Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, and graceful, this small spaniel delights with its expressive eyes and loving nature. An ideal companion, always eager to please and quick to form close bonds.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
30–33 cm (male)
30–33 cm (female)
WEIGHT
5.9–8.2 kg (male)
5.9–8.2 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its affectionate, gentle, and sociable nature, often forming strong bonds with people and adapting well to various household environments.
Key Personality Traits
Exceptionally sociable with people and other pets
Learns commands and routines fairly quickly
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily outings
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Strengths
- Affectionate and people-oriented temperament
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Gets along well with children and pets
- Eager to please and easy to train
- Enjoys both playtime and cuddling
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- High risk of heart and eye conditions
- Requires regular grooming for coat maintenance
- Can be prone to weight gain
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
Protect your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can develop mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively straightforward with positive reinforcement; they respond well to consistency and clear guidance.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
Moderate daily exercise, such as walks and playtime, is usually sufficient for this breed, and they benefit from both physical activity and mental stimulation to remain content and healthy.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Easygoing temperament and manageable care needs make them suitable for new dog owners.
Apartment Living
Small size and calm nature adapt well to apartment living with daily walks.
Active Lifestyle
Enjoy activity but may tire quickly and need moderate exercise.
Kids
Gentle and affectionate, typically patient with respectful young children.
Multiple Pets
Usually sociable with other pets given proper introductions and supervision.
Being Left Alone
Dislike being left alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long hours.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Cavalier King Charles Spaniels compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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