Dog breed · Toy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, adaptable
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 5–8 kg (11–18 lb)
- Height
- 30–33 cm (12–13 in)
- Life span
- 9–14 years
- Origin
- United Kingdom
The coat
Long · Patches
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Quick to learn
- Copes well in a flat
Be ready for
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh 5–8 kg (11–18 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers are sweet-natured lap dogs that get on with almost everyone. Sadly the breed is prone to serious inherited heart and neurological disease, so health screening is essential when choosing a puppy.
Health to know about
- Mitral valve disease — most develop a heart murmur with age
- Syringomyelia (a painful neurological condition)
- Eye conditions
- Ear infections
Care in short
- Ask for heart and MRI screening results from breeders
- Yearly heart checks from middle age
- Brush the silky coat a few times a week
- Moderate daily walks
Kit for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never changes what we recommend.
Best everyday brush
Self-cleaning slicker brush
4.6Fine bent wires lift loose undercoat; a button pushes the hair off.
- Quick to clean
- Suits most medium and long coats
Best for long coats
Pin brush and comb set
4.5Pins get through a thick coat; the comb finds the knots it missed.
- Gentle rounded pins
- Comb has two tooth widths
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get?
Adults usually weigh 5–8 kg (11–18 lb) and stand 30–33 cm (12–13 in) tall.
How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?
Typically 9–14 years.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with children?
Known for being excellent (5 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels prone to?
Mitral valve disease — most develop a heart murmur with age; Syringomyelia (a painful neurological condition); Eye conditions; Ear infections.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts