King Charles of the East Dog: regal history and modern controversies

The King Charles spaniel is one of the UK’s oldest and most regal dog breeds. Closely related to the more popular Cavalier King Charles spaniel, it retains a passionate following among enthusiasts despite its lower numbers today. This article walks you through the fascinating history, royal connections, and current controversies surrounding this distinguished breed.

1. Origins: Far East roots to European nobility

The King Charles spaniel’s story begins beyond Britain’s shores. Its ancestors originated as toy dogs from the Far East, particularly Japan, brought to Europe as diplomatic gifts in the 15th and 16th centuries. Early 16th-century Italian paintings show small spaniels resembling the King Charles, and these dogs were likely crossed with local breeds such as the Maltese.

By the Tudor period, small spaniels were popular with European royalty, including English monarchs like Queen Mary I. Their charming companionship made them prized pets among aristocracy across the continent.

2. King Charles II and the breed’s rise in popularity

King Charles II of England, reigning from 1660 to 1685, is closely tied to the breed’s name and fame. Though he didn't found the breed, his enthusiasm for small spaniels boosted their popularity immensely. Historical records note his dogs freely roaming Whitehall Palace grounds and attending court ceremonies.

The king’s fondness led to the breed sometimes being called “Comforter Spaniel” due to their role warming laps and comforting the royals and nobility alike. Anecdotes from Samuel Pepys’s diary reveal the king’s preference for playing with his spaniels, sometimes over his royal duties.

3. The noble lapdog: breed changes through centuries

After King Charles II, the dogs remained royal favourites. Cross-breeding with imported Chinese pugs in the late 17th century altered the breed’s facial structure, creating the flatter-faced King Charles spaniel we see today.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, they were treasured lapdogs in aristocratic circles. These smaller dogs weighed just 5-6lbs and were often pampered, although some became overweight from indulgent care.

4. 20th-century transformations and the Cavalier emergence

With the rise of dog shows and Kennel Clubs in the early 1900s, efforts combined various toy spaniels under the formal King Charles spaniel umbrella. King Edward VII helped secure the name. The breed was well-regarded internationally, including by Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia, whose spaniel tragically was found alongside the Romanov family remains in 1918.

Attempts to recreate the original spaniel of King Charles's era led to the establishment of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed, featuring longer faces and more moderate conformation. This breed today is significantly more popular than the King Charles spaniel itself.

5. Modern controversies and health concerns

The King Charles spaniel, like many breeds with ancient roots, has undergone changes mostly driven by selective breeding for appearance. Such breeding has caused severe health challenges, notably syringomyelia—a debilitating neurological condition linked to the breed’s skull shape.

The BBC’s 2008 documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed highlighted these welfare issues, prompting important conversations about breed standards and ethics.

Today, the King Charles spaniel is classed as a vulnerable native UK breed by the Kennel Club, with very low puppy availability. Responsible breeders prioritise health testing and breed moderation to reduce these problems.

6. Responsible ownership and buying advice

If you are considering buying a King Charles spaniel puppy, be prepared for potential waiting times due to low availability. Ensure your breeder carries out all recommended health screenings, including checks for syringomyelia and heart conditions.

Supporting reputable breeders who emphasise health and welfare safeguards the future of this noble breed. Adopting a spaniel from rescue centres or breed-specific rescues is also a compassionate alternative to purchasing.

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7. Conclusion: A breed of history, heart, and hope

The King Charles spaniel’s journey—from Far Eastern roots and royal laps to modern health challenges—reflects the complex legacy of many historic breeds. With dedicated care and responsible breeding, this charming breed can continue to grace homes with regal companionship.

Learning about their past enriches appreciation for these special dogs and reinforces the importance of prioritising their wellbeing as we look to the future.

King Charles Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: what is the difference?

The two breeds share a name and history but are distinct. The King Charles Spaniel (also called the English Toy Spaniel in the US) is the older type, selectively bred in the 19th century for a domed skull, pushed-in face, and compact body. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was developed in the 1920s and 1930s by breeders attempting to recreate the longer-nosed dogs depicted in 17th-century paintings. The Cavalier is larger, with a longer muzzle, higher-set ears, and a more athletic build. Both breeds are affectionate and suited to companionship, but the Cavalier tends to be more energetic. Health considerations differ: the King Charles Spaniel's flat face carries brachycephalic risks, while Cavaliers are monitored particularly for mitral valve disease and syringomyelia.

Health considerations for King Charles Spaniels

Both variants carry specific health concerns that any prospective owner should understand. The King Charles Spaniel's brachycephalic anatomy can cause breathing difficulties, eye problems, and dental crowding. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the breeds most affected by mitral valve disease (MVD), a progressive heart condition that affects a significant proportion of the breed by middle age — reputable breeders should provide heart-testing certificates for both parents. Syringomyelia, a condition where the skull is too small for the brain and spinal fluid builds up abnormally, is a further serious concern in Cavaliers. When buying from a breeder, always ask for up-to-date health certificates and check that the litter is registered with the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme.

The health controversy facing the King Charles Spaniel

The King Charles Spaniel (as distinct from the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) has faced growing scrutiny from welfare organisations and veterinary professionals in recent years. The breed's highly domed skull — a defining characteristic that has been intensified through selective breeding — can lead to serious neurological problems. The most significant is syringomyelia, a condition where the skull is too small for the brain, causing fluid-filled cavities to form in the spinal cord. This causes chronic pain and neurological symptoms that are extremely difficult to manage.

Responsible breeding programmes using MRI screening exist, and the Kennel Club has worked with breed clubs to introduce health testing requirements. However, because the brachycephalic features and the domed skull are both conformation points in the breed standard, there is an inherent tension between meeting the standard and breeding for health. Prospective buyers should research the issue thoroughly and only purchase from breeders who prioritise health screening above all else.