Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Temperament and Personality

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament is gentle, sweet-natured and laidback. With a happy expression and waggy tail, these easy going dogs are the paw-fect family pet. 

They were bred to be companions for British royalty, and have a natural, regal grace, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (also known as Cavaliers), aren’t fussy, demanding dogs. In fact, the only thing they want from you is your love and affection – and lots of treats of course! 

Known for their high intelligence without feeling the need to show off, Cavaliers are easy to train and will generally do whatever it takes to make their owners smile. They’re kind, patient souls who can sometimes be a little timid, but their affinity for peace and love makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel an excellent therapy dog, as well as a pet for the elderly or disabled.

Being both a toy breed and a Spaniel, Cavaliers are highly adaptable and can slot into many different lifestyles. They can spend their days romping about with active families, or they’re happy to lounge on the laps of homebodies being showered with cuddles and kisses. From country farms to city apartments, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are content, just as long as they’re with their loved ones. 

This insatiable need for human companionship does mean they’re prone to suffer with separation anxiety though. Being left alone for too long causes these cuties to become distressed, leading to some destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture, excessive whining, or toileting inside the house. It’s important they have someone at home with them most of the day to ensure they’re happy and healthy.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a devoted, docile doggo, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be the breed for you.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel paw-sonality traits

• Sweet-tempered and gentle

• Sociable and friendly

• Loving and affectionate

• Loyal and eager to please owners

• Very people-oriented

• Depends on human companionship

• Highly adaptable

• Easy going and docile

• Can be athletic or a couch potato

• Highly intelligent and trainable

• Lively and playful

• Can sometimes be timid

• Moderate prey drive

• Moderate exercise levels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Pros and Cons

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good family dogs?

Absolutely. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a firm family favourite, and for good reason. They’re people pleasers down to the bone and thrive off constant human connection. Always wanting to do right by their owner, this is a breed that rarely ends up in the doghouse! Their gentle disposition and friendly nature make them a wholesome family pet for both active owners and those living a more calm, slow-paced life.

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with children?

Yes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be gentle and patient with children of all ages. They’re also a chipper, playful breed that enjoys toys and indoor games, making them a great buddy for teens and toddlers alike.

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with other pets?

Yes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to be pretty easy going when it comes to other dogs and animals, including cats. However, while their hunting instincts aren’t as strong as their Cocker Spaniel cousins, Cavaliers are still Spaniels with a moderate prey drive. They love a good game of chase and might be inclined to catch pet birds, so bear this in mind if you have any feathered friends at home. As with all dogs though, early socialisation and training from a young age is crucial. 

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

Full grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need around 40 - 60 minutes of physical exercise a day. This could be leisurely walks around the block or a romp around a secure back garden.

Despite being known as kings and queens of the couch, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are lively, playful dogs that enjoy the outdoors. But being a Spaniel, they have deep-rooted hunting instincts and are likely to dart off if they see (or smell) something interesting. This means they should be kept on a lead in open areas, allowing them to explore and satisfy their curiosity safely. 

The clever Cavalier also needs lots of mental enrichment, with indoor games such as puzzle toys, fetch, and hide-and-seek. They’ll appreciate the bonding time too!

Staying active is essential to prevent these pooches from packing on the pounds. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on their joints and internal organs, but it can make breathing through their flattened muzzle more difficult. 

How do you train a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a clever, eager-to-please breed, making them easy to train and ideal dogs for first-time owners. They’re also capable of learning much more beyond the basics. However, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take them a while to become fully housetrained. 

Unleash your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as this Baltic Beef Jerky. Cavaliers are very sensitive, and harsh correction could leave them feeling fearful and anxious. A gentle, patient approach works best. 

2. Prioritise potty training. The Cavalier needs consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. 

3. Be consistent. They’re eager to please pups but they need consistency in order to learn commands, so ensure everyone in the family uses the same words.

4. Get them used to a lead. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a moderate prey drive, so it’s important to keep them safe on a loose lead. Practice indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable.

5. Work on recall. If you do want to let your Cavalier off-lead, it’s vital they’ve mastered the art of recall. Use a long line lead, clear vocal commands and high value treats to encourage them to come back to you.

6. Channel their inner hunter. Engage them in agility training, flyball, obedience trials, scent work, frisbee, and games of fetch to give both their brains and bodies a good workout.

7. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is still a must, even for the super friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

8. Get them used to being handled. Touching their ears, legs, mouths, and inspecting around their eyes is important for their grooming and health needs. 

9. Keep training sessions short. Cavaliers can easily lose their motivation for training, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused. 

10. Consider therapy training. These dogs were known as ‘comforter’ Spaniels for a reason, so engage them in therapy training to bring joy to hospital patients and those living in nursing homes.

11. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help Cavaliers be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a gorgeous, flat, silky coat that comes in four stunning colours. They shed moderately throughout the year – more so during spring and autumn – and need regular brushing to keep their coat healthy. 

Short hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will need brushing a few times a week, whereas dogs with a longer coat will need daily brushing.

Here are some Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grooming tips to keep them looking flawless all year round.

• Brush their coats daily, or several times a week, using a bristle or pin brush to prevent tangling and remove dead hairs in the undercoat.

• Focus on the feathering around their ears, legs, and feet, as these areas can get matted easily.

• Brush more frequently during shedding seasons.

• Always check inside their long, floppy ears for signs of infection when grooming. Bacteria loves to grow where it can’t be seen!

• Clean around their eyes daily using a soft, damp cloth to prevent tear staining and remove any discharge. This will also allow you to check for any signs of eye conditions.

• Bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo to wash away dirt and keep their coat shiny. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Cavaliers should be professionally groomed every 3 months so they can be handstripped. This groom will also include a nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for, and loved, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lifespan is between 10 and 14 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, they’re prone to a number of specific health issues.

Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health problems

• Mitral Valve Disease (MVD). This is where blood builds up in the left atrium of the heart due to a defect in the mitral valve. The heart then struggles to pump blood efficiently around the body. It starts as a heart murmur that eventually becomes heart failure, and while this is common to see in older dogs, Cavaliers are sadly prone to developing MVD as young as one year old. Signs of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dying from heart disease include difficulty breathing, fainting episodes, excessive coughing, and weight loss.

• Syringomyelia (SM). This is an inherited, progressive neurological disease where fluid builds up around the spinal canal due to abnormalities of the skull. Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe pain and partial paralysis, and it typically appears between the ages of 6 months and 4 years. Classic signs include scratching the air near their neck and shoulders (but not making contact with the skin), yelping or whimpering for no apparent reason, weakness in the legs, head shaking, and seizures. Medical treatments can help, but surgery may be required to help alleviate the pain. 

• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues.Those looking to bring a Cavalier puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive diets, and joint supplements.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.  

• Eye Problems. Cavaliers are prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, dry eye, cherry eye, and retinal problems. Young adult dogs can develop these issues and if left untreated, can lead to more severe outcomes such as blindness.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay shiny to maintaining healthy joints, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their energy levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

A good rule of thumb is to feed Cavaliers 2 times a day to fuel them for their activities. However, as these dogs are prone to serious heart conditions, it’s vital they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on their hearts and joints, which drastically reduces their quality of life.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet

Due to their potential health problems, Cavaliers need a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the hip dysplasia and patella luxation at bay, consider feeding Cavalier King Charles Spaniels a Joint Care Dry Food, or add Joint Tablets to their diet as an extra preventative measure. Also, puppies should never be over exercised while they’re still developing.

Monitor their heart 

These pups are prone to develop MVD, so schedule regular cardiac evaluations with your vet to monitor and manage their heart health.

Monitor weight

A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weight is anywhere between 6kg and 8kg. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet though, as extra weight on these pooches can increase the risk of heart failure. For curvy Cavaliers, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food.

Look after their eyes

The Cavalier’s large, adorable eyes are prone to a number of health problems. Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. 

Exercise regularly

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels could snuggle and snooze all day if you let them, but they’re lively little dogs that love to explore and play. Daily walks on a lead with plenty of indoor playtime will keep them trim and happy.

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

What is a Teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The standard Cavalier King Charles Spaniel size is small, weighing between 6–8 kg and measuring 30–33 cm in height. However, Teacup or Miniature Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Cavalier that’s smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small dogs mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishing the dogs – in order to produce ‘trendy’ teacup dogs.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy?

The price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £2,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a CKCS can be up to £100, depending on food and insurance levels.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £30 and £60 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a few serious health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the world’s most beloved lap dogs!

• Ever wondered the difference between a King Charles Spaniel Vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? They’re two separate breeds, with the King Charles Spaniel being smaller than the Cavalier and featuring a shorter snout and flatter muzzle.

• They still retain a deep-rooted hunting instinct, and can shoot off if they get a glimpse of a squirrel. It’s why they’re best walked on a lead and given a secure back garden to let off steam. 

• They might come across as lazy lap dogs, but Cavaliers do well in obedience trials and agility training. 

• Both King Charles I and his son, King Charles II, were crazy about Cavaliers. Charles II actually issued a royal decree that dogs should be allowed everywhere, including Parliament, proving dogs really are a man’s best friend!

• They were often known as ‘comforter’ Spaniels due to their love of lounging on laps. This makes Cavalier King Charles Spaniels amazing therapy dogs, bringing joy and smiles to those in need. 

• Politics almost caused this pooch to vanish. When King Charles II died without anyone to take over the throne, a new ruling family had to be established. They didn’t want to be associated with the previous King’s favourite dog, so this breed became quite rare while the Pug rose in popularity. 

• The majority of Cavaliers have a unique mark on the top of their head called the Blenheim Spot. When the Duke of Marlborough won the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, his wife Sarah was stroking her pregnant Cavalier on the forehead when she went into labour. All of the pups were born with this marking and it’s trait we still see today! 

• You can get Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cross breeds. The Poodle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix is called the Cavapoo, the Bichon Frise Cavalier cross is called a Cavachon, and the Jack Russell Cavalier mix is called a Cavajack! 

History and Origin

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming breed with a royal legacy dating back to the 16th century. They descend from Toy Spaniels, and were the darlings of English nobility. They get their name from King Charles II who was extremely fond of the breed. So much in fact, he was known to take at least two or three out with him wherever he went, declaring they should be allowed in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. 

Originally, the breed's ancestors were known as ‘comforter’ Spaniels and were often depicted in portraits sitting beside their aristocratic owners. They accompanied noble women on carriage journeys to keep their hands warm, and were also used as bed warmers and playthings. Mary Queen of Scots famously took her beloved Spaniel along with her to her beheading, as it was found hidden in her petticoats. 

The first Duke of Marlborough developed the Blenheim Spaniel, named after Blenheim Palace where he lived. These dogs, with a rich chestnut and white coat, retained their hunting instincts and were used to flush game. The Duke of Norfolk developed the black and tan coat, while tricolour Spaniels were called the Prince Charles. The ruby coat was the last colour to be developed.

It wasn’t until the Victorian era when the breed began to change. Pugs became the top dog, which influenced breeding trends towards flatter muzzles. This resulted in a shorter-nosed Spaniel known as the King Charles Spaniel (or English Toy Spaniel in the U.S.). 

However, some enthusiasts preferred the traditional, longer snout. In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge offered a prize of £25 (a huge sum of money at the time!) at Crufts Dog Show for the best ‘old type’ Blenheim Spaniel seen during King Charles II reign. This sparked renewed interest in producing longer snouted Spaniels.

In 1928, Miss Mostyn Walker won the prize with her dog called Ann’s Son, but Eldridge sadly died a month prior so he didn’t get to see his wish come true. The word ‘Cavalier’ was added to distinguish the two breeds, and in the same year, the first Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed.

Today, these gentle, elegant dogs continue to steal the hearts of many worldwide, thanks to their sweet nature and royal heritage.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

1. Research the breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle and loving but they’re prone to few serious health issues, so you need to make sure you can care for them properly.

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight week olds. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Cavaliers in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.