Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide
Quick facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed:
Weight: 5.5-8 kg (male & female)
Height at the withers: 30-33 cm (male & female)
Energy level: Lively
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Tendency to drool: Low
Tendency to snore: Slight
Tendency to bark: Slight
Digging tendency: Slight
Social needs: Moderate
Best suited as: Companion dog
Colours: Black and tan, ruby, blenheim, tricolour
Common health problems: Heart conditions and the neurological disease syringomyelia
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lively but well-balanced dog. They're easy-going family dogs, friendly towards most people they meet. Socialising your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is important, so starting environmental training from an early age is a good idea. Find out more about socialisation and environmental training here.
Cavaliers generally fit well into most home environments and usually get along with everyone, including cats and other pets. If you already have a cat and dog, learn how they can best get to know each other here.
Grooming and claw care
A Cavalier King Charles needs thorough grooming once a week. Their claws and the fur between their paws should be trimmed once a month. Many owners find claw clipping tricky, so we've created a guide to help you learn how here. Pay special attention to the fur behind their ears, as knots can easily form there.
Dental health
Looking after your dog's dental health is vital, especially for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Regular teeth brushing is key to good oral hygiene. Getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed takes practice and patience. You can learn more here.
Tooth fractures
Dogs can fracture their teeth if they chew on hard objects, like marrow bones. Learn more about tooth fractures and how to prevent them in our guide here.
Breed-specific health concerns
One of the most common health issues for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is heart conditions. All Cavaliers used for breeding should have a current heart health certificate with no issues noted. Like many other breeds, Cavaliers can also be prone to hereditary eye diseases and hip dysplasia.
Weight management
Cavaliers are adaptable to the amount of exercise they're given, but regular activity is important to prevent weight gain. Around an hour a day is usually sufficient for an adult dog, though this can vary. Find out more about weight management here.
Stomach upsets
Food-loving dogs sometimes eat things they shouldn't, which can lead to vomiting and/or diarrhoea. While these are common reasons for vet visits, you can often manage mild cases at home. Learn more about when you can treat your dog yourself here.
