Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Great Britain, English Toy Spaniels
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 30–33 cm
- Weight
- 5.4–8.2 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9–14 yrs
- Gentle
- Affectionate
- Friendly
- Eager to please
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small toy spaniel from Great Britain, associated with the spaniels favoured at the courts of the Stuart kings and refined in the twentieth century. It has a silky, feathered coat in ruby, black and tan, tricolour or Blenheim colours, a gentle expression and large, dark eyes. It is a companion dog.
Temperament
Typically gentle, affectionate and eager to please, generally friendly with people and other animals. It thrives on company and can struggle if left alone for long periods.
Exercise
Needs daily walks and play, but is adaptable and happy with moderate exercise. It enjoys gentle outings and time with its family.
Grooming
The silky coat with feathering needs brushing several times a week. Check ears and feet.
Care & wellbeing
Keep weight lean and check ears regularly. Cavaliers have well-known breed health concerns, so choose a breeder who health-tests and ask a vet about heart and eye checks.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 6.8 kg adult- Water
- 272 ml–408 ml
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 470 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 60–90 min
- a day
- Grooming
- Brushing a few times a week
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
A British toy spaniel descended from the small spaniels popular at the courts of the Stuarts and revived in the twentieth century based on paintings of the older type. It was bred as a lap companion and is a gentle, affectionate dog that adapts well to family life.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Episodic falling
- Eye conditions
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Heart check by a cardiologist
- MRI screening for syringomyelia
- Eye tests
- DNA test for episodic falling
Not every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
Lower than average- Smaller food bills and medicine doses
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 9–14 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
- Smaller homes, as long as daily exercise needs are met
Think twice if
- You live somewhere hot or want a very active companion — flat-faced breeds can struggle with breathing and heat
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get?
Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically stand about 30–33 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 5.4–8.2 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?
Typically 9–14 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
Brushing a few times a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed?
A moderate amount. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have?
The breed can be prone to mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, episodic falling. Not every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Great Britain
- Type
- English Toy Spaniels
- Internationally recognised
- 1955