Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — breed guide
Possibly the sweetest lap dog going: happy to hike a little or nap a lot, as long as it’s with you.
At a glance
- Group
- toy
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5.5–8 kg (12–18 lb)
- Life span
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Silky medium-length coat with feathering
Living with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Moderate shedding.
- Quick to learn.
- Very quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
- Average cold tolerance.
Temperament
Gentle · Affectionate · Graceful · Adaptable
Health to watch
- Mitral valve disease
- Syringomyelia
- Ear infections
- Hip dysplasia
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
King Charles II so adored his spaniels that he decreed they be allowed in any public place — including Parliament.
Questions people ask
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel good with kids?
Generally yes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel good with cats?
Usually yes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
A gentle daily walk.
Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel handle hot weather?
It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.
Leash Life keeps a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.