Few things are as heartwarming as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s enthusiastic tail wag — it’s like a built-in happiness meter! Loving, gentle, and playful, these amiable charmers melt hearts wherever they go.
Thinking about welcoming a pup into your life? Or already sharing your life with a Cavalier? This guide has everything you need to know about keeping them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of what it takes to care for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel boasts a regal history dating back to the 17th century, when they were beloved companions of British nobility, particularly King Charles I and King Charles II, who gave the breed its name. Originally bred as lapdogs and foot warmers for aristocrats, their charming and affectionate nature made them treasured pets in royal courts.
While their noble roots remain evident, Cavaliers have transitioned seamlessly into modern family life, cherished for their sweet temperament and adaptability.
Key characteristics
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-known for their gentle and doting disposition. They’re social butterflies, eager to please, and highly adaptable to various living environments, from city apartments to country homes.
Health considerations
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to mitral valve disease (MVD), eye conditions, and hip dysplasia. A real food, high-protein diet that’s gently cooked and packed with omega-3s can help keep their heart, joints, and eyes in top shape.
Appearance and size
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small but well-proportioned dog with a silky, flowing coat and feathering on its ears, chest, legs, and tail. Their large, round eyes give them a sweet, soulful expression.
They come in distinct colour variations: Tricolour (black, white, and tan), Black & Tan, and Ruby (solid reddish-brown). The popular chestnut and white variety are known as Blenheim, after Blenheim Palace, the home of the first Duke of Marlborough who favoured hunting with them. Subsequent generations of Dukes continued to breed Cavaliers with this distinctive colouring.
Their graceful, slightly arched neck leads to a compact and balanced frame, making them a picture of refined elegance.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel personality and temperament
Gentle, adoring, and always eager to please, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small but sturdy toy breed known for its graceful appearance and endearing personality. They form strong bonds with their humans, making them ideal companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
Friendly and sweet-natured, Cavaliers get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them less suited for guarding duties but perfect as loving family members. They’re happy in a large home with a garden, or a small and cozy apartment, making them a very adaptable breed.
They dislike being left alone for long periods and thrive in a loving home where they can be close to their humans, offering unwavering companionship and a touch of elegance.
The Cavalier’s playful side means they enjoy games and light exercise, but their favourite activity is undoubtedly cuddling with their humans. This breed is also known for being intelligent, making them relatively easy to train, though their sensitive nature means they respond best to positive reinforcement.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel size guide
A full-grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs between 4.5-7 kg and can grow between 28-35 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by around 12 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?
The average lifespan of a Cavalier is between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s a lot we can easily do to help them thrive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
Pugs can be prone to developing oral health problems like gum disease. Brush their teeth regularly and give them a food containing kelp to help control plaque and tartar build-up.
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat?
A playful Cavalier needs nutritious food to fuel their mind and body.
The best diet for a Cavalier is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health.
Lyka’s real food meals are gently cooked to lock in nutrients, textures, and delicious flavours — so even the fussiest Cavaliers will lick their bowls clean.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Cavalier’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: Healthy dog food designed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels →
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Cavalier puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Cavalier health issues
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Cavaliers can be genetically predisposed to developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap) and hip dysplasia (a shallow and loose hip joint). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog's diet help? →
2. Eye conditions
Cavaliers can be prone to developing eye issues like cataracts, entropion and distichiasis.
Although these problems are often hereditary, you can support your dog’s eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Heart conditions
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the most common cardiac illness in dogs, though it tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds, like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Mild cases of MVD may not show any noticeable signs in your pup and it’s usually identified during a routine health check by your vet. The disease is degenerative, but it progresses slowly. However, it can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Always, check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Cavalier’s health.
Dogs with MVD and CHF are usually advised to eat a low-sodium diet as too much salt increases their blood pressure and puts their heart under more stress.
Support your dog’s heart health by feeding them a fresh, wholefood diet that contains powerful ingredients known for their cardiovascular benefits:
🍄 Mushrooms: Bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant properties for cardiovascular health.
🥦 Broccoli: A rich source of potassium for a strong heart rhythm and optimal blood pressure.
🌱 Chia seeds: Small but mighty, these tiny seeds have antioxidant properties to combat oxidativestress and are high in fibre to promote satiety and support weight management.
Cavalier coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
With an irresistibly soft and silky coat, keeping your Cavalier well-groomed isn’t just about looking good, it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine also helps to maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your pup stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a medium-length coat that sheds moderately, with increased shedding during seasonal changes. They’re not regarded as hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Due to their feathered coat, Cavaliers need brushing with a pin brush at least 3-4 times a week to avoid tangles and mats. It’s also a great way to minimise loose fur, distribute natural oils, and check their skin condition.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use a mild, dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Hygiene tips
A Cavalier’s nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums — vital to prevent dental disease, common in toy breeds like Cavaliers.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel exercise requirements
Despite their lapdog reputation, Cavaliers enjoy daily activity to keep them fit and healthy. They benefit from around 30-45 minutes of exercise per day, including gentle walks, interactive play, and off-leash time in a safe area. For puppies, limit exercise to five minutes per month of age to protect developing joints.
They’re social pups, so don’t be surprised if they make new friends whenever they leave the house. With an adorable Cavalier in tow, you’ll get to know everyone at the dog park in no time.
Mental enrichment activities like scent games, puzzle feeders, and training sessions keep their clever minds busy and prevent boredom-related behaviours.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their lifestyle and spirited nature.
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Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Training a Cavalier is a joy — they’re smart and love making you proud. Keep sessions fun and rewarding with praise and their favourite high-value treats, and you’ll have a well-mannered companion in no time!
Controlled socialisation from an early age is a great way to develop their confidence and social skills. Due to their small size, leash training is also important to ensure safe and enjoyable walks.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them mentally stimulated. For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder
So, you’ve decided that a cute little Cavalier is the perfect fit? How exciting! The next step is finding a reputable breeder or considering adoption from a rescue shelter.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Cavalier breeders plan a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
These ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities and meet their dogs in person.
It’s also a great opportunity to ask them questions about their program and enquire about how they’ve addressed common health conditions, like scoring for hip dysplasia.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Cavalier breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other Cavalier dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy?
You can expect to pay around $2,200 to $6,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember — the real cost of dog parenting isn’t just the purchase price. It’s the ongoing commitment of time, love, and care.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a Cavalier from a rescue shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got some questions about the breed? Check out the answers to our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel FAQs below:
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are moderate shedders, so aren’t considered hypoallergenic.
When should I desex my Cavalier?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Cavalier?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vs King Charles Spaniel — what’s the difference?
The King Charles Spaniel, otherwise known as the English Toy Spaniel, is a separate breed to the Cavalier. The King Charles Spaniel is smaller with a flat face and a domed head and may have an undershot jaw.
Do Cavaliers get along with cats and other pets?
Cavaliers have a gentle and easy-going nature, so can get along with other cats and pets. Always introduce them slowly with appropriate supervision and positive reinforcement.
Do Cavaliers bark?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a quiet breed and will rarely bark. They can develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone for long periods which may lead to an increase in vocalisation.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Cavaliers across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
