Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate lap dogs bred purely for companionship. These silky-coated toy spaniels are the epitome of velcro dogs who want nothing more than to be with their people, making them perfect apartment companions, though their spaniel heritage means they still enjoy moderate walks and their hearts are prone to serious genetic disease.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Toy
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Height
12-13 in
Weight
13-18 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #13
Toy context: Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~4h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
High
High
Training & Behavior
High
High
Moderate
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Low
Low
Moderate
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Moderate
High
Moderate
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Low
Low
Moderate
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lines were developed for bird hunting and flushing. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Toy. Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are named after King Charles II of England, who was so obsessed with the breed that court members joked he cared more about his dogs than government.
The breed was created by crossing King Charles Spaniels with larger spaniels to restore the flatter-faced appearance from historical paintings.
Cavaliers are prone to mitral valve disease (a heart condition) at such high rates that nearly 50% of the breed has some degree of the condition by age 10.
The breed's gentle temperament and willingness to be handled made them perfect 'comforter spaniels' in hospitals and nursing homes.
Cavaliers have a soft, feathered coat that requires regular grooming, but they shed enough hair to knit a new dog every few months.
Famous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs
Companion superstars
This group is heavily represented in celebrity households and pop-culture media.
Social-media favorites
Many famous Toy dogs are modern internet personalities rather than historical working dogs.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Cavalier King Charles Spaniel compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/