Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight

13–18 lbs

Lifespan

12–15

years

Allergies

Standard

coat

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The Cavalier’s all-around beauty, regal grace, and even temper mark him as one of dogdom’s noblemen. A toy spaniel no more than 13 inches high, the Cavalier draws you in with his face: The sweet, gentle, melting expression emanating from large, round eyes is a breed hallmark. Another is the silky, richly-colored coat that can be one of four distinct varieties.Cavaliers may be aristocrats, but they gladly descend from their royal high horse for a backyard frolic or a squirrel chase. They get along nicely with children and other dogs. Adaptable Cavaliers do equally well with active owners and homebodies—they can be upbeat athletes or shameless couch potatoes, depending on an owner’s lifestyle. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel wears his connection to British history in his breed’s name. Cavaliers are the best of two worlds, combining the gentle attentiveness of a toy breed with the verve and athleticism of a sporting spaniel.

Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful

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Best For

Families with childrenMulti-dog householdsFirst-time owners open to trainingOwners wanting a low-maintenance coat

Home & Lifestyle Fit

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a moderate-energy dog — happy with daily walks and regular play, but not demanding of intense exercise. They adapt reasonably well to different living situations, though a house with at least some outdoor access makes daily routines easier.

Day-to-Day Reality

Coat care is minimal: a quick brush and occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Shedding is low, which means less hair on furniture and clothing. This breed craves human company. Long days alone can lead to anxiety or destructive behavior, so a work-from-home setup or doggy daycare is worth planning for.

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