Looking for a bit of information on King Charles Spaniels. Character - temperament - what it is like living with one? activity levels - health....... I am inquiring for a people who have had a CKCS  a good few years ago but health issues are putting them off, and I am leading them in another direction ie the King Charles Spaniel.  Albeit I have only meet one. But reading the breed profile it sounds a lot of their boxes are ticked.

I don't own one, but I believe they suffer from many of the problems of the Cavalier, so the health testing is still very important. I have heard they used to be rather more nervy and aloof than a Cavalier, but breeders have put a lot of work in and improved the temperament a lot.

KCS do potentially suffer from the same brain problem ( syringomyelia) as Cavaliers. Not sure of the nervousness as I only meet one on my walks and he certainly gives us a wide berth. If you speak to long-standing CKCS breeders and owners you will discover that many reach at least 12. Don't believe everything that was reported in "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" as a lot of it was sensationalism.  Cavaliers are a lovely, friendly and gentle breed as I am sure that K.C. may also be.

Tiny gene pool, same inherited disease issues as CKCS.

The video at the link below is from a BBC documentary on UK pedigree dog health, this particular link has some CKC in it, you may find some of the documentary footage distressing.

http://vimeo.com/84864735
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Might be worth looking at Japanese chins.

Without any bias or deep knowledge of the breed's health, I have to say Maibee Theo who did very well at Crufts a few years ago, struck me as a nicely made dog, without too much exaggeration.

I don't know about KCS but I had a CKCS for many years. A dear little soul, very happy with life, other dogs and people. He died aged 12 from heart failure although he had been on heart tablets for ages and he  had a few aching joints as he aged, but nothing exceptional. All in all he was a basically healthy and lovely little boy that everyone adored. He was called Ollie and his 'brother' was a boxer called Stan.

Thanks for the heads up on Japanese Chins.............

Thanks all. I am grateful for all who have replied. As always I suspect buyer beware and research research research.