Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Other names: Cavalier King Charles

Cheerful, exuberant and full of life, the Cavalier King Charles is a high-spirited character, always moving and looking for a ball or some kind of plaything from their owner. They make a great pet, loved by the young and the old for their cheerfulness and eagerness to do well.
Key facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...
Origins and history
This dog’s origins can be traced to the King Charles breed who was once much more appreciated than the Cavalier. Today, we are witnessing a reversal of this trend because the Cavalier has fewer health problems, for example with their breathing. The Cavalier comes from crossing the King Charles, the Pekingese and the Pug. They take their name from Charles II who, according to his critics, preferred to play with his dogs rather than deal with state affairs. The breed standard was only fixed in 1928 and it was not until 1945 that the breed was recognised by the Kennel Club. As for the FCI, they definitively recognised the Cavalier King Charles in 1955.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
Section 7 : English Toy Spaniels
Physical characteristics of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Adult size
Female : Between 10 and 13 in
Male : Between 10 and 13 in
Weight
Female : Between 11 and 18 lb
Male : Between 11 and 18 lb
Coat colour
Their coat can be black and tan, ruby (bright solid red), Blenheim (white with bright chestnut) or tricolour (black, white and tan).
Type of coat
Their coat is long.
Cavalier King Charles have a silky coat with fringes. Their fur may have a slight wave to it but is never curly.
Eye colour
They have dark eyes.
Description
The Cavalier King Charles is a lively and graceful dog, they are well proportioned, sporty and cheerful. Their head is almost flat between the ears and has a deep stop and they have a pointy muzzle. Their eyes are large but not prominent. Their ears are long, set high and covered in fringe. Their body is short and well proportioned. Their tail is long and fringed. Their limbs are straight and in line with each other.
Good to know
The Cavalier King Charles appears to be the happiest dog in the world and is the ideal breed for those that need joy (children and the elderly). However, sometimes when they lie down to relax it can look as though they are sad. Legend has it that this is because they are thinking of their ancestors who were beheaded at the same time as King Charles I of England, a great fan of this breed and their namesake.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Access the rest of the content after the ad

Loading advertisement ...

Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel right for you?
take the testLifestyle
Compatibility
Price
The price of a Cavalier King Charles varies according to its origins, age and sex. On average, a Cavalier King Charles registered with the KC is about £940.
The average budget needed to meet the needs of a dog of this size would be between £18 and £26 / month.
Grooming
Although you shouldn’t clip this dog, their coat does require regular brushing and detangling, at least two or three times a week.
In addition, their eyes and drooping ears should be checked and cleaned as often as possible to prevent infection.
Shedding
The Cavalier King Charles sheds an adequate amount. When moulting it is advised to brush them every day to get rid of the dead hair.
Nutrition of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This dog is not hard to feed at all, they will eat whatever is put in front of them. They are happy with a dry, (biscuits), raw or (B.A.R.F) or cooked diet.
The most important thing is to find a good balance to stop them from putting on weight. The amount they are fed should be suitable for their size, age, and especially how much physical activity they do daily.
Having regular check-ups at the vets is essential to monitor the growth of a the Cavalier King Charles puppy and to make sure they are developing well.
Health of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is about 12 years.
Strong / robust
Different to their cousin the King Charles, who is slightly more delicate, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog that lives for a long time and seems robust…Unfortunately, the breed is predisposed to some medical complications, notably those concerning heart.
Withstand heat
Because of their flat face, the Cavalier King Charles can struggle to breathe and regulate their body temperature. When it is very hot it is important to be careful and prioritise walks early in the morning or late at night.
Withstand cold
This dog dislikes the cold and the damp. They are often seen dressed in a coat in the winter.
Tendency to put on weight
Predisposed to obesity, these dogs must not fall into a sedentary lifestyle, if so they will struggle physically.
Common illnesses
- Mitral endocardiosis (degenerative disease of heart valves)
- Malassezia dermatitis (skin disease)
- Follicular dysplasia of black hairs
- Syringomyelia or Chiari syndrome (neurological disease)
- Dislocation of the patella
- Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome