King Charles Spaniel - anyone got one?

[satc2bringiton]

Were thinking of getting a dog. DH did one of those dog search things and it came up that a KCS would be ideal for our family.

Would love to know if anyone has one. How easy are they to look after etc

My mum has one. She's 13 yo now so quite old. She is a really loving dog and still sleeps in bed with my mum .

Anyway, she is quite feisty (not so much as she is older) and quite disobedient! She knows what she is being asked to do and she only does it if she wants to. She hasn't been off the lead ever as she likes to chase birds who are flying in the sky and has no road sense whatsoever.

It may be because she was the very small runt of the litter and she has been looked after like a baby by the breeder and then by my mum.

They are really loving and kind and so I think that's what makes them a good family dog.

And smaller dog = less poo!

Thanks for that.

Were finding it really hard to decide whether to get a dog or not. Neither me or DH grew up with one, and were just not sure how much work is involved or what to expect!

Yes the less poo part is definitely a plus!

We've had a lot in the family. They are nice family dogs, good with kids and very affectionate. Whilst loyal they can also be naughty - you have to be very, very firm. Look very carefully when seeing puppies. They have been bred to have shorter noses now and this can make their breathing very noisy and ultimately lead to a not particularly healthy dog. Having said that my aunt had one that lived to be 14. Remember as well that even though they are small they need plenty of exercise and fun.

Our mother's help has one and brings him to work: he's a fantastic little dog, gets on well with ours, very gentle with the children and very loyal to her. He doesn't run off on walks, which some of them can, but she did train him well from the beginning. The only downside for you to consider is that their coats mean that they need regular professional grooming to keep ears clean and coat from tangling so budget for that as well. They can be picky feeders and prone to fat if underexercised, so be strong from the beginning . Lovely little dog for a first time dog owner IMO

They are one of the most unhealthy breeds, with many very serious, life threatening illnesses. If you buy one you have to be very very careful where you get it from.

A dog is a huge commitment, and a lifelong one.

Nice dogs, I'm not sure if they are prone to the same issues as Cavaliers, I've never looked into it tbh. They don't seem to be as common as Cavaliers even though they are very similar.

I wouldn't necessarily choose a dog based on one of those survey things though.

I grew up with CKS and would have another one in a shot if my hubby would let me. We had three as a child and into my late teens / early twenties.

In my experience they are fab pets, they have a gentle nature and are very good with children (which is why my parents bought those dogs).

I agree they can be fussy eaters, but ours never had lots of grooming, and they were never matted.

The downsides of them is that they can be bolters - turn around and they are out of that door. They can be really quite fast when they want to be! But otherwise, they are quite lazy. They never chase sticks - much to my disappointment as a child! Also, the noses thing is true. Our last dog had a longer nose, and she was the healthiest by far.

Thanks so much everyone. It's great to honest opinions, good or bad.

I think we may wait a while and see if we still want one in a couple of months.

We have a Cavalier, he's fantastic, so patient and gentle with the DSs and so adorable! I defy you to look at my profile and not go out puppy shopping immediately!

aaawwwww so cute, your baby's pretty cute too

FBB, what GORGEOUS photos!

I grew up with KC Spaniels, and they really are the most loving, kind and loyal dogs ever. I wouldn't ever want to own another breed.