Gentle, devoted and always happy to see you, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to soak up cuddles at any time of day. They love children and make great family pets.
Personality and temperament
It’s hard not to fall in love with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Not only do they have a calm, low-key temperament and affectionate personality, but they also have large, inviting round eyes that are impossible to say ‘no’ to. On top of that, they are intelligent and playful pups that are always up for a play, a walk or simply to have the job of warming your lap. They won’t say no.
Size and appearance
A toy dog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the perfect size to demand a lap cuddle on a regular basis. They shouldn’t get above about 8 kilos, and they generally don’t reach higher than 33 cm to their shoulder. Their silky-soft fur comes in three colours with distinct markings ruby, black and tan and tricolour, and they are known for their floppy, feathery ears which hang down like pig tails. The cute little face is part of their distinct look, but the shorter snout can lead to breathing issues and overheating if not monitored.
History
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were developed from the English Toy Spaniel – a breed dating back to England in the 1600s developed to warm laps in draughty castles. They were given the title of King Charles Spaniel as the British monarch was always accompanied by at least two or three Cavaliers at any one time. While the breed changed over the years, in the 1900s a recreation of an earlier version of the Cavalier was born and named Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in honour of their previous owner.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s flat face, big round eyes and short nose put it amongst a group of dog breeds known as brachycephalic – a term that comes from the Greek words brachy (flat) and cephalic (head). Unfortunately, these unique physical features mean that brachycephalic dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common conditions to look out for include:
- Breathing issues, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) where the flattened shape of the nose and skull restricts airflow and causes breathing difficulties. Symptoms include noisy breathing, snoring, wheezing, gagging and choking, exercise intolerance and fainting. Some dogs benefit from surgery to improve their breathing
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), a common heart condition causing heart failure
- Syringomyelia (SM), a serious neurological disorder
- Hip dysplasia (where the hip joints don’t form properly)
- Ear infections, due to their floppy ears
- Eye problems, including cataracts and dry eye
- Patellar Luxation (dislocated kneecap)
- Obesity (Cavaliers can gain weight easily, leading to other health problems)
Regular vet check-ups and constant care can help manage these conditions and keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthy.
Food and exercise
Although they may appear always hungry, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should eat a balanced diet full of protein-rich and nutrient-dense ingredients. They can put on weight easily so it’s best to try and limit treats, though we know that can be challenging with those eyes staring at you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small and designed for lap hugs, but they do enjoy regular exercise and mental situation. Aim for about 30 to 60 mins of exercise per day – this could be playtime, training or walks. Avoid exercise in hot or humid weather, as these little fur balls can overheat easily.
Cavaliers can struggle in the heat – especially during exercise – due to their flatter facial features. When temperatures climb above 25°C, it’s best to skip the walk and stay cool indoors. Regular outdoor time is still important, so plan walks during the coolest parts of the day in summer.
Grooming and maintenance
With their long, silky coat and droopy ears, Cavaliers need regular brushing and ear care to prevent matting and infections, along with professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat looking its best.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Top-coat groom: 2-3 times a week
- Professional groom: every 6-8 weeks
How to groom Cavaliers
- Fur: brush 3-4 times a week to prevent matting
- Nails: trim every 3–4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly; long ears can trap moisture and cause ear infections
- Eyes: wipe gently to remove tear stains
Training and space requirements
Intelligent and eager to please, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be quite easy to train, especially if you start when they are a puppy. They respond well to positive reward-based training and encouragement.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can adjust to small homes and apartments if they aren’t left along for too long and they are regularly exercised. While they appreciate a fenced yard, they also love mental stimulation with their owners as well as frequent outings.
Best suited for…
Affectionate, great with kids and a big lover of ‘couch time’, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well suited to households where there is lots of love and companionship. They need an owner who can spend the time, energy and money on their wellbeing, especially as they can experience various health issues.
