Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Your Complete Guide
The cavalier King Charles spaniel is a small dog with a big heart. This breed has a lot of love to give and has a stellar temperament, making it a great choice for many different households. Of course, the cavalier King Charles spaniel won’t be right for everyone, which is why we’ve put together this guide.
We will share everything you need to know about the cavalier King Charles spaniel so that you can get a good sense of what this breed is like and if it could be the right fit for you. You’ll learn about the breed’s history, temperament, trainability, intelligence, energy levels, grooming needs, health risks, diet, and more.
Quick Look at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This chart provides a brief overview of the cavalier King Charles spaniel.
| Weight/Height | Weight: 13-18 lbs
Height: 12-13 inches |
| Coat Type | Medium-length, silky, wavy |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Affectionate, clingy, calm |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are named after King Charles II, a British monarch from the 17th century. King Charles I enjoyed toy spaniels, but it was his son, King Charles II, whose adoration for them turned into a passion for breeding. Until the 19th century, toy spaniels were favored among British aristocracy.
During Queen Victoria’s reign in the later half of the 19th century, these spaniels were bred with Asian toy breeds like Pugs and Japanese chins. The resulting dog became known as the English toy spaniel.
The English toy spaniel had a flatter face and a more dome-shaped skull; this breed had moved away from the original style of toy spaniel favored by King Charles II and other 17th-century British nobles.
In the 1920s, breed fanciers wanted a toy spaniel more similar to those from King Charles II’s time. They even offered a reward to British breeders who could produce such a dog. The result was the cavalier King Charles spaniel.
While you may think cavalier means “dashing,” it was once the name used for King Charles I’s supporting party during the English Civil War. Though cavalier King Charles spaniels are indeed dashing, adding the term to the breed’s name was meant to be a nod to the monarchist party.
What Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Look Like?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels come in four standard colors: black and tan, black and white, ruby, and Blenheim. Ruby is a deep, golden-red color, and Blenheim consists of white and large patches of ruby. Sometimes the entire back of a Blenheim cavalier will be ruby, while the undercarriage and legs are white.
Similarly, the tan in the black and tan cavalier King Charles spaniels looks very similar to the ruby color. This breed can also have tan markings, which are often seen on the eyebrows, feet, and muzzles of black and white dogs.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are small dogs with short snouts and big long ears. Their ears are usually covered in thick, somewhat crimped or wavy hair. The fur along their body is medium length and slightly feathered, and they have beautiful fluffy tails.
What Size Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are small dogs that weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. They typically stand between 12 and 13 inches tall.
What Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s Coat Type and Length?
The cavalier King Charles spaniel has a combination coat made up of medium-length hair. The fur is silky and can be straight or slightly wavy (or both). You’ll also notice that the fur on the ears, chest, legs, feet, and tail is feathered.
What Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s Temperament?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are incredibly affectionate dogs who love attention. They are cuddly lapdogs who are gentle with kids and friendly with strangers.
They have a moderate amount of energy but typically adjust to your lifestyle. That said, their ancestors (spaniels) are hunting dogs, so they can keep up with long walks and they enjoy sniffing around and chasing animals outside.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good With Kids?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are great with children of all ages. They are gentle and tolerant and enjoy playing with kids. It’s important to keep in mind that they are a small breed who are even smaller while they are puppies. Children with undeveloped motor skills may accidentally hurt a King Charles spaniel.
It’s important that dogs and children are always supervised when together. Children should be taught how to treat dogs gently and respect their boundaries.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good With Other Animals?
Many cavalier King Charles spaniel owners have had success with their cavaliers living with other animals. They typically get along with cats and other dogs.
Many cavalier spaniels enjoy following scents and will even chase wild animals in the yard, but they can be taught to leave animals in the house alone. You’ll always need to supervise, but it is possible to own a cavalier King Charles spaniel alongside prey animals like rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, ferrets, etc.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Aggressive?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are typically very friendly and docile; they are not known for aggression. Of course, aggression is possible in any breed. Usually, it is a result of poor socialization during puppyhood but can also be due to mistreatment or negative experiences that cause fear.
Sometimes, aggression can be caused by a medical issue. Most of the time, aggression can be treated and resolved with behavior modification training.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bark?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are often considered to be on the quiet side, though there are some outliers. Many King Charles spaniels are relatively quiet but will bark during play or when they need to be let out.
Some may bark when a visitor arrives. Those who develop separation anxiety may bark more frequently. In general, this breed could be a good choice for apartments with noise restrictions.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Affectionate?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels have a reputation for being cuddlebugs. These dogs tend to be quite affectionate with their families and are often described as “velcro dogs” who always want to be near you and will follow you around the house. Many are lapdogs.
On top of that, they tend to warm up quickly to strangers. The only downside to this great affection is that it can lead to separation anxiety if care is not taken to train them to be independent while you are away.
Some owners have noted that this breed should be made to sleep in a crate or dog bed rather than in one’s own bed because once they’re allowed in, they’ll put up a huge fuss if you try to kick them out. This can be an issue for those looking to have time alone with a partner.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Intelligent?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are considered to have average intelligence. Though they are capable of learning complex skills, they aren’t as good at problem-solving as some other breeds and can sometimes lack situational awareness.
Many high-intelligence breeds are also very curious and will get themselves into trouble. The cavalier King Charles spaniel can be curious at times, but not to the point where they need to be given something to do lest their curiosity get out of hand.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Energetic?
Many people are surprised by how much energy the cavalier King Charles spaniel has despite being diminutive. Though this breed was always meant to be a lap dog, spaniels were historically used as hunting dogs. Thus, cavalier King Charles spaniels have some amount of sporting blood in their veins.
As such, they have a moderate amount of energy. The great thing about this breed is they can keep up with long walks and low-impact hikes (healthy cavaliers can enjoy two to four miles of either activity), but are also happy to chill out on the couch at home.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels will often adjust to you. Though you should aim to offer them at least one 30-minute walk per day; on days when you are sick or otherwise unable to exercise them, they’ll often read the room and simply rest calmly in the house.
Many King Charles spaniels love to play fetch, which is a great option for exercise when you are unable to go for a walk.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Easy to Train?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are easy to train. Due to their affectionate nature, they are eager to please their owners. They also tend to be easily motivated with treats.
Though they are only of average intelligence, they can learn complex tricks. Cavaliers are also a good choice for dog sports. They excel at obedience, rally, flyball, and agility.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good Watchdogs?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are not a great choice if you’re looking for a watchdog or a guard dog. This breed may alarm bark if someone is at the door, but they are usually too friendly to offer any protection.
They are not known to be protective at all. Their small size is the opposite of intimidating. This breed is simply too sweet to take on the role of watchdog or protector.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Good Service Dogs?
Some cavalier King Charles spaniels make amazing service dogs because they are easy to train and completely devoted to their owners. That said, not all cavaliers will have what it takes to be service dogs.
Those that do are especially well suited to psychiatric service dog work, though they can also be medical alert dogs and hearing assistance dogs. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are too small to be mobility assistance dogs or guide dogs.
If you’re looking for an emotional support animal, this breed was practically made for the role. They’re affectionate, cuddly lapdogs that will never leave your side. They are also easy to train, calm, and only require a moderate amount of exercise. Basically, they shouldn’t be too much of a handful once they grow out of their puppy phase.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are also amazing therapy dogs. It’s easy to teach them the manners needed for this work. They warm up to strangers quickly, are good with children, and often enjoy being held and petted (which will happen to them a lot if they become therapy dogs).
How to Care for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The cavalier King Charles spaniel is relatively easy to care for. Brushing them at least once per week is a must and cannot be skipped, and some cavaliers will benefit from more frequent grooming. Brushing will prevent their gorgeous locks from becoming matted.
Otherwise, this breed just needs the basics. Check their ears for infection often, brush their teeth daily, and keep their nails trimmed.
Do You Need to Groom a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are not high-maintenance dogs, but they do have medium-length fur that requires some care. You will need to brush their fur at least once per week to prevent matting, but some cavaliers may have longer hair than others and may require more frequent grooming.
Aside from this, they are relatively easy to care for. Brush their teeth daily and keep their nails trimmed (this can be done about once per month).
Their big, long ears are somewhat prone to infection, so check them weekly. You may also decide to clean the ears once or twice a month. This breed can be bathed as needed and does not need to see a professional groomer.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Shed?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are moderate shedders. They are not considered seasonal shedders and instead shed about the same amount all year round. This breed is not hypoallergenic, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Allergens from dogs come from dander and saliva, and there is negligible evidence to suggest any one breed is easier on allergies than others. In fact, one study found that Labrador retrievers (a breed that sheds a ton) released fewer Can f1 allergens than a poodle (a breed that barely sheds at all).
If you struggle with allergies but you want a cavalier King Charles spaniel, visit your doctor to discuss what you can do to manage your symptoms.
What Health Problems Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Have?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are at risk for the following health issues: patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, syringomyelia, cataracts, retinal dysplasia. They’re also at risk of dry eye, congenital deafness, and mitral valve murmur.
Though health issues are always cause for concern, you can increase your chances of getting a healthy dog by adopting from a reputable breeder. Any breeder worth their salt will health test their animals.
This ensures that breeding stock is in good condition and will not pass any health problems onto their offspring. Reputable breeders will be happy to share the results of health tests with you.
How Long Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Live?
The average lifespan of a cavalier King Charles spaniel is about 12 to 15 years.
What Should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Eat?
A cavalier King Charles spaniel should eat the highest quality dog food you have access to. The best dog foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists, undergo feeding trials, and meet AAFCO guidelines. You might also consider choosing a food specifically formulated for small breeds.
To determine how much to feed the cavalier King Charles spaniel, you can follow the directions provided with your chosen food. You can also calculate the dog’s caloric needs yourself. There are online calculators for this purpose as well.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the Right Dog for Me?
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are charming little dogs that love nothing more than spending time with their owners. They’re incredibly affectionate and cuddly and are well-known for being lapdogs.
This breed does well with children and can be a wonderful family pet because they are good at adapting to one’s lifestyle. They don’t have unmanageable amounts of energy and are just as happy to relax inside as they are to go for a walk or play in the yard.
The cavalier King Charles spaniel will, for that reason, be a good choice for most families. However, the breed’s clinginess does predispose them to separation anxiety, so not only do families need to be proactive with training, but this breed will be happier in a home where they aren’t left alone for most of the day.
This breed is easily trainable and has a lovely disposition so it is also great for first-time owners. The only people who may not want a breed such as this are those who have highly active lifestyles or are looking for high-energy breeds for hunting, herding, or other types of work.
Though the cavalier King Charles spaniel will enjoy a long walk, they aren’t a good choice for someone who wants to bike or jog miles with a dog.