The Cavalier King Charles spaniel was a favorite of European nobility from at least the 14th century. Originally believed to be introduced to Scotland by the French, Mary Queen of Scots brought them to England where they quickly gained attention.



Eventually popularized by King Charles I and his son Charles II, this toy group canine is small in stature. However, it makes up for it with its boundless affection. Bred from hunting spaniels and a distinct breed from King Charles Spaniels, this variety of spaniel retains its forebears scenting and athletic traits.



Four distinctive colors are recognized for the breed: Blenheim, ruby, tricolor, and black and tan.



At home both on the couch and competing in a variety of events, the Cavalier has an agreeable temperament. It makes for a wonderful family pet. Regal, loyal, and graceful, the Cavalier’s noble stature is a visual representation of its history and breeding.



The 10th most popular breed in the UK and 18th in the US, this spaniel comes at a high price if purchased with papers, However, numerous rescues exist for both Cavalier puppies and adults.

The Best Wet Food for Senior Dogs for 2022

The 4 Best Dog Food for Allergies (Adult, Puppy, Senior)

The 5 Best Dog Water Fountains, We Checked

See all of our expert product reviews.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size and Weight

Per American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel can’t be taller than 13 inches and ranges in weight from 13-18 pounds. These ranges may vary slightly for non-show animals.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Common Health Issues

There are a number of health issues that are common to the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Eye conditions like cataracts and degenerative retina issues negatively affect their vision. Hip dysplasia and kneecap issues are the most frequently occurring orthopedic complaints of this dog; hip dysplasia affects the function and mobility of the hip joint, and patella luxation is the tendency for the kneecap to move out of place.



Syringomelia is a neurological condition that results from the cerebrospinal fluid being forced through an opening into the spinal cord that is too small. It is both hereditary, progressive, and present in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.



Reputable breeders should test all breeding stock for any of these conditions, and many breeders also include testing for their puppies to screen for common health problems. To review, the most common health problems for this breed are:

• Cataracts and retina problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Luxating patella
• Syringomelia

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an extremely versatile pet. While they were bred as lapdogs and have the associated calm and loving personality, they also retain the scenting and hunting behaviors of their ancestors. They perform well in a number of canine sports such as agility, rally, and obedience. Yet they also enjoy living the couch potato life. It is really all based on the personality of their owner.



This breed is highly intelligent and easily trainable. You should capitalize on this by starting training early. This will help to prevent separation anxiety should they need to be left alone regularly for any length of time. The insatiable desire to please propels this dog breed to success, and it is a hallmark trait of the breed.

How to Take Care of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Caring for a Cavalier King Charles spaniel entails a wide range of considerations. This holds true for both puppies and more senior dogs. These pets will lead a happy and healthy life if you stick to these best practices.

Health and Entertainment for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

See all of our expert product reviews.

The Best Dog Food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Just as a human nutritional needs change as one ages, so too do the dietary requirements of Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Due to the potential for orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia, dog food high in calcium or appropriate dietary supplements are especially beneficial for puppies. Care should be taken to avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates particularly if your dog leads a more sedentary lifestyle as this breed has a tendency towards obesity.



For adults, calcium supplementation may still be beneficial, but you should discuss that with your veterinarian. Next to freshly prepared options, canned, high-quality dog food typically provides the best mix of nutrients while limiting carbohydrates. Weight control is even more of a concern as these toy dogs age because obesity only exacerbates any orthopedic issues that may already be present.

At A-Z Animals, we think a good food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support Adult Wet Dog Food.

This joint-nourishing food is full of natural ingredients offering chondroitin and glucosamine to combat hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. It has EPA, vitamins C and E, with vitamin A and taurine for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ bones, eyes, and heart. Plus, feeding this breed wet food may help these dogs stay at a healthy weight.

Find Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints on amazon.

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Natural Mobility Support Adult Wet Dog Food, Chicken 12.5-oz cans (Pack of 12)

• MOBILITY SUPPORT DOG FOOD: Our Jolly Joints adult dog food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin, clinically proven to support hip and joint health, plus EPA from fish oil for mobility support, and optimal minerals for strong bones
• NATURAL INGREDIENTS RECOMMENDED BY VETERINARIANS: BLUE True Solutions is a natural dog food made with the finest ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• STARTS WITH HIGH-QUALITY CHICKEN: This delicious wet dog food is formulated with wholesome ingredients including fruits and vegetables to help keep your dog moving, naturally
• MADE WITHOUT WHEAT: Unlike many other canned dog foods, BLUE never uses wheat as a thickener in our wet food. True Solutions science based dog food has NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, and NO corn, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
• Contains twelve (12) 12.5 oz. cans of BLUE True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Adult Wet Dog Food, Chicken

Buy on Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

The long hair of this spaniel needs to be regularly brushed in order to prevent the collection of debris that can create unpleasant odors. This also helps to reduce any shedding. Proper care of the coat of your Cavalier will go a long way to ensuring their luscious shine remains. Ruby, tricolor, Blenheim, and black and tan spaniels all look their best when properly groomed.



Aside from monthly baths and nail trimmings, regular brushing is the extent of the maintenance and grooming requirement for this breed. Overall, it is a relatively low maintenance dog, and no special tools are required beyond a brush and nail trimmer.

Training

These dogs are so bright that training is typically very easy. Their high drive to please their owner coupled with some positive treat reinforcement is all that you should need to accomplish even a high degree of obedience training.



Socialization and preventative training for separation (should it be necessary) must be addressed early on in the puppy stage for the highest degree of success. Cavaliers adopted from rescues may need a slightly different approach due to unknown circumstances prior to adoption.

Exercise

A daily walk of moderate length is all that is necessary to make sure that your spaniel is properly exercised and healthy. While they are content to be lapdogs and even thrive in apartment living, regular exercise is good for your Cavalier.



Due to their hunting dog ancestors, these pups may not heed their owner’s commands if they catch an interesting scent. It is critical that they never be allowed off-leash or in an unfenced yard for this very reason.



These dogs can also adapt to much more exercise, and the breed is a regular competitor in several canine sports. Their go-with-the-flow temperament applies in the fashion as well, and they will conform to whatever lifestyle their owner leads.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

There are no special considerations for puppies of this breed over any normal puppy care instructions. Regular checkups, appropriate nutrition, and standard training are the name of the game.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Children

Children and this breed are a match made in heaven. They thrive on affection and are huge fans of snuggling. The most important concern is that children have the appropriate knowledge of how to behave around any dog breed. The same traits that make this dog a wonderful therapy dog also make it great for life with children. Learn more about the best dog breeds for families with children here.

Dogs Similar to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Dog breeds similar to this spaniel are the English cocker spaniel, the pug, and the Japanese chin.

• English cocker spaniel – This sporting dog breed is an ancestor of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and bears similar colors. It is the source of the breed’s hunting instincts and high drives.
  
  
• Pug – The Pug is another loving homebody. They are much more strong-willed and have myriad more health concerns when compared to the English King Charles spaniel. Their short coat requires less maintenance and is less prone to shedding as well.
  
  
• Japanese chin – The Japanese equivalent of the English King Charles spaniel is the Japanese chin. Bred to be loving lapdogs, these canines were a favorite of high-class Japanese citizens. In colors and hair, they bear a strong similarity to the English King Charles spaniel, but they have a flatter face and pronounced eyes like a pug.

Famous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Arguably, the most famous King Charles spaniel is Rex who belonged to Mary Queen of Scots. She was beheaded with Rex beneath her skirts, and it is rumored that he refused to leave her body until he died from grief several days later.



Although not technically a Cavalier as that is a moniker given to the renewed breed of the 20th century, Rex’s story makes him more than worthy of his fame. President Ronald Reagan also owned a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles spaniel named Rex!

Popular Names for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Popular names for Cavalier King Charles spaniels are:

• Blenheim
• Rex
• Tudor
• Ruby
• Bella
• Trixie
• Violet
• Rusty

Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

View all 157 animals that start with C