Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, people-oriented companion with surprising athleticism - bred to stay close to their humans yet enjoy activity. Despite their sweet nature, the breed needs special attention to health (especially heart and neurology). In this in-depth breed guide you’ll find origin, appearance, temperament, health, grooming, training, city & apartment life, puppy tips, costs—and a quick reference profile.

Table of contents

• Origin & history
• Appearance & special traits
• Temperament & personality
• Family life & living together
• Training & cues
• Exercise & enrichment
• Health & breed-specific risks
• Grooming & daily care
• Nutrition & weight
• Apartment, city & climate
• Puppies & the first months
• Getting one: costs & responsibility
• Who is the Cavalier a good fit for?
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile

Origin & history

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel descends from small British companion spaniels depicted in 16th–18th-century paintings. In the 20th century, breeders aimed for a sportier dog with a longer muzzle than the King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel). The Cavalier remained a true companion dog with gundog roots—affectionate, eager, and cuddly.

Appearance & special traits

Playful, well-balanced small dog (about 30–33 cm / 12–13 in, 5.4–8 kg / 12–18 lb) with soft, silky coat and feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail. The head is gently contoured, the muzzle medium-short, eyes large and warm.

• Colors: Blenheim (chestnut & white), Tricolor (black/white with tan), Ruby (solid red), Black & Tan (black with tan).
• Coat: medium length, silky; trimming not required—natural look preferred.
• Gait: free and driving—a small yet surprisingly enduring mover.

Temperament & personality: the gentle companion

Gentle, friendly, people-focused—the Cavalier is often called a “heart dog.” They seek closeness, are cooperative, and usually get along well with people and other pets. As a spaniel, they may show some prey interest (birds, small animals) and enjoy activities. Many struggle with separation: alone time must be trained early and gradually.

Family life & living together

Routines, defined rest spots, and consistent rules support this sensitive companion. With considerate children, Cavaliers are affectionate; they dislike rough play or constant chaos. They’re classic everyday buddies—happy to tag along to a café or on woodland walks.

Training & cues

Cavaliers learn fast with positive reinforcement and short, clear sessions (2–5 minutes). Force damages trust and motivation. Key building blocks:

• Recall - use a long line around wildlife.
• Loose-leash walking and handler focus.
• Impulse control (birds, joggers, food).
• Calming cues & relaxation: mat/place as a safe spot—also useful in cafés or when guests visit.

Exercise & enrichment

Daily movement is a must—focus on quality over mileage:

• 1–2 brisk walks plus several short play/training windows.
• Scent work (search, scent games, food-dummy), light retrieving, tricks.
• Off-leash only with reliable recall; otherwise use a long line.
• Mind heart health: avoid very long, intense sprints—prefer intervals with breaks.

Health & breed-specific risks (heart & neurology)

Cavaliers are willing workers but face serious, well-known breed risks. Responsible breeders health-test broadly; buyers should verify documentation carefully.

• Mitral valve disease (MVD)
• Chiari-like malformation & syringomyelia (CM/SM): neurological issue with variable signs (pain, neck scratching, weakness); reputable programs may use MRI screening.
• Eyes & ears: dry eye (KCS), cataracts, and otitis with heavy ear feathering—plan routine checks and care.
• Patellar luxation: orthopedic screening helpful.
• Genetic tests: EFS (Episodic Falling) and CC/DE (Curly Coat/Dry Eye) are available and should be used.

Prevention: keep a lean body condition (excess weight stresses the heart), schedule regular vet checks (auscultation/echo as advised), practice dental care, provide appropriate exercise, and investigate cough, exercise intolerance, pain or itch promptly.

Grooming & daily care: coat, ears & teeth

• Coat: brush 2–4×/week; detangle feathering; check feet and breeches.
• Ears: warm, covered ears can trap moisture—clean gently and dry well.
• Teeth: daily or 3–5×/week brushing strongly recommended due to tartar risk (see our dental guide).
• Nails: trim regularly; provide non-slip resting spots to protect joints.
• Harness/collar: a soft, well-fitting front-clip harness is preferred.

Nutrition & weight: staying lean protects the heart

Feed to need, weigh portions, and count treats. Aim for an athletic, lean outline: visible waist, ribs easily felt. Omega-3s may support skin/coat and cardiovascular health (ask your vet). If heart disease is diagnosed, align diet with veterinary advice; avoid weight gain.

Apartment, city & climate

An excellent city dog when daily enrichment, rest windows, and stimulus management are in place. In heat, walk early/late; in rain & cold, dry thoroughly and consider a light coat.

Puppies & the first months

• Early, friendly socialization in small doses with plenty of naps.
• Build alone time in tiny steps; protect rest/sleep consistently.
• From day one: engagement, name game, recall, leash skills, handling & touch.
• Helpful reads: our guides on puppy training and first walks.

Getting one: costs & responsibility

Reputable sources (VDH/FCI) with health documentation are essential (heart, eyes, patella; detailed CM/SM info in the line). Ongoing costs: quality food, insurance, vet care (including regular senior heart checks), gear, and possibly training. Plan time for grooming, exercise, training, and shared downtime.

Who is the Cavalier a good fit for?

• People who value closeness, cuddles, and kind, positive training.
• Families that keep clear routines and build in loving enrichment.
• City dwellers with time for daily walks, brain games, and social time.

Less suitable if the dog would often be left alone for long stretches or if you expect high-mileage endurance sports.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile

Origin	United Kingdom
Height	approx. 30–33 cm (12–13 in)
Weight	approx. 5.4–8 kg (12–18 lb)
Life expectancy	approx. 9–14 years (impacted by MVD)
Coat	medium length, silky, with feathering
Colors	Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, Black & Tan
Temperament	gentle, friendly, people-oriented, playful
Exercise	moderate—focus on scent and brain work
Grooming	regular brushing; diligent dental hygiene
Good for first-time owners?	Yes—if health management is taken seriously
Notable risks	MVD (heart) and CM/SM (neurology) are key breed issues; buy only from health-tested lines.
Price	from approx. €1,500–2,500 (varies by source & documentation)