King Charles Spaniel

Gentle, affectionate, and happiest curled up in a lap or trotting along beside you, this little spaniel bonds closely with its family and tends to be friendly with strangers and other pets alike. It suits owners looking for a devoted, low-drama companion rather than an independent or high-octane dog.

Low to moderate energy, a couple of short walks and some indoor playtime cover its needs. It's a toy breed with a flat face, so avoid strenuous exercise, hot weather, and long hikes; this dog is built more for companionship than athletics.

The silky coat needs brushing two to three times a week to prevent mats, especially around the ears and feathering. Keep an eye on the ears themselves (they're long and prone to trapping moisture) and wipe the facial folds regularly since the flat face can collect dirt and moisture.

Eager to please and food-motivated, this breed responds well to gentle, positive training. Housetraining can take a bit of patience with toy breeds, so consistency and a regular schedule help.

As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, watch for breathing noisiness in heat or after exercise, and keep an eye on eyes (which can be prone to irritation given their size and prominence) and ears. Regular vet checkups, keeping the dog at a healthy weight, and avoiding overheating go a long way toward keeping it comfortable.

Great for apartment living or households wanting a devoted lap dog, but this isn't a breed that does well left alone for long stretches, it craves company. Because of its flat face, be mindful of heat and strenuous activity.