Colour combinations for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are as follows: Black and Tan, Chestnut and White (known as Blenheim), Ruby Cavaliers which are chestnut all over, and finally Tricolour Cavaliers, which is black and white with tan markings.

Origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These little dogs are famous for being the constant companions of English monarch King Charles II, who, rumour has it, issued an edict stating no spaniels of this kind could be denied entry to a public place. They were often known as “comforter spaniels” during the 16th century, as ladies riding in carriages would place a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on their laps to keep them warm.

Sizes of Typical Male and Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should weigh between 5.9kg and 8.2kg. At the shoulder, they should measure between 30cm and 33cm. There does not tend to be any height or weight differences between males and females of this breed.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are playful, friendly and loving little dogs. They are also very adaptable and eager to please, making them an ideal pet for households with animals and children. As they tend to regard anyone they come across as a friend, they will never make a good guard dog, but their willingness to attempt to bond with dogs both larger and smaller than themselves means they are very well behaved on walks. They thrive on attention and are happy either playing or curling up for a nap on a cushion beside their owner.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Coats

The coat of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is moderately long and silky in texture, with feathering through the body and on the feet. The feet are the only part of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that may be trimmed for showing, with all other areas having to remain natural – not even slight trimming is permitted. Grooming daily with a currycomb is recommended to keep their coats glossy and tangle free, and also to remove dead hairs that could cause skin irritations.

Exercise Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

As the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is such an adaptable dog, they quickly learn what kind of exercise the owner prefers and will enjoy accompanying you whatever the activity. So a brisk walk, a morning jog or even playing with a ball in an enclosed area are all suitable types of exercise for this breed. Indoor activity, such as walking around the house, can also suffice in situations where outdoors exercise would be difficult, making them excellent pets for the elderly or those with limited mobility.

What Health Problems can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Suffer From?

As with all spaniels, the Cavalier is susceptible to ear-related issues such as infections and early hearing loss. More worrying is the genetic condition syringomyelia, which involves cysts growing in the spinal cord that cause a varying level of pain and immobility. This breed is especially at risk of developing this condition, so careful checking of the bloodlines of puppies is recommended. Mitral Valve heart Disease (MVD) can also develop, usually first diagnosed as a heart murmur. Cavaliers should be given a heart exam annually.

The Life expectancy of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

On average, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will live between 9 and 14 years.

The cost of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

On average, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can cost anywhere between £300 and £500, but if buying a puppy for breeding from a showing line the cost may be significantly higher.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

Puppies are enthusiastic, eager to learn and most of all crave attention, either from humans or other animals. As such, it is best if the puppy can have almost constant companionship, especially for the first few weeks in its new home. Always buy your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a reputable breeder and ask to see both parents when visiting your puppy for the first time to decrease the risk of purchasing from a puppy farmer.

Dog Groups Related to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Toy Group

Similar dog breed(s) to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu