Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is grace, beauty, and affection perfectly blended into a small, silky package. With their large, soulful eyes, flowing coat, and gentle expression, these dogs embody elegance. But they're far more than living ornaments — Cavaliers are adaptable, devoted companions who thrive on human connection. They're equally happy nestled on your lap or joining you for a walk, approaching life with sweet optimism and an endless capacity for love.

Small spaniel-type dogs have graced royal courts and aristocratic homes for centuries. Toy spaniels were particular favorites of British nobility during the 16th and 17th centuries, frequently appearing in portraits alongside their noble owners.

King Charles II (1630-1685) was so devoted to these small spaniels that the breed became associated with his name. His spaniels were reportedly allowed everywhere — even into Parliament — and he was rarely seen without at least two or three accompanying him.

However, the breed was extensively crossbred with flat-faced Asian toy breeds during the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in shorter noses and domed heads. By the early 20th century, the original type with longer noses had virtually disappeared.

In the 1920s, an American named Roswell Eldridge offered prize money at Crufts Dog Show for breeders who could recreate the old type of spaniel shown in historical paintings. This sparked dedicated breeding programs to restore the longer-nosed variety. The "Cavalier" designation was added to distinguish this recreated breed from the shorter-nosed King Charles Spaniel.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in England in 1928, and the Kennel Club recognized it as a separate breed in 1945. The American Kennel Club granted recognition in 1995, and Cavaliers have since become one of the most popular toy breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sweet-natured, gentle, and remarkably affectionate. These dogs live to love and be loved. They form deep bonds with their families and want nothing more than to be near their people — sitting beside you, cuddled on your lap, or following you from room to room.

Cavaliers are often described as the perfect companion dogs. They're friendly toward everyone — family, friends, strangers, children, other dogs, and even cats. Their default setting is "friend," and they approach the world with trusting optimism.

With children, Cavaliers are typically wonderful. Their gentle nature, patience, and love of attention make them ideal for families. They're sturdy enough to handle gentle play but small enough not to overwhelm young children.

Unlike many toy breeds, Cavaliers aren't yappy or nervous. They're calm, steady, and confident in various situations. They make gentle watchdogs who will alert you to visitors with a few barks but won't become nuisance barkers.

These dogs are remarkably adaptable. They're happy in apartments or houses, with active families or elderly owners, as only pets or in multi-dog households. They adjust their energy level to their household — ready for walks and play but equally content cuddling on the couch.

Cavaliers don't do well alone. They're bred purely for companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They need families who can provide regular company or have multiple pets to keep each other company.

Their spaniel heritage means they retain some hunting instincts. Many Cavaliers enjoy chasing birds or squirrels and will eagerly explore interesting scents, though they're not as driven as working spaniels.

Small, Elegant, and Beautiful

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog standing 12-13 inches at the shoulder and weighing 13-18 pounds. They should be well-balanced and elegant without being fragile.

Their silky coat is moderately long with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. The breed comes in four distinct color patterns: Blenheim (rich chestnut markings on white background), Tricolor (black and white with tan markings), Black and Tan, and Ruby (solid rich red).

The breed's most distinctive feature is their large, dark, round eyes set wide apart, which create their characteristic sweet, gentle expression. Long, feathered ears frame their face, and the moderately long, silky coat flows gracefully when they move.

Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs. One or two walks daily, combined with playtime, typically meets their physical requirements. They enjoy longer walks and outdoor activities but don't demand marathon exercise sessions.

These dogs adapt well to their owner's activity level. They're happy joining you for hikes or jogs but equally content with shorter, leisurely walks. They enjoy games of fetch and will chase toys enthusiastically but tire before more energetic breeds.

Because they retain some spaniel instincts, Cavaliers enjoy exploring and following scents. Secure fencing is important, as they may chase birds or squirrels. However, their recall is typically better than many breeds, and they remain focused on their humans.

Mental stimulation through play, training, and new experiences keeps them happy and engaged.

Cavaliers are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement — praise, treats, and gentle encouragement. Harsh corrections are unnecessary and can damage their sensitive nature.

House training is usually straightforward, though consistency is important as with any breed. Crate training provides them with a secure space and aids in house training.

Socialization is typically easy, as most Cavaliers are naturally friendly. Exposure to various people, animals, and experiences builds confidence, though most Cavaliers approach new situations with cheerful curiosity rather than fear.

These dogs excel at activities like obedience, rally, and therapy work. Their gentle nature and love of people make them outstanding therapy dogs.

The Cavalier's silky coat requires regular maintenance. Brushing several times a week prevents matting and keeps their coat beautiful, with special attention to the feathering on ears, legs, and chest where tangles can develop.

They shed moderately year-round with heavier periods seasonally. Regular brushing helps control shedding and keeps loose hair from accumulating.

Bathing every few weeks keeps their coat clean and fresh. Their long, feathered ears need regular checking and cleaning, as they can trap moisture and debris, leading to infections.

Regular nail trimming, dental care, and checking the ears complete the grooming routine. Some owners keep their Cavaliers in a shorter "puppy cut" for easier maintenance.

This is the heartbreaking aspect of Cavaliers: despite their wonderful temperament, they're prone to several serious health issues. Their average lifespan is 9-14 years.

Mitral valve disease (MVD), a degenerative heart condition, affects the majority of Cavaliers eventually, with many developing it by age 10. Syringomyelia (a serious neurological condition causing pain and sensitivity), hip dysplasia, eye problems including cataracts and retinal disorders, and patellar luxation are other breed concerns.

The prevalence of MVD in particular makes choosing a breeder carefully absolutely essential. Responsible breeders screen breeding dogs' hearts with regular evaluations and breed only dogs that remain clear past certain ages.

Prospective owners must understand that Cavaliers often require significant veterinary care, particularly as they age. Financial preparedness for health issues is important.