Once a pet intended to warm the laps of nobles, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel remains an elegant and regal member of the toy group.
Cavaliers took their name from King Charles II’s passion for this breed. The king often took his toy spaniels to court, and his dogs lived a life of luxury at his castle.
Other notable owners include the first Duke of Marlborough and Mary, Queen of Scots. The latter is said to have used her Cavalier as a makeshift heating pad during long carriage rides, giving rise to the term lap dog.
However, these happy pups are more than simply lap dogs. Dog owners love this sweet, gentle breed for its playful, tender nature.
This popular breed makes excellent companions, even for first-time dog owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs. King Charles Spaniel: Similar but different
These English toy spaniels are often mistaken for each other, but the American Kennel Club recognizes them as two separate breeds.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and King Charles Spaniel share many resemblances but some notable differences, mainly in size. Cavaliers are one of the largest members of the toy dog group.
You can see the two dog breeds compared in the table below:
| King Charles Spaniel | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | |
| Origin and ancestry | Previously known as the English Toy Spaniel, it was first seen in England in the 1500s | It was created by cross-breeding King Charles Spaniels and pugs. It became a breed in the 1920s. |
| Size | 8 to 14 pounds, 9-11 inches tall | 13 to 18 pounds, 12-13 inches tall |
| Appearance | Dome-shaped head with a flat, upturned nose that meets the skull, mouth slightly underneath the nose, and tail usually docked. | Between ears, the skull is flat, with a longer nose, and the mouth has a straight bite; this ail is usually left natural. |
| Color | Black and white with tan, tricolor, red and white, or Blenheim, ruby | Same as King Charles Spaniel |
| Behavior | Affectionate, gentle, reserved | Friendly, affectionate, and more active than the King Charles Spaniel |
| Life expectancy | 10-16 years | 9-14 years |
The British Kennel Club recognized Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as a separate breed in 1945. However, this was not the case in the United States.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was started in response to a Cavalier owner’s inability to register her dog in the U.S. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1996.
Temperament
Despite their origin in the United Kingdom, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the most popular dogs in the United States. Beyond its adorable appearance, there’s a reason for that: the dogs make great companions.
These toy spaniels get along well with kids and other dogs and tend to get along well with cats. They generally do not like to be left alone and truly thrive in the company of others.
They are friendly, playful, and affectionate. Because of their friendliness to strangers, they don’t make excellent guard dogs.
Cavaliers are known for being great therapy dogs, but they also do well in apartment living, which makes them popular with older owners.
Keep the dogs on a leash to prevent them from chasing other animals, as they are hunters.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel care
Exercise
While Cavaliers are lap dogs, they are also sporting breeds, so they require a moderate amount of exercise.
Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate exercise daily. This can include brisk walks, playtime in the yard, or engaging games of fetch.
After their busy time, they happily lounge around on the couch.
Grooming
Brush Cavaliers at least once every few days to maintain their long coats and prevent matting. Use a comb or slicker brush to remove tangles.
After removing tangles, use a bristle brush to ensure their signature shiny coat.
Their fur tends to attract a lot of dust and allergens, so bathe your dog once a week and dry it thoroughly, especially around the ears.
Their long coats include Blenheim (red and white), black and tan, tricolor, and ruby.
Training
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is known for being relatively easy to train. They are eager to please their owners to be therapy dogs or compete in agility.
The dogs are easiest to train during the early months of their lives. They are very food-motivated and respond well to training using rewards.
On the other hand, because of their playful nature, they can get distracted and might not always stay focused on their training.
Start early
Begin training as early as possible, ideally during puppyhood. Early socialization and basic obedience training will help your Cavalier become a well-rounded adult dog.
Positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and playtime to encourage good behavior. This breed responds well to rewards, so focus on rewarding desired actions.
Keep sessions short
Cavaliers have a short attention span, so keep training sessions brief and engaging — around 5 to 10 minutes is ideal. You can repeat these short sessions multiple times throughout the day.
Be consistent
Use the same commands and cues each time you train. Consistency helps your Cavalier understand what is expected of them and reinforces learning.
Socialization
Expose your Cavalier to different environments, people, and other animals. This will help them become more adaptable and confident in various situations.
Use playtime
Incorporate play into training to make it fun. Games like fetch or hide-and-seek can reinforce commands while keeping your dog active and engaged.
Patience is vital
Every dog learns at its own pace. Be patient and understanding, and don’t hesitate to go back and reinforce basic commands as needed.
Avoid being harsh
Cavaliers are sensitive dogs. Avoid using harsh training methods or negative reinforcement, as this can lead to fear or anxiety. Instead, focus on encouragement and support.
Teach leash manners
Leash training is crucial for Cavaliers, especially since the dogs can be prone to pulling. Use treats and praise to encourage them to walk calmly beside you.
Essential commands
Teach essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” These commands enhance safety and make daily life easier.
Mental stimulation
Incorporate puzzle toys or training games to keep their minds sharp. Cavaliers are intelligent and thrive on mental challenges.
Focus on socialization
Introduce your Cavalier to various environments, people, and other animals to foster good social skills and reduce anxiety
Health issues
Most Cavaliers live well into old age. However, according to the American Kennel Club, many are prone to several common health problems, primarily mitral valve disease.
Mitral valve heart disease is caused by the deterioration of one of the valves in the heart and can lead to congestive heart failure. It affects up to half of all Cavaliers after age 5 and is a leading cause of death for the breed.
That’s why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club has issued stringent breeding protocols. Sadly, not all breeders follow these protocols, which has led to the breed’s prevalent genetic health problems.
There is no cure for mitral valve heart disease, but there are medications that can slow its progression and give Cavaliers a higher quality of life.
Other health concerns for Cavaliers include:
- Eye conditions, such as cataracts and dry eye
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia: caused by a hip socket not covering the upper thighbone, leading to a dislocated hip joint
- Syringomyelia, or neck scratcher’s disease, affects the spinal cord. Key symptoms include air scratching near the neck, sensitivity in the neck and chest, difficulty settling at night, unexplained whining, hindlimb weakness, and facial nerve paralysis.
Owners should discuss potential health concerns with their vet. Regular check-ups help ensure their good health.
Keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthy
Schedule routine check-ups at least twice yearly to monitor your dog’s heart health, as mitral valve diseases are common in the breed.
Feed a healthy diet
- Nutrition: Select a high-quality dog food that meets your dog’s age, size, and dietary needs. Consult your vet for recommendations.
- Portion control: Monitor their weight, as Cavaliers can be prone to obesity. Measure their food and avoid over-treating.
Dental care
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental issues; consider dental chews to help maintain oral hygiene.
Create a safe home
Provide a cozy, safe area where your dog can retreat when they need rest or alone time.
Leash safety
Always use a leash outside, as Cavaliers may chase small animals due to their hunting instincts.
Companionship
Quality time: Cavaliers thrive on companionship and form a strong attachment with their pet parents; they do not like being alone for long periods. Spend quality time with them to strengthen your bond and provide human interaction.
What to know before you buy
Be aware of their potential medical problems. Mitral valve heart disease is said to affect a majority of the breed. Understandably, not everyone would want to get a dog with health conditions. If you decide to adopt a Cavalier, educate yourself first.
If you are buying a dog from a breeder, ask for genetic testing certificates and clearances to minimize the risk of your Cavalier being sick.
Cavaliers shed, especially in the spring, after shedding their winter fluff.
The dogs do not like to be left alone. Since they are very social, they experience separation anxiety more than other breeds.
Because of this, they might not be an excellent choice for single people or those who work outside the home.
Understand the amount of weekly maintenance grooming can take.
Buying Cavaliers can be expensive. If you buy one, expect to spend $1,800 to $3,500. Adopting a Cavalier is much more cost-effective.
Groups such as Cavalier Rescue USA offer adoptions for $150 to $800, depending on the necessary testing before adopting the dog. However, if price motivates you, looking into another breed might be a good idea.
No dog is perfect. And many Cavalier owners wouldn’t want to own another breed. Ultimately, what matters is what you want in a dog and why you want to get one.
Where to adopt
If you are interested in adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it’s essential to find reputable rescue organizations that specialize in rescuing Cavaliers.
There are many nationwide rescue groups.
A great option is Cavalier Rescue USA, which has cavaliers available for adoption in every state. You can also use this list from Cavalier Health, which has national and local groups.
Alana Redmond is a content writer who specializes in law and consumer safety. She also works with Meinhart, Smith & Manning, PLLC, a Kentucky-based law firm specializing in dog bite injuries.