Few breeds can claim to have warmed the laps of royalty, but the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been stealing hearts since the days of King Charles II. With their silky ears, soulful eyes, and a tail that never stops wagging, Cavaliers are affectionate companions through and through. However, behind the royal name lies a breed with some very real health concerns that every owner should be aware of.
Owner insight: “Lovely little dogs — normally very gentle and loving. Bred to be a companion, so love to be around people, so not a dog that will take kindly …”
Still wondering if this royal lap-warmer is your match? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for a Cavalier
Cavaliers are both regal and cheeky, so their names can reflect nobility or playful charm. For more inspiration, try our Dog Name Generator.
- Royal nods: Charles, Victoria, Windsor, Diana, Archie
- Elegant picks: Bella, Darcy, Jasper, Eloise, Hugo
- Cheeky names: Wiggles, Biscuit, Pickle, Socks
- Old-English vibes: Poppy, Clover, Rupert, Beatrice
Pickles’ Aside: “If you call one ‘King’, don’t be surprised when he claims the best chair in the house.”
Exercise
Cavaliers may look like lapdogs, but they love their walks. Think happy trotting more than marathon running.
They need:
- 30–60 minutes daily of walks or play.
- Sniffing time — those noses are surprisingly busy.
- Indoor play works well for rainy days.
Pickles’ Aside: “Yes, they’ll happily nap on your lap — after they’ve done zoomies round the garden.”
Spaniel Energy Warning
They may be smaller than Springers and Cockers, but Cavaliers are still spaniels at heart. They thrive on daily exercise and interaction. A bored Cavalier is a barky, chew-happy Cavalier.
Temperament
If you want a dog who adores you unconditionally, the Cavalier is it. They’re famously affectionate, gentle, and great with kids.
- Affection is their love language.
- Good with children, even young ones.
- Friendly with strangers — sometimes too friendly for watchdog duty.
Owner insight: “I agree they are a lovely breed, especially with small children. Ours was with two boys from babies to 11 and 13.”
Training
Smart but sensitive, Cavaliers respond beautifully to gentle, consistent training. Harshness will break their spirit faster than it will teach them.
- Positive reinforcement only.
- Short, fun sessions keep them motivated.
- Early recall training helps tame their spaniel nose.
Need help? The World’s First AI Dog Trainer has tips to keep training fun and frustration-free.
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
A Cavalier is more likely to wag than warn. They’ll let you know the postman’s here, but don’t expect them to guard anything beyond their favourite cushion.
- Friendly greeters by nature.
- More hostess than watchdog.
Other Animals
True to their gentle nature, Cavaliers usually get along with other pets, especially if raised together.
- Dog-friendly.
- Cats tolerated, sometimes even cuddled.
- Small animals are best supervised.
Grooming
Those flowing ears and silky coats don’t maintain themselves. Luckily, Cavaliers enjoy the fuss.
- Brushing 3–4 times a week to prevent tangles.
- Ear checks — long ears trap dirt and moisture.
- Occasional trims around feet and feathers.
Health
Here’s where the royal sparkle fades. Cavaliers are sadly prone to several inherited health conditions, especially heart disease.
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) — very common, often showing as early as 4–5 years old.
- Syringomyelia (SM) — a painful spinal condition linked to skull shape.
- Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation.
- Eye problems (cataracts, dry eye, retinal issues).
- Ear infections thanks to those floppy ears.
Owner insight: “It’s true that most cavs will develop MVD, but most shouldn’t develop this condition until they’re ‘old’. My first had a significant heart murmur when he was 4.”
Average lifespan is 9–14 years, though health problems can shorten this. Choosing a breeder who screens for MVD and SM is critical — see our Best in Breeder Guide for what to ask.
Heart Health Warning
Cavaliers are one of the breeds most prone to Mitral Valve Disease. Many will develop a heart murmur during their lifetime, sometimes as early as four years old.
What this means for owners:
- Annual vet checks are essential.
- Watch for early signs — coughing, fainting, or tiredness.
- Medication costs can add up significantly.
- Only buy from health-tested lines — responsible breeders screen carefully.
Pickles’ Aside: “They’ll steal your heart, but theirs needs extra TLC.”
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Cavaliers aren’t the priciest to buy, but their vet bills can be high.
- Puppy price: £1,200–£2,500
- Food: £20–£40/month
- Insurance: £30–£60/month (higher with heart cover)
- Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year
- Potential heart/SM treatments: £1,000s over a lifetime
Famous Owners & Moments
- The breed’s namesake, King Charles II, was famously inseparable from his spaniels.
- More recently, they’ve been spotted with celebrities like Courteney Cox and Kristin Davis.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re lazy lapdogs | They love a cuddle but also need exercise. |
| All Cavaliers die young | Many live long, happy lives with careful breeding and vet care. |
| They’re noisy barkers | Generally quieter than other spaniels. |
| They don’t shed | They shed moderately — grooming helps. |
Cavalier FAQs
- Do they shed? Yes, moderately.
- Are they good with kids? Yes — famously gentle.
- How long do they live? 9–14 years.
- Do they have health issues? Sadly, heart disease and SM are common.
- Are they easy to train? Yes, with gentle consistency.
Thinking of Bringing Home a Cavalier?
If you want a sweet, affectionate companion who’ll happily shadow you from sofa to kitchen, the Cavalier might be perfect. Just be prepared for the health checks and costs that come with the crown.
Before you decide, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your Cavalier is home, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Royal by name, cuddlebug by nature — but high-maintenance where it counts.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: England
- Weight: 5–8 kg
- Height: 30–33 cm
- Lifespan: 9–14 years
- Best Trait: Gentle, affectionate, family-friendly
- Challenging Trait: Serious health issues (especially heart)