Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Cavalier temperament and personality

The AKC describes the Cavalier as a sweet, gentle and affectionate breed, very eager to please, and friendly with strangers and other animals. It rates the breed five out of five for affection, with young children and with other dogs, and four out of five for openness to strangers.

Their gentle nature makes them, in the AKC's words, fantastic therapy dogs. They are companion dogs at heart and VCA notes limited tolerance for being left alone, so a Cavalier suits a home where someone is around for much of the day.

How big do Cavaliers get?

The AKC lists the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at 12 to 13 inches tall and 13 to 18 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. It is a toy spaniel with a silky, slightly wavy medium-length coat and long feathered ears.

Although small, they are sturdier than many toy breeds because they descend from sporting spaniels. Keep a Cavalier lean, since extra weight adds strain to the heart and joints; ask your vet for a target weight if you are unsure.

Cavalier lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Cavalier lifespan of 12 to 15 years and says most live comfortably into old age when screened. It lists eye conditions, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, mitral valve heart disease and syringomyelia as issues the breed is prone to, and recommends patella, hip, cardiac and eye evaluations.

VCA calls heart disease a significant concern that often develops earlier in this breed than in other dogs. VCA's page on mitral valve disease explains that a heart murmur is usually the first sign. Ask a breeder for current heart and eye results on both parents, and ask your vet to listen for a murmur at every checkup. Coughing, fast breathing at rest, or any sign of neck pain or sensitivity need a vet promptly.

Exercise needs

Though bred as a lap dog, the AKC notes the Cavalier descends from sporting dogs and enjoys moderate exercise and outdoor activity. Daily walks suit most adults, and many do well in obedience, rally and agility, but a Cavalier is just as glad to spend the day on the sofa.

The AKC advises against letting Cavaliers off leash, because they keep scenting and hunting instincts and may not come back once they find a trail or spot a bird. VCA suggests avoiding extreme heat, so walk early or late in summer.

Cavalier grooming and shedding

The silky coat needs little more than regular brushing and an occasional bath, according to the AKC. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and tangle-free, gives you a chance to check for new lumps, and most Cavaliers enjoy it. Shedding is two out of five on the AKC scale.

Pay attention to the ear feathering and the feet, where tangles form. The AKC says ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection and nails trimmed regularly. Brush the teeth often. Many owners have the hair between the paw pads tidied to improve grip on floors.

Training a Cavalier

The AKC says Cavaliers are smart and train easily, and recommends early socialization and puppy classes. They are very eager to please and sensitive, so gentle, reward-based training with praise and small treats gets the best results.

House training is usually straightforward with a regular schedule. Because Cavaliers love company, practice short periods alone from puppyhood, and always use a leash or a fenced area until recall is solid, remembering the AKC's warning about scent trails.

Are Cavaliers good with kids and other pets?

Usually, yes. The AKC rates the Cavalier five out of five with young children and with other dogs, and VCA says they are generally excellent with children and typically very social with other pets.

They are small enough to be hurt by rough play, so teach children to sit down to cuddle and never to pull the ears. Most Cavaliers live happily with cats and other dogs; introduce new pets calmly and supervise at first.

What a Cavalier needs at home

Useful kit includes a pin brush or slicker brush, a metal comb, nail clippers and a dog toothbrush; a well-fitted harness and leash; a soft bed and a crate; and puzzle and fetch toys. Narrow, deep bowls help keep long ears out of food and water.

Keep the home cool in hot weather and use a fenced yard or leash outdoors. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Cavalier home and ask about heart checks, ear care and a healthy weight.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.