Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Quick Summary
Gentle, affectionate companion ideal for families and seniors. Requires consistent companionship and health monitoring. Best suited for owners able to provide regular attention and care.
Contents
Weight Range
13-18 lbs
♂ Male: 13-18 lbs
♀ Female: 13-18 lbs
Height Range
30-33 inches
♂ Male: 12-13"
♀ Female: 12-13"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #73
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Toy Group
Originally bred for Developed in the United Kingdom during the 16th century as companion dogs for nobility, particularly favored by King Charles II
Popularity
#18
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 12"-13" |
| Female Height | 12"-13" |
| Male Weight | 13-18 lbs |
| Female Weight | 13-18 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($2,000-$4,000), vaccinations, and supplies. Monthly expenses cover premium food, grooming, and preventive care. Significant healthcare costs due to breed-specific health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Known for their sweet, gentle temperament and affectionate nature. Moderate energy levels make them adaptable companions. Highly social with both humans and other animals, displaying consistent friendliness and calm demeanor.
Social Needs
Highly social breed requiring constant human companionship. Excellent with other dogs and pets. Does not tolerate long periods alone and may develop separation anxiety without adequate attention.
Breed Overview
Graceful and compact, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels feature silky coats in four distinct color patterns, expressive round eyes, and gently domed heads. Their medium-length coat flows elegantly, while their friendly expressions and feathered ears create an endearing appearance. These gentle companions combine royal refinement with a sweet, affectionate nature, moving with characteristic grace and dignity.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Exceptionally affectionate
- ✓ Good with children
- ✓ Adaptable to different living situations
- ✓ Easy to train
- ✓ Gentle temperament
Cons
- ✗ Significant health concerns
- ✗ Regular grooming required
- ✗ Separation anxiety prone
- ✗ Cannot be left alone long
- ✗ Expensive medical care
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful |
| Energy Level | Calm |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise through gentle walks and indoor play. Moderate intensity activities suit their energy level, with a mix of short walks and interactive games. Avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Consider age-specific formulas and monitor weight carefully. Special attention needed for dental health and potential heart-healthy supplements.
Feed 1-1.5 cups of premium dry food daily, divided into two meals. Choose age-appropriate formulas with adequate protein and moderate fat content. Consider heart-healthy ingredients and supplements as recommended by veterinarians.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartment living with sufficient daily walks. Thrives in homes with enclosed yards. Temperature-controlled environments preferred due to sensitivity to extreme weather.
Minimum space requirements are modest, adapting well to apartment living. Ideal setting includes access to enclosed outdoor areas. Shows high adaptability to various living situations when exercise needs are met.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Descended from toy spaniels favored by European nobility, these dogs gained prominence in British royal courts. King Charles II was particularly devoted to the breed, leading to their name. They nearly disappeared but were revived in the early 20th century.
Historical Purpose
Developed in the United Kingdom during the 16th century as companion dogs for nobility, particularly favored by King Charles II. Served as lap warmers and gentle companions.
Fun Fact
King Charles II was so devoted to these dogs that he decreed they be allowed in any public place, including Parliament!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular heart monitoring required. Daily brushing needed to maintain coat. Cannot tolerate extreme temperatures or long periods of solitude.