Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breed Information
What dog is described as loyal, friendly, and tolerant? The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed, of course!
These wonderful pups are bundles of joy, making fantastic additions to your family with their gentle, obedient, and patient disposition. They’re highly adaptable and make great apartment dogs. While small in stature, Cavaliers are mighty in personality and retain their natural instincts for hunting, enjoying sports, and being active, particularly in agility activities. After their daily workout, though, they are ready for couch cuddles and offer a ton of love to new and old friends.
If you haven’t already guessed due to the name “King,” these dogs do indeed enjoy a royal background and are linked to King Charles I of England and his son, Charles II. These men were so captivated by their Cavalier dogs that the King made a royal decree, welcoming dogs to the public spaces, including Parliament Buildings and the breed added “King Charles” in honor.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rundown
Height: 12 inches to 13 inches for females and males
Weight: 10 to 18 pounds for males and females
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Origin: The United Kingdom
Personality: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a sweet, affectionate, adaptable, spirited, and smart dog that takes pleasure in impressing its owner.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Appearance
Talk about puppy eyes! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed has charming, warm, dark brown eyes with a signature cushioning underneath their eyes evoking a sense of pure sweetness.
Their coloring and patterning are also a trademark. These dogs can be:
Blenheim (which is the most common) - rich chestnut and white markings
Tricolor - white, black, and brown
Ruby - a rich reddish brown hue
Black-and-tan - black and tan coloring
Cavaliers' coats are typically medium-length that is silky to the touch with a slight waviness. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed does shed, but not excessively and a regular brushing and grooming routine will keep their hair manageable. Most Cavaliers are very open to a bath when they get dirty, especially when introduced at an early age.
One thing owners love about the Cavs’ look is their cute, naturally long, floppy ears! They sit high and wide on the crown of their head and slightly frame the pup's sweet face.
If you're looking for a medium-sized dog, Cavaliers are perfect and can live comfortably in a decently-sized apartment. These dogs don’t get very big for spaniels but they’re considered amongst the largest within the toy breeds. Cavs need to be fed high-quality dog food as many are prone to getting overweight —especially if they are not consistently mentally stimulated or participate in regular activity.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel History
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed is the descendant of a small toy spaniel seen in 16th, 17th, and 18th-century paintings across Europe. They are said to have originally been a mix of small spaniels and toy breeds from Asia.
Initially, this dog was raised to warm laps in castles and on carriage rides. They have hunting instincts from their spaniel and sporting dog ancestors combined with the mellow disposition of a toy dog bred for companionship.
As previously mentioned, Cavaliers were beloved by the King of England and he wouldn't dare go anywhere without his pups.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels made their first appearance in the United States from England in the 1940s and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Personality
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy snuggling, going for long walks, and pursuing animals, birds, or squirrels. These dogs are known for their soft temperament and calm demeanor and are eager to give lots of kisses and love and enjoy being around their owners and other animals.
If you have a home full of other animals and young children, your Cavalier will most likely fit in nicely. While this makes them loyal and confident, they do not enjoy being alone, which can lead to some separation anxiety. It would be ideal if their owner works from home or the dog can come with them, or if you are retired. Simply put, these dogs are house dogs, enjoy roaming their comfort zone, and will not be happy if put outside for the entire day or are regularly ignored and/or left alone often.
Cavaliers are likely to bark and make some noise when people come and leave their homes, but overall, they are not overly protective and do not bark excessively.
Training King Charles Spaniels
These gentle souls are smart, and graceful and love to please their owners, making them fast learners. Socialization is one of the most important parts of training the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed. Socialize your pup in a variety of settings with different dogs, smells, people, and places.
Cavaliers react fondly to positive reinforcement when training, so don't forget to reward them when building a connection. Avoid yelling or speaking in harsh, deep tones to your gentle Cavalier, as this will be counterproductive and they will not respond well. Instead, be sure to shower them with praise when they behave well.
Typical to other toy breeds, Cavaliers can take some time getting used to toilet training, so don't be too dismayed with accidents happening inside. Be sure to provide them with a consistent schedule of going outside and pee pads around the home.
When taking your pup out for a walk, avoid going off leash anywhere busy as they love to chase small animals and are likely to take off.
Due to their sportiness, Cavaliers perform well in agility classes, which is also a fun way to teach them new tricks. Agility classes are also great for bonding with your pup.
Famous Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Many celebrities are fond of Cavalier dogs. Here are some celebs who have owned them:
Diane Sawyer has a Cavalier named Brinklow La Bamba Lila.
Courtney Cox owned two Cavaliers named Harley and Hoope.
Brad Paisley had a sweet Cavalier named Holler.
Former US President Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy, had a Cavalier named Rex.
Former Prime Minister of the UK Margaret Thatcher had a Cavalier named Rowley.
Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt had a Cavalier named Charlie.
Amanda Bynes had a Cavalier named Midge.
Actress Julianne Hough has two beloved Cavaliers, Lexi and Harley.
On the TV series “Sex and the City,” Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis, adopted a Cavalier named Elizabeth Taylor Goldenblatt.
Mary Queen of Scots, the famous Queen, had a Cavalier named Jupiter.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Health
Cavaliers can be prone to health issues that owners should be aware of. These health issues include the following:
Eye conditions such as retinal problems, and cataracts
Dislocated kneecap
Hip dysplasia
Middle ear infections
Mitral valve heart disease
Syringomyelia
Itchy allergies and skin conditions
Responsible breeders will do a health test in advance and will share it with the new owner. With proper screening and adequate attention, Cavaliers can live well into their old age happily.
Cavaliers should be exercised a minimum of 20 minutes a day, and at least 60 as a puppy. Should your Cavalier appear sick, take them to the vet as the sooner they get attention, the better.
Where to Get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Sold on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed!? Can’t say we blame you! We encourage you to bring home your very own Cav from a rescue. Purebred rescues work to re-home their dedicated breed in homes where they can grow old happily.
Here are some options and resources for adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
The ACKCS Rescue Trust is a national Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue club with adoptable dogs around the country.
Cavalier Rescue USA is a Cavalier rescue and resource serving the whole U.S.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is a national Cavalier King Charles Spaniel club and resource for Cavalier owners.
Lucky Star Cavalier Rescue is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue based in California.
Cavalier Rescue Midwest is a Cavalier rescue serving the Midwest region.
Cavalier Alliance is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel rescue focused on helping senior dogs and those with special needs.
American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is a national breed club recognized by the AKC.
Hopefully this guide has given you insight into what it’s like to love and own a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. If you are interested in adopting a pup, check out our 10 Tips To Prepare Before Adopting a Dog.
