Cavalier King Charles : Complete Breed Guide (2025)

Who hasn’t seen a Cavalier King Charles wagging its tail with delight?

Affectionate and playful, these charmers have everything it takes to win hearts.

Thinking about welcoming a Cavalier King Charles into your family?

Here’s a complete guide to this breed: an overview with key training and health tips to help you care for your current—or future—companion!

General Profile of the Cavalier King Charles

Personality

The Cavalier King Charles is a little dog with a big heart, known for its gentleness, sociability, and cheerful temperament.

Deeply affectionate, it loves human company and generally gets along well with children, other dogs, and even cats.

Intelligent and easy to train, it makes an excellent companion dog—just as comfortable in an apartment as it is in the countryside.

Size and Weight

The Cavalier King Charles usually measures between 30 and 33 cm at the shoulder. Its weight typically falls between 6 and 8 kg.

It’s important to keep a close eye on its weight to prevent health problems, especially joint and heart issues.

If you’ve never seen a Cavalier King Charles in person, the infographic below shows its size compared to other dog breeds.

Health

Although the Cavalier King Charles is a sturdy little dog, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions, such as heart problems (especially mitral valve disease) and neurological disorders like syringomyelia.

A balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and careful weight management are key to maintaining its health.

Because this breed is very attached to its humans, prolonged loneliness can cause stress, which in turn may affect its overall well-being.

A life filled with love, play, and proper care will keep your Cavalier King Charles thriving for years to come!

Diet

Now let’s take a closer look at the Cavalier King Charles’ nutritional needs.

Its diet should be balanced, easily digestible, and tailored to its size and activity level. This little dog has a big appetite, so it’s important to watch for weight gain!

Overview of the Cavalier King Charles’ Nutritional Needs

Nutrient	Role	Recommended Sources
High-quality proteins	Energy and muscle maintenance	Insect protein, meat, fish, legumes
Digestible carbohydrates	Secondary energy source	Rice, sweet potato, vegetables
Healthy fats	Shiny coat, healthy skin	Fish oil, rapeseed oil
Fibers	Good digestion	Vegetables
Vitamins & minerals	Immunity and vitality	Balanced supplements, fresh produce

Practical Feeding Tips

Tip	Why It Matters	Guidance
Meal frequency	Supports digestion and energy balance	2 meals per day for adults, 3–4 for puppies
Weight monitoring	Prevents obesity, common in the breed	Regularly check body condition
Avoid table scraps	Protects from excess salt, sugar, or fat	Stick to dog-safe food only
Healthy treats	Encourages training without weight gain	Offer in moderation, choose natural options

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Have Health Problems?

Like all dogs (and pets in general!), the Cavalier King Charles can be prone to certain health issues, particularly involving its joints, eyes, and heart.

But don’t worry: with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and consistent veterinary check-ups, many risks can be reduced or anticipated.

Let’s take a closer look at the three main health problems Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may face.

1. Joint Problems

Although less common than heart conditions, joint issues can still affect Cavaliers. The most frequent include:

Condition	What It Is	Impact
Patellar luxation	The kneecap slips out of place	Causes limping or discomfort
Hip dysplasia	Less frequent but possible	More likely with obesity or genetic predisposition
Arthritis	Appears with age	Especially if earlier joint issues were untreated

Prevention tip: A balanced diet, stable weight, and moderate but regular physical activity are key to maintaining healthy joints.

2. Eye Problems

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to several hereditary eye conditions. The most common are:

Condition	What It Is	Impact
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)	Inadequate tear production	Irritation, redness, infections if untreated
Cataracts	Clouding of the lens, often age-related	Gradual loss of vision
Retinal dysplasia	Congenital malformation of the retina	Can impair vision, sometimes from a young age

Prevention tip: Routine vet visits—and occasionally an eye specialist check-up—help detect and treat these issues early.

3. Heart Problems

Sadly, Cavaliers are predisposed to heart disease, most notably mitral valve disease (MVD), which is very common in the breed.

MVD is a degenerative condition of the mitral valve, leading to improper blood flow in the heart.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent cough, especially at night or after exercise
• Unusual fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of appetite or weight

Prevention tip: Regular veterinary check-ups, including heart auscultation from age 2–3, can catch early signs. With timely diagnosis, appropriate medication can slow the disease’s progression and maintain quality of life.

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Cavalier King Charles?

The Cavalier King Charles has an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Some individuals live even longer, especially when given a healthy lifestyle, high-quality nutrition, and regular veterinary care.

Coat, Grooming, and Hygiene Tips for the Cavalier King Charles

Coat

The Cavalier King Charles has a silky, medium-to-long coat that is slightly wavy but not curly.

It does not require any special trimming, as its natural elegance is part of the breed’s charm. Graceful feathering develops on the ears, legs, chest, and tail, giving it a princely appearance.

The 4 Official Coat Colors

• Blenheim: White with rich chestnut markings
• Tricolor: Black, white, and tan
• Ruby: Solid deep red
• Black & Tan: Black with clearly defined tan markings

Grooming

Gentle brushing 2 to 3 times per week is enough to prevent tangles, especially on the feathered areas.

The breed sheds moderately, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. A bath every 1 to 2 months will keep the coat clean and shiny without stripping it too much.

Hygiene

Proper hygiene is essential for the overall health of the Cavalier King Charles, with two areas requiring special attention: teeth and nails.

Teeth

Small dogs, including the Cavalier, are more prone to tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Poor dental care can cause bad breath, pain, infections, and even long-term heart problems.

Ideally, brush the dog’s teeth 2 to 3 times per week with a canine-safe toothpaste. Natural dental chews or chew toys can also help reduce tartar buildup.

Nails

Overgrown nails can make walking uncomfortable and cause pain, or even lead to pad and joint deformities.

Check and trim the nails every 3 to 4 weeks, especially if the dog doesn’t naturally wear them down (for example, when living mostly indoors or walking little on hard surfaces).

Tip: Introduce these care routines early on as part of a cozy bonding moment, so the dog sees them as positive rather than stressful.

Exercise Tips for the Cavalier King Charles

Despite their reputation as lapdogs, Cavaliers enjoy daily activity to stay fit and healthy.

They need 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day, including gentle walks, interactive play, and safe off-leash time.

For puppies, limit exercise to five minutes per month of age to protect their developing joints.

Training Tips for the Cavalier King Charles

Like all dogs, training a Cavalier King Charles takes time and patience. Here are 5 key tips to guide you in the right approach!

1. Start Early

If you’ve adopted a Cavalier puppy, begin training right away!

From the moment it arrives home, you can work on basics such as house training, recall, and sit. At this age, Cavaliers absorb everything like sponges.

If you’ve adopted an adult Cavalier, don’t worry—it’s never too late. Training is possible at any age, though breaking old habits may take a bit more patience.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

Rewards, treats, petting, and a cheerful voice are your best allies.

The Cavalier is sensitive and does not tolerate harsh methods. Often, an enthusiastic “Good job!” is just as effective as a treat.

3. Keep It Short and Fun

Sessions of 5 to 10 minutes are enough, repeated several times a day. Vary the exercises to keep its focus.

Also practice in different environments—indoors and outdoors—so your Cavalier learns that the rules apply everywhere. For example, practicing calm behavior around other dogs may be easier in your usual park.

4. Early Socialization

Expose your Cavalier King Charles to different people, animals, sounds, and environments from a young age.
A well-socialized Cavalier grows into a well-balanced and confident dog.

5. Patience and Consistency

The golden rule: repeat commands calmly and consistently. Remember, Cavaliers are sensitive!
Always use the same words for commands and stay consistent with the rules (for example: is the sofa allowed or not?).

Conclusion

We hope this guide helps you build a strong and happy bond with your Cavalier King Charles.

This little dog with a big heart can be a wonderful companion for you and your family, whether you live in an apartment or in the countryside.

It will give you endless affection—we hope you’ll be ready to give just as much back!