Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

Photo of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Regal and Affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This adaptive breed bears its regal name with a regal personality. They make great companions for children, and adapt to the activity level of their owners. They uniquely combine the gentleness of a toy breed with the playfulness and athleticism of a herder.


Cavalier King Charles Spaniel At a Glance

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel At a Glance

  • Size: 12"-13", 13-18 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 13-18 years
  • Energy Level: low
  • Coat: Silky and medium-length
  • Shedding: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Toy
  • Common Nicknames: King Charles Spaniel, Blenheim Cavalier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide

Learn More About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

  • Temperament

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate, loving nature. They have an even temper and are very adaptable to their owner's lifestyle. This breed is attentive and gentle, yet playful. While they enjoy napping and cuddling, they also love playing fetch and spending time outdoors, where they can sniff around and explore. Cavaliers are generally very friendly and are eager to meet just about anyone, from children and strangers to other dogs and pets. Since they're not overly energetic, Cavaliers make great dogs for apartment-dwellers and the elderly. All in all, their happy-go-lucky nature and adaptable personality make the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a wonderful dog and loving companion for all different types of people.

  • Health

    There are a quite few health conditions that are more frequent in Cavaliers. These health conditions include heart problems, eye issues, syringomyelia, middle ear infections, hip dysplasia, patella luxation, and idiopathic asymptomatic thrombocytopenia.

  • Activity Level

    The Cavalier was originally bred to be a lap dog, but its herding heritage does make them playful and active. They love lounging on the couch with their owners, but should be taken on daily walks and play sessions. They should not be taken off of their leash during walks because of their scenting and hunting instincts, and a fenced in yard is recommended.

  • Grooming

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be given baths whenever needed and will happily accept brushes multiple times a week. Cavaliers don't need frequent trims but will need their coats' feathering to be combed thoroughly to prevent tangles and mats. Like other breeds, brushing your Cavalier's teeth, cleaning its ears, and trimming its nails should be done on a regular basis.

  • Shedding

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed consistently throughout the year. This breed's silky coat is not hypoallergenic and may not be a good fit for allergy sufferers.

  • Appearance

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have the unique appearance of regal and cute. Their large brown eyes give them a gentle expression, and their long feathered ears hang low to frame out their face. Their long and silky coat gives them a distinguished look, and comes in four color combinations.

  • History

    The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has its roots in Europe, where it is believed to have developed from crosses between small spaniels and Oriental toy breeds, like the Japanese Chin. The Cavalier was adored for its affectionate demeanor and quickly became a popular lapdog for many English people, especially King Charles II. In fact, these dogs became so closely associated with the King that they became known as King Charles Spaniels. In the early 1900s, the breed began evolving into the Cavalier we know today. It wasn't until 1952 that Cavaliers became known in the United States, but it wasn't long before Americans began to adore them. While some Cavalier owners fought the breed's recognition in the American Kennel Club (AKC), it was officially recognized in 1996.