Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet, smart and snuggly
Cavaliers 101
Toy groupThe Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shares the outgoing nature and floppy ears of its larger spaniel relatives. The breed itself is relatively new, a re-creation of the small spaniels popular with British gentry both for companionship and to serve as a living heating pad in drafty castles. The most common coat pattern is known as Blenheim, after England's Blenheim Palace.
What we love about Cavaliers
Fans call those fuzzy feet "slippers"
Today the Cavalier is a popular dog not just with young families and singles, but also with empty-nesters looking for smaller, more portable dogs than their previous pets. Cavaliers are bright, eager to please and quick to learn. These little spaniels are friendly to everyone, but they save their strongest affection for the people they know best.
Energy level
Energy level: 75% (High)
Bark level
- Very vocal
- Talkative
- As needed
Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively
Size
Size: 12 to 13 inches tall. This is a Small sized Dog.
- Energy level
- High (75%)
- Bark level
- Talkative
- Height
- 12 to 13 inches
- Lifespan
- 12 to 15 years
- Weight
- 13 to 18 lbs
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel stands 12 to 13 inches tall and weighs 13 to 18 lbs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How big do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get?
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels stand 12 to 13 inches tall and typically weigh between 13 and 18 pounds.
- How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?
- The average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 12 to 15 years.
- Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good for first-time dog owners?
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bark a lot?
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.
My pet’s health plannerSM
This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.
Mature adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Mid-life Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Valvular heart disease poses very high risk.
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Moderate Risk
80% on risk scaleSenior Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Vestibular syndrome and Gallbladder disease pose very high risk.
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
- Vestibular syndrome
- Very High Risk
- Gallbladder disease
- Very High Risk
Cavalier puppy
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Gastritis pose very high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
Young adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
As Cavalier King Charles Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella is at high risk.
- Luxated patella
- High Risk
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Moderate Risk
Mature adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Mid-life Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Valvular heart disease poses very high risk.
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
- Dental disease
- Moderate Risk
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Moderate Risk
Senior Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniels face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Vestibular syndrome and Gallbladder disease pose very high risk.
- Valvular heart disease
- Very High Risk
- Vestibular syndrome
- Very High Risk
- Gallbladder disease
- Very High Risk
Cavalier puppy
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Umbilical hernia and Gastritis pose very high risk.
- Umbilical hernia
- Very High Risk
- Gastritis
- Very High Risk
- Ear infection
- Moderate Risk
Young adult Cavalier
Risk level for common Cavalier conditions
As Cavalier King Charles Spaniels grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella is at high risk.
- Luxated patella
- High Risk
- Toxicity
- Moderate Risk
- Corneal (eye) ulcer
- Moderate Risk
Nationwide can help you save on your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.
- Puppy (0 to 6 months)
- Umbilical hernia: Very High Risk, Gastritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk
- Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
- Luxated patella: High Risk, Toxicity: Moderate Risk, Corneal (eye) ulcer: Moderate Risk
- Mature Adult (5 years to 8 years)
- Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Moderate Risk
- Senior (9+ years)
- Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Vestibular syndrome: Very High Risk, Gallbladder disease: Very High Risk
King Charles II of England had a special fondness for his dogs, particularly the ones that became known as "King Charles Spaniels" in his honor. His constant companions, they even accompanied him to formal events and council meetings. The term "Cavalier" pays homage to the English Civil War royalist supporters, as King Charles II was closely associated with them.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat care and colors
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a coat that mats easily. Regular brushing will help, but some owners prefer to use professional groomers. The Cavalier is rare among dogs in that their feet are left untrimmed, leaving them permanently in slippers. Because the breed’s ears are relatively long for a dog so low to the ground, they tend to droop into food and water dishes. Using a sleeve called a “snood’ will keep their ears clean. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.
Do Cavaliers shed a lot?
Do Cavaliers shed a lot?
Should I trim my Cavalier's coat?
Should I trim my Cavalier's coat?
How often should I bathe my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
How often should I bathe my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavalier exercise & training
Cavalier fun facts
Top girl names for Cavaliers
of Cavaliers are female
of Cavaliers are male
Top boy names for Cavaliers
Nationwide loves Cavalier King Charles Spaniels of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
| Gender | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Male | 0% |
| Female | 100% |
Among Cavalier King Charles Spaniels insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.
Other breeds like Cavaliers
Best. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel insurance. Ever.SM
- Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
- Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
- Cancel at any time, risk-free