Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the most gentle and affectionate of all breeds. They are true companion dogs who live to be with their people. Cavaliers are adaptable — equally happy with a long walk or a quiet evening on the sofa — and get along beautifully with children, other dogs, and even cats.

Cavaliers need 30–60 minutes of moderate exercise daily. They enjoy walks, gentle hikes, and play sessions. They are adaptable to their owner's lifestyle but should not be over-exercised in hot weather due to their slightly flat face.

The Cavalier's silky coat requires brushing 3–4 times weekly to prevent tangles, especially in the feathering on ears, legs, and tail. Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks is recommended. Check ears weekly — their long, floppy ears are prone to infections.

Coat type: Silky, medium-length coat with feathering

Mitral valve disease and syringomyelia are serious health concerns that affect the majority of Cavaliers. This is one of the most health-challenged breeds. Buy only from breeders who follow the MVD Breeding Protocol and MRI-test for SM. Pet insurance is strongly recommended.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is named after King Charles II of England, who was so devoted to his small spaniels that he reportedly issued a royal decree allowing them in any public building — including Parliament. The breed nearly disappeared in the early 20th century when breeders shifted toward a flatter-faced type. American Roswell Eldridge offered prize money at Crufts in the 1920s to revive the original long-nosed type, leading to the modern Cavalier we know today.

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  King Charles II was so devoted to his spaniels that he reportedly issued a royal decree allowing them in any public place, including Parliament.

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  Cavaliers are one of the few breeds that retain their 'puppy personality' throughout their entire lives.

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  Nearly all Cavaliers develop mitral valve disease (MVD) by age 10 — it is the leading cause of death in the breed.

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  They were nearly extinct in the early 1900s until American Roswell Eldridge offered prize money to revive the original type.

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  Cavaliers are one of the most empathetic dog breeds — they are widely used as therapy dogs because of their ability to sense human emotions.

Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a long-term financial commitment. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to budget for.

* Estimates based on national averages. Costs vary by location, lifestyle, and individual health needs. Emergency vet visits are not included.

Cavaliers have grown steadily in popularity as apartment-friendly, gentle companion dogs. However, growing awareness of their serious heart condition (MVD) has prompted ethical breeding discussions. The UK and some European countries have introduced health testing requirements for breeders.

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