Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

also known as Cavalier, Cavie, Cav

Pros History


The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of toy dog that originated in the United Kingdom in the 17th century. It is a small breed with a long, silky coat and a soft, gentle expression.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is believed to be descended from the small Toy Spaniels that were popular in Europe during the Renaissance. It was named after King Charles II, who was a devoted fan of the breed and often kept a number of Cavaliers as pets at his court.

In the 19th century, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was used as a breeding dog to create the modern English Toy Spaniel, which is a closely related breed. However, a group of fanciers in the UK worked to preserve the original Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and to establish it as a separate breed.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was recognized by the Kennel Club in the UK in 1945, and it was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995. It is now one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States and Europe, and it is also popular in other countries around the world.

Breed Information


Type

Is Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels originally used for?

flushing small birds, lapdog

Lifespan

How Long Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Live? What is average life expectancy for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? How long can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?

10-14 years

The average Cavalier King Charles Spaniel lifespan is somewhere between 10-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

What is the average height of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? How big is a Purebred Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height? Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 12-13 inches (30.5 - 33 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)
Female 12-13 inches (30.5 - 33 cm) 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) 12.5 inches (31.8 cm)
What is the average weight of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? How much should Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 13-18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Female 13-18 pounds (6 - 8 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 12.5 pounds (6 kg) 15.5 pounds (7 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get fat easily?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel personality? What are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Courageous
Intelligent
Cheerful
Gentle
Social
Polite
Quiet
Active
Graceful
Fearless
Friendly
Nonaggressive
Sporty
No tendency towards nervousness

Shedding Level

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels heavy shedders? How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Shed?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels descended from?

blenheim, red and white king charles, toy trawler spaniels

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels first bred? How old is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed?

1600s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Toy (AKC:1995)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Cavalier King Charles Spaniel nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat be naturally?

Red
Black
White

Coat Length

How long is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniels coat?

The coat of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have in her first litter?

10-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can have a litter of 10-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Hip Dysplasia
Mitral Valve Disease
Thrombocytopenia
Syringomyelia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Occasional Diagnoses

Episodic Falling

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Knee
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need socialization? How social are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels sleep a lot?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel drool a lot?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are not known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They may not be the best choice as guard dogs as they may not have a strong drive to defend their territory.

Mouthiness

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy doing? How do I keep my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel busy?

Walking, Playing, Petting, Sitting, Sniffing, Eating Snacks, Tug-of-war, Nap, Cuddling, Chasing birds, Being pet, Run, Fetch, Grooming self, Treats, Pets, Walk, Play, Meeting people, Brushing, Slow walking, Exploring, Sniff, Belly rubs, Cuddles, Cuddle, Jump, Pullingh, Pulling, Running

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? How much energy does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have?

Medium

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel walk each week? How many miles should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should exercise a day? How much activity does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

30 minutes

In general most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Daily

Ideally, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?

Pin Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat?

1 cups

For an average 13-18 pound (6 - 8 kg) Cavalier King Charles Spaniel feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel do well in apartments? Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good indoor dogs?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with kids? Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good around children?

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typical characteristics indicate that this breed of dog is an ideal companion for kids and makes them family pets. Their gentle and protective nature and calm mentality make them gel along quickly with the younger humans

Senior-friendly

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with cats? How friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are toward cats?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs? Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels OK with other dogs?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels friendly with strangers?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very friendly around strangers.

Playfulness

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like to play? Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels playful?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have an average level of playfulness. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel easily trained?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.