A graceful, friendly dog with a noble expression, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can adapt to many different lifestyles. Bred to be companions in royal households, they are just as happy with very active owners as they are spending more time on the couch.
Facts & advice
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate toy breed that’s a great companion for the whole family
Vital stats
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| Size: | Small |
| Coat: | Double-coated & silky, low maintenance |
| Exercise | 1+ hours daily |
| Life span: | 10+ years |
| Breed group: | Toy |
| Temperament: | Adaptable, friendly, playful |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament & personality
Born companions, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy going, lovable and playful dogs that do especially well with children and other canine friends.
- Ideal for first-time owners, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are versatile and adaptable; they’re just as happy enjoying cuddles as they are playing games or going for walks.
- Highly intelligent and easy to train, Cavaliers are motivated by love and affection.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and cats can be friends and live together harmoniously, provided they are socialised properly and as early as possible.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and other dogs can get along too. Take integration slowly and they will soon be great companions for one another.
- Timid at first, socialising Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies is essential to develop their confidence and personality.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel training & exercise
Despite their small size, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy activity and need daily exercise and mental stimulation for their health and happiness.
Training tips
- Descended from traditional working Spaniels, their hunting and chasing instincts can be strong, so focus on recall training before allowing them off their lead.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel training is usually simple and straightforward, as most can learn commands and tricks quickly and easily.
Keeping them happy
- Prone to separation anxiety, King Charles Spaniels exhibit unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing if they are left alone, so they need lots of human interaction.
Exercise
- Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need at least an hour of physical exercise each day. As a Spaniel breed they may not suit a completely sedentary lifestyle.
- Their natural curiosity means that an adequately fenced and secure garden is essential for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Game ideas
- Cavaliers are very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Consider agility courses to stretch their brains and bodies!
- Whilst they might not have the same energy levels and prey drive as other Spaniels, Cavaliers still love ball games or playing fetch with a frisbee.
Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health conditions
There are certain health conditions that affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels more than other dogs. In this section, we’ve outlined some of our recent data to help you understand some the health issues we more claims for in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels than in other dog breeds. If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder.
Heart problems are the most common health issue to affect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The disease is most frequently caused by degeneration of the mitral valve which controls the flow of blood between the chambers within the heart. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent this condition, and it can often, but not always, progress to heart failure. Heart failure results in a steady deterioration and decompensation of the heart’s performance. While there is no known cure, giving your dog the right medication can significantly enhance the quality and length of their life.
Anal glands in dogs are situated right by their anus, they are filled with a strong smelling liquid that normally empties when they go to the toilet to help share their scent. This is also why dogs sniff each other’s bottoms as their scent lives here. In some dogs, these glands can get blocked and stop emptying properly. When this happens it can become swollen, painful and infected which is something we see more frequently in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels than other dogs. Speak to your vet about how to prevent any issues in the first place, and to find out what treatment options are available.
Syringomyelia is an inherited neurological disorder that affects many Cavaliers. It occurs when a deformity of the bones in the dog’s skull presses on the spinal cord as it leaves the head. This causes a painful build-up of pressure and fluid around the top of the spinal cord, which leads to a range of unusual symptoms like scratching the air or chasing imaginary flies. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for syringomyelia, although Cavaliers who are diagnosed early tend to live more comfortably and for longer, if they receive the correct medication.
Eye problems can be very common in dogs. Dry eye, for example, occurs when a dog isn’t producing sufficient tears. Another common, painful eye irritation is corneal ulceration, which occurs when the surface of the cornea becomes grazed as a result of scratches from other animals or vegetation, foreign material in the eye, chemicals, heat or smoke, or infection. ‘Cherry eye’ occurs when the tear production gland pops out from inside the lower eyelid. Although this isn’t a painful condition, it looks unsightly and will interfere with tear production if it is left untreated. Overall, treatment depends on the type and severity of eye problem (cherry eye, for example, requires surgery). Some treatments may be required for life to keep the dog’s vision in good health.
Gum disease is the most common oral health problem facing dogs. Canine gum disease begins when food, bacteria and minerals accumulate along the gum line, leading to the build-up of a brown scale known as tartar. This leads to irritation and infection which in turn erodes the gumline and the ligament that holds the teeth into their sockets. This bacteria can enter the bloodstream and pass around your dog’s body, damaging vital organs like their kidneys and liver. The only way to prevent gum disease in dogs is to brush their teeth regularly and see your vet for professional dental cleans.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grooming
Despite a thick double, medium-length coat, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grooming routine is fairly low maintenance and shedding is not a common problem.
- Cavaliers come in four colours: tricolour; black and tan; ruby; and, the most common, chestnut and white — also known as ‘Blenheim’.
- Their silky and sometimes wavy coats should be brushed or combed 3 or 4 times each week. Most Cavaliers tolerate grooming well.
- Cavaliers should only be bathed once a month or when they are visibly dirty or smelly to avoid irritating their skin and stripping the coat of its natural oils.
- Use grooming your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as an opportunity to check them for signs of parasites or for unusual lumps or skin rashes.
- Brush your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s teeth at least 3 times a week to prevent tartar, gum disease and bad breath.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel nutrition
Choosing the best food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is essential for them to grow into healthy, happy adult dogs.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies use a lot of energy and need a high-quality diet featuring a good percentage of protein.
- Prone to becoming fat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need to have a closely monitored diet. Control portion sizes and discard whatever they haven’t eaten after 30 minutes.
- King Charles Spaniel puppies should have 3 meals a day whilst adults need just 2 meals a day. When switching from puppy to adult food, introduce new foods gradually while decreasing their old feed to avoid tummy trouble.
What to know before you buy or rehome a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Before you start looking for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale or to rehome, here’s a few important things about what you should know and that will help ensure that your dog is happy and healthy.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make great dogs for novice owners and families with children and other pets, who are at home most of the time.
- You will need a secure yard and a strong leash to prevent your Cavalier from following their nose!
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can suffer from a range of health conditions, so it is essential to get comprehensive pet insurance for your dog. A reputable breeder will be able to show you proof that your Cavalier puppy has been tested and cleared of specific conditions.
- Remember ‘Lucy’s Law’. From 6th April 2020, anyone who wants a new puppy or kitten in England must buy direct from the breeder or adopt from a rescue centre. ‘Lucy’s Law’ was actually named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Lucy who was rescued from a puppy farm. All dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mother.
- Choosing the right pet insurance plan for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will get you the best possible care should they need it and provide you with peace of mind that the cost of their treatment will be covered.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel frequently asked questions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed moderately all year round. There’s nothing you can do to stop shedding, but brushing your dog regularly will help to remove some of that loose hair and keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s coat in tip top condition!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to live to between 9 and 14 years of age. Whilst they can be prone to certain health conditions, regular vet checks and the very best care can help your dog to live a long and healthy life.
As a Toy breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love their owners and are incredibly eager to please. What’s more, “Cavvies” share the intelligence of their larger spaniel counterparts making them quick learners. They respond well to fun, positive training sessions that involve lots of attention, love and praise.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a moderate shedding breed and as such they are not considered a good fit who those who suffer from allergies. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, but some breeds are better for those with allergies than others.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred to be companion dogs and love nothing more than the company of their owners. As such, this loving little dog does best in households were someone will be around most of the time as they don’t enjoy their own company and can be prone to separation anxiety.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel insurance considerations
While most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live long and happy lives, some can be prone to health problems like heart disease and eye conditions. As some of these conditions are lifelong, it’s important that when choosing dog insurance you check for any limits in your policy and understand how long conditions will be covered for.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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