled areas develop around the spinal cord, causing pain.

• Mitral valve disease

  The heart valves become diseased and do not work properly.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a King Charles Spaniel home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a King Charles Spaniel home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the King Charles Spaniel suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

King Charles Spaniels do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.