Dog breed · Toy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
An exceptionally sweet-natured lap spaniel that suits many households, but with two serious inherited conditions that must guide breeder choice.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Toy
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5.5–8 kg (12–18 lb)
- Height
- 30–33 cm
- Lifespan
- 9–14 years
- Coat
- Silky, medium length with feathering
- Temperament
- GentleAffectionateAdaptableEager
History
Recreated in the 1920s to resemble the toy spaniels seen in seventeenth-century court portraits.
Appearance
Slightly rounded skull that looks flat between high-set ears, large dark eyes and a feathered coat in Blenheim, tricolour, black-and-tan or ruby.
Exercise and activity
Around an hour daily split into walks and play.
Care and grooming
Brush several times weekly, clean ears regularly and keep annual cardiac checks in the calendar.
Health considerations
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Around an hour daily split into walks and play. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Mitral valve disease, Syringomyelia, Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Ear infections), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice