 The King Charles has large dark eyes , a short nose , a high domed head and a line of black skin around the mouth . On average , it stands 9 to 11 inches ( 23 to 28 cm ) at the withers , with a small but compact body . The breed has a traditionally docked tail . It has the long pendulous ears typical of a spaniel and its coat comes in four varieties , trait it shares with its offshoot , the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel . 
