Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally around 10 to 12 years. A well-adjusted diet, maintaining a stable weight, regular hygiene care and preventive veterinary follow-up help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Despite its sturdy appearance, the King Charles Spaniel is not considered a particularly robust breed. Its small size does not protect it from ocular, ear, respiratory and cardiac predispositions that require real day-to-day vigilance.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Preventive monitoring must focus primarily on the eyes, ears, breathing and cardiac function. Choosing a rigorous breeding program, observing early symptoms and regular check-ups are essential to limit the impact of the breed’s frequent problems.
Microphthalmia: An abnormally reduced size of the eyeball may be observed and may be associated with other visual impairments such as cataracts.
Cataracts: Clouding of the lens can gradually impair vision and requires appropriate ophthalmological follow-up.
Ear infections and ear irritation: Its long, fringed ears promote moisture and require regular checks to prevent inflammation.
Respiratory disorders: Its short muzzle can promote less easy breathing, especially in hot weather or in case of overweight.
Heart conditions: Regular cardiac monitoring is recommended due to a known sensitivity of the breed in this regard.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Like many small short-muzzled dogs, the King Charles Spaniel does not tolerate intense heat and exertion in hot weather well. Its small size also means it must be protected from damp cold and prolonged drafts.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed tends to gain weight if portions are too generous or activity is insufficient. Strict portion control, limited treats and regular weigh-ins are useful to prevent overweight, which notably worsens respiratory and cardiac difficulties.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Clean and regularly check the ears to limit irritation and ear infections.
- Monitor the eyes and consult promptly in case of redness, tearing, or visual discomfort.
- Avoid intense exertion in hot weather and maintain a strict healthy weight.
- Plan regular cardiac and general follow-up with the veterinarian.
Vaccination
King Charles Spaniel vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a King Charles Spaniel need? Like all dogs, King Charles Spaniels should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial King Charles Spaniel vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult King Charles Spaniel booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your King Charles Spaniel need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy King Charles Spaniel
Veterinary follow-up including a cardiac examination, an ophthalmological check-up, monitoring of the ears and an assessment of breathing is relevant, especially in breeding dogs and in dogs showing early clinical signs.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
