Consider These 14 Factors Before Purchasing an English Toy Spaniel
You want a dog that actually wants to be near you — not one that treats you like a piece of furniture between zoomies. If that's the dream, the English Toy Spaniel might be the quiet little soulmate you've been looking for.
Known in England as the King Charles Spaniel, this tiny dog carries a royal history and a huge heart in a soft, silky frame.
Below, you'll find the honest picture — the good, the tricky, and the 14 things worth knowing before you bring one home.
A Companion Through and Through
Here's the heart of it: English Toy Spaniels — or "Charlies," as fans call them — were bred for one job. To be your shadow.
They're quiet, deeply affectionate, and happiest when they're glued to their favorite human. A short walk? Sure. A little gentle play? They're in. But their ideal afternoon is a warm nap on the couch beside you.
That mellow nature makes them a wonderful match for older adults or anyone with limited mobility. They don't want intense exercise — a couple of short walks and some indoor play is plenty.
“A Charlie doesn't want your backyard. It wants your lap.”
But there's a catch — and it's a big one.
These dogs bond hard, and they do not cope well when left alone for long stretches. If you're out of the house most of the day, this probably isn't the breed for you.
So they're sweet — but are they easy to train?
Gentle, But Not Pushovers
Charlies are smart and quick to learn. The trick is that they're also sensitive — so harsh corrections will backfire fast.
Positive reinforcement is the name of the game. Keep sessions short, fun, and rewarding, and you'll have a loyal little student.
How to train a Charlie the right way
- Keep it shortFive to ten minutes beats one long, boring drill.
- Reward, don't scoldTreats and praise get you far; harsh tones shut them down.
- Include them in daily lifeThey learn best as part of the family action, not on the sidelines.
- Be patient with the stubborn streakSometimes a comfy pillow wins over your command. Stay calm and consistent.
Yes — they can be a touch stubborn. They know exactly what they want, and occasionally that means politely ignoring you in favor of that pillow.
Now, let's talk about that famous face.
Small in Size, Big on Charm
You'll know a Charlie the moment you see one: a large dome-shaped head, big soulful eyes, long feathered ears, and a soft, wavy coat.
They come in four classic color varieties.
King Charles
Rich black and tan.
Prince Charles
Classic tricolor.
Blenheim
Red and white — the storybook look.
Ruby
Solid, glowing red.
Now for the part people worry about: the grooming. Good news — it's more manageable than that silky coat suggests.
- Brush weekly to prevent tangles and keep the coat shiny
- Bathe about once a month
- Trim nails regularly
- Clean those long ears to prevent buildup
- Brush teeth — small breeds are prone to dental issues
- Wipe the face daily to clear eye gunk and food mess
But how do they get along with everyone else in the house?
Social Butterflies (With Boundaries)
With their own family, Charlies are sweet, playful, and endlessly affectionate. Around strangers, they lean a little reserved — which is exactly where early socialization pays off.
Raised alongside other pets, they usually get along beautifully with dogs and even cats.
Here's where it gets interesting for families, though.
Toddlers & young kids
Better skippedRough play and tail-pulling are a no-go for this delicate breed.
Older, gentle kids
Great fitCalm children who respect the dog make ideal companions.
Other dogs
Usually goodEspecially when raised together from early on.
Cats
Often fineTheir low prey drive helps them coexist peacefully.
They're not aggressive — but they will let you know when they're unhappy. In short: this is a breed that thrives on respect and calm energy.
Where does a Charlie actually live best?
Low-Energy, Indoorsy, and Perfect for Apartments
These dogs aren't built for outdoor adventures — and they're definitely not built for heat.
Their short muzzles mean they can overheat quickly. So keep summer walks short, and always give them access to cool indoor spaces. Air conditioning isn't a luxury here — it's a safety measure.
On the flip side, they're genuinely ideal apartment dogs — quiet, calm, and not destructive when their social needs are met.
Pros
Great if you have…
- A calm, quiet home
- Someone around for much of the day
- An apartment or small living space
- A gentle, low-drama household
Cons
Rethink if you have…
- Long daily absences
- A loud, high-energy household
- Very young or rough children
- A hot climate with no cooling
One thing to never do: leave them outside or stuck in a kennel. They live for companionship and need to be part of the household.
Now the part every future owner should read twice.
Health and Care Considerations
Like many toy breeds, English Toy Spaniels come with a few health tendencies worth knowing before you commit.
Heart issues
Common in the breed — regular vet checks help catch problems early.
Dental disease
Small mouths crowd easily; brushing matters.
Patellar luxation
A slipping kneecap that can affect small dogs.
Breathing trouble
That flat face can make breathing and cooling harder.
The good news? A lot of this is manageable with the basics: regular vet visits, quality food, and keeping them at a healthy weight.
Feeding your Charlie
Most owners feed high-quality dry food split into two meals a day — roughly ½ to 1 cup total, depending on age and activity level.
Where does all this devotion come from? History has an answer.
A Little Dog With a Royal Legacy
There's a reason English Toy Spaniels show up in so many centuries-old paintings — they were the beloved lapdogs of royalty.
“One is said to have stayed by Mary, Queen of Scots' side until the very end.”
That same fierce devotion still lives in them today. When a Charlie chooses you, it chooses you completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — as long as you can be home a lot. They're gentle, low-energy, and easy to please, which makes them beginner-friendly. The main challenge is their need for companionship, not their care.
Not long. These dogs bond deeply and are prone to separation anxiety. A few hours is usually fine, but full workdays alone can lead to stress and unhappy behavior.
Generally no. They're one of the quieter toy breeds, which is part of why they suit apartments so well. Excessive barking usually points to boredom, loneliness, or stress.
They're best in homes with older, gentle kids. This is a delicate breed that doesn't tolerate rough handling or tail-pulling, so very young children aren't an ideal match.
Usually, yes. With early socialization — or when raised alongside other pets — they tend to coexist peacefully with both dogs and cats thanks to their calm, low-prey-drive nature.
Their need to be with you. Combine that with heat sensitivity from their flat face, and you get a dog that needs a calm, climate-controlled home with someone around most of the day.
No. A couple of short walks and some gentle indoor play meet their needs. In hot weather, keep activity light and time walks for the cooler parts of the day.
Quick poll
What draws you to the English Toy Spaniel most?
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.