Weight

5.9–8.2 kg

Height

30–33 cm

Lifespan

9–14 years

Origin

United Kingdom

Coat

Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor, black and tan, ruby

Group

Toy / Companion

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Sweet, gentle, and adaptable, the perfect lap dog for families and seniors

🌍 United Kingdom 📋 Toy / Companion 📐 Small 🕐 9–14 years

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the quintessential companion dog, gentle, affectionate, adaptable, and beautiful. Named after King Charles II of England, who was rarely seen without his beloved spaniels, the modern Cavalier was recreated in the 1920s to resemble the original dogs in 17th-century paintings. They are one of the most popular breeds in the UK and beloved worldwide for their sweet temperament.

🧠 Temperament

Cavaliers are famously gentle and adaptable, equally content on a country walk or curled in a lap watching television. They are sociable to a fault: they welcome strangers, get along beautifully with cats, and thrive with other dogs. They are sensitive dogs that do not tolerate harsh handling and are strongly recommended as therapy dogs. Their one significant weakness is separation anxiety, they are bred to be companions and strongly dislike being alone.

🏥 Health considerations

Cavaliers have some of the most significant breed-specific health concerns of any pedigree dog. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) affects the vast majority of Cavaliers, studies suggest around 50% develop a heart murmur by age 5, and virtually all by age 10. Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like Malformation (CM), a neurological condition causing pain from the skull being too small for the brain, affects a significant proportion of the breed. Choose breeders who participate in the Cavalier Health MVD Breeding Protocol and MRI screen for SM/CM.

🏃 Exercise needs

Cavaliers need only 30–60 minutes of moderate daily exercise. Two gentle walks per day suit them well. They can adapt their activity level to their owner's lifestyle, but should not be over-exercised in hot weather.

✂️ Grooming

The silky coat needs brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent matting, particularly around the ears and feathering. Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks. Ears need weekly checking and cleaning. Pay particular attention to the long ear feathering which drags on the ground and collects debris.

🍽️ Feeding your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A 7 kg Cavalier needs approximately 200–260 kcal per day. They are not particularly food-driven compared to many breeds, but can become overweight if portions are not controlled.

Did you know? 💡

King Charles II issued a royal decree guaranteeing Cavalier Spaniels access to any public building in England, a law that technically remains on the books in some interpretations.
The modern Cavalier breed was recreated in the 1920s by American Roswell Eldridge, who offered prize money at Crufts for dogs resembling the original domed-nosed spaniel in old paintings.
Cavaliers are one of the most successful therapy dog breeds due to their calm, empathetic temperament.
The four colour varieties each have their own name: Blenheim, Tricolour, Black and Tan, and Ruby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What health problems do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have? ▾

Cavaliers are predisposed to mitral valve disease (MVD), which affects a majority of the breed by age 10. Syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition caused by skull size relative to brain size, is another serious breed concern. Patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and eye conditions also occur. Cardiac screening should begin by age 1 and continue annually.

Are Cavaliers good apartment dogs? ▾

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent apartment dogs. They are small (5 to 8 kg), relatively quiet, adaptable, and content with moderate exercise. Two 20-minute walks plus indoor play typically meet their needs. They are affectionate lap dogs that thrive on companionship and adapt their energy level to their owner's lifestyle.

Do Cavaliers get along with other pets? ▾

Cavaliers are one of the most sociable breeds and generally get along extremely well with other dogs, cats, and small pets. Their gentle, non-dominant temperament makes them easy to integrate into multi-pet households. They were bred as companion dogs, not hunters, so their prey drive is low compared to many spaniel breeds.

How much grooming does a Cavalier need? ▾

Cavaliers have a medium-length, silky coat that requires brushing 3 to 4 times per week to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended. Their feathered ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections. The coat should never be trimmed short as it provides protection.

Can Cavaliers be left alone during the day? ▾

Cavaliers strongly prefer companionship and do not do well left alone for long periods. They can develop separation anxiety, which manifests as barking, destructive behavior, or house soiling. If you work full-time, consider a dog walker, doggy daycare, or a second pet for company. Gradual alone-time training helps but does not eliminate their need for social contact.