3 Common King Charles Spaniel Behaviour Problems (And How To Fix Them)

Remember: Your King Charles Spaniel was bred for one beautiful purpose—to be a loving companion. Their gentle nature and devotion aren't flaws. They're exactly what makes them special.

Where Do King Charles Spaniels Come From?

The King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel) is the older cousin of the Cavalier. They date back to 16th century England. King Charles II loved them so much he wrote decrees allowing them into any public building, including Parliament.

What were they bred to do?

• Serve as lap warmers for English royalty
• Provide comfort and companionship
• Act as living status symbols in royal courts
• Be carried everywhere by ladies of the court

Key breeding traits: These dogs were bred to be the ultimate lap dogs. They're small (9-14 pounds) and perfect for carrying. They have flatter faces than Cavaliers, which sadly causes breathing difficulties. Their temperament is incredibly gentle and submissive. They have soft expressions designed to trigger human nurturing. Unlike most breeds, they were never given any working function. Their entire purpose was constant companionship.

Why Do King Charles Spaniels Have These Behaviour Problems?

Your King Charles Spaniel was bred for over 400 years with one job: provide constant companionship to royalty. They were never meant to be independent. They were never meant to be alone. They were literally carried everywhere.

Modern life asks them to do things that contradict their entire genetic makeup. We expect them to settle when we're busy. We leave them alone whilst we work. We want them to be confident in new situations. But their DNA says, "Stay close. Never leave. Be gentle and submissive always."

Their physical traits create challenges too. Victorian breeders changed their faces to be shorter and flatter. This looked appealing but created serious breathing problems. When your dog can't breathe comfortably, everything else becomes harder.

Problem 1: Breathing Issues Causing Behaviour Problems

What's happening: Your King Charles Spaniel struggles to breathe properly, gets uncomfortable during activity, can't settle in certain positions, and becomes irritable or anxious.

Why it happens: They're more brachycephalic (flat-faced) than Cavaliers. This means their airways are compressed. They can't pant effectively to cool down or self-soothe. Physical discomfort leads directly to behaviour issues.

The fix:

Keep exercise minimal. Short walks only—10-15 minutes maximum in early morning or late evening. Watch constantly for distress signs like excessive panting or a purple tongue.

Focus on mental work instead of physical. Use puzzle feeders for 15-20 minutes. Play hide-and-seek with treats. Teach gentle tricks that don't require running or jumping.

Create a "cool zone" for activities. Only engage your dog when temperature and humidity are controlled. Avoid any outdoor activity in warm weather.

Provide orthopedic bedding. Use elevated beds that allow air circulation. This helps them breathe comfortably whilst resting.

Consider vet consultation about surgical options. Many King Charles Spaniels benefit from procedures that widen their nostrils or shorten their soft palate. Address breathing medically before assuming it's just behaviour.

Struggling with knowing when your dog is too hot or stressed? Join our live Q&A sessions where you can show us videos of your King Charles Spaniel and get immediate feedback on whether their breathing is normal or concerning.

Problem 2: Extreme Separation Anxiety

What's happening: Your King Charles Spaniel panics when you leave, follows you everywhere, can't settle unless touching you, and may bark, destroy things, or toilet indoors when alone.

Why it happens: They were bred for 400 years to provide constant companionship to royalty who never left them alone. Being alone contradicts their reason for existing more profoundly than almost any other breed.

The fix:

Start with "near but not on" training. When you sit down, they must settle on their bed nearby (not on your lap). Start with 1 minute. Gradually extend to 10-15 minutes before inviting them up.

Practice extremely gradual departures. Start with just 10-15 seconds. Leave the room. Come straight back. Ignore your dog completely for 5 full minutes until they're calm and lying down.

Accept they may never tolerate long periods alone. Six to eight hours is genuinely distressing for this breed. Plan your lifestyle accordingly. Consider doggy daycare, dog walkers, or work-from-home arrangements.

Is your King Charles Spaniel still struggling with being left alone? Our community includes other English Toy Spaniel owners who've been exactly where you are. Get troubleshooting help when your training plan isn't working.

Problem 3: Submissive Behaviours & Timidity

What's happening: Your King Charles Spaniel is overly submissive, scared of new people or situations, reluctant to explore, and may show excessive submission like rolling over or submissive urination.

Why it happens: Centuries of breeding for docile companionship created an extremely soft temperament. Any "spirited" or assertive behaviours were bred out. They were bred to never challenge or displease their royal owners.

The fix:

Use extremely gentle, positive-only training. Absolutely no corrections. Practice very simple commands like sit, touch, and target. Reward heavily and enthusiastically for every success.

Build brave behaviours incrementally. Practice experiencing slightly challenging situations (a new person at a distance, an unfamiliar sound at low volume) whilst doing tricks they know well. Reward heavily for focusing on you.

Never force interactions. Allow them to approach new people or situations on their own timeline. Forcing creates fear and worsens timidity.

Accept their soft temperament is genetic. They'll never be bold or outgoing dogs. And that's completely okay.

Want to see exactly how to introduce new experiences without overwhelming your dog? Watch our video demonstrations of gradual exposure training specifically for sensitive breeds like King Charles Spaniels.

Is a King Charles Spaniel Right for a New Owner?

A King Charles Spaniel can be a wonderful choice for the right owner. Here's what makes them special:

A gentle, loving companion - If you're looking for a devoted dog who thrives on closeness, this breed excels. They're happiest curled up beside you, providing comfort and affection.

An apartment-friendly dog - Their low energy and small size make them perfect for apartment living. They don't need a garden or lots of space.

A great match for less active lifestyles - Seniors, remote workers, and those who prefer quiet evenings will find their perfect match. These dogs don't demand long hikes or intense exercise.

A naturally gentle temperament - They're wonderful with gentle children and other pets. Their soft nature means they rarely show aggression or dominance.

A dog who travels well - Their small size and desire to be near you makes them excellent travel companions. They're happy wherever you are.

This breed does require commitment to their specific needs, particularly around companionship and health management. But for owners who want a true lap dog and devoted companion, they're genuinely special.

Get the Full Support System for Your King Charles Spaniel

This article gives you real solutions you can start using today. But raising a King Charles Spaniel is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix.

That's why we created our free Skool community—to give you continuous support every step of the way.

Inside the community, you'll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions where you can ask about YOUR specific King Charles Spaniel and get personalised advice from experienced trainers
• Full breed-specific courses covering everything from puppy raising to advanced behaviour modification
• A supportive community of other King Charles Spaniel owners who understand exactly what you're going through
• Video demonstrations so you can see techniques in action, not just read about them
• Troubleshooting help when things don't go to plan (because they won't always!)
• Updated resources as we add new courses and training blueprints

Best part? It's completely free. No subscription. No catch. Just dog owners helping dog owners.

Join The Toe Beans Co community today and get the ongoing support you need to build the best relationship with your King Charles Spaniel.