Breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Currently Unavailable
Small Breed
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The Cavalier is in the class of the oldest toy dog breeds. They are small and were originally bred as lap dogs because of their cute look and small size. They are known to be friendly and extremely affectionate. The kind of dog that would crawl under the covers with you. Petland is honored to offer the highest quality Cavalier King Charles puppies that will be an instant fit on your lap and in your family.
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About Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, introduced to the U.S. in 1956, is a highly sought-after companion dog with a history rooted in European royalty, famously favored by King Charles II. They are beloved for their joyful, sweet, and loving personality, forming strong bonds with families, children, and other pets, and rarely showing aggression. Petland is honored to offer the highest quality Cavalier King Charles puppies that will be an instant fit on your lap and in your family.
Energy & Exercise
Energy Level
3/5
Exercise Minutes/Day
60 min/day
Mental Stimulation Needs
3/5
Playfulness
3/5
Living Environment
Apartment Friendly
3/5
Tolerates Being Alone
3/5
Cold Tolerance
3/5
Heat Tolerance
3/5
Yard Required
No
Barking Tendency
3/5
Family & Social
Good With Young Kids
3/5
Good With Older Kids
3/5
Good With Other Dogs
3/5
Good With Cats
3/5
Good With Strangers
3/5
Affection Level
3/5
Care & Grooming
Shedding Level
3/5
Hypoallergenic Friendly
No
Grooming Frequency
Weekly
Drooling Level
3/5
Trainability & Temperament
Trainability
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
Independence (vs Clinginess)
3/5
Prey Drive
3/5
Stubbornness
3/5
Territorial
3/5
Purpose Aptitude
Protection Aptitude
3/5
Therapy Aptitude
3/5
Running Partner Aptitude
3/5
Hiking Aptitude
3/5
First-Time Owner Friendly
3/5
Senior Owner Friendly
3/5
Learn More About Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was introduced to the United States in 1956 by W. Lyon Brown. Also known simply as the Cavalier or King Charles, this breed has been highly sought after in the U.S. for decades. Their lineage traces back to toy spaniels that appeared in many 16th, 17th, and 18th-century paintings across northern Europe. Initially, these dogs were bred to be companion animals for royalty, serving as beloved lapdogs and even providing warmth during chilly carriage rides. Legend has it that King Charles II was so fond of this breed that he reportedly refused to go anywhere without at least three of them by his side. The breed has been linked with British royalty since the time of Queen Mary I.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's widespread popularity today is largely due to its joyful, sweet, and loving personality. These dogs possess a remarkably calm and easy-going demeanor, and they deeply adore their families. They are known for quickly forming strong bonds with their loved ones and excel in homes with children and other pets. Cavaliers almost never show signs of aggression, consistently displaying a gentle and amiable nature. They are eager to greet their owners upon return, always anxiously waiting for you to get home. Their endearing qualities often lead them to steal hearts very quickly.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel possesses a luxurious, long coat that is characteristically slick, smooth, soft, and silky to the touch. This beautiful coat can be found in several distinct solid or blended color patterns. Common color variations include Chestnut and white (Blencheim), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid red), and Black and Tan. Their expressive, large, dark eyes and sweet facial expression are also hallmark features of their endearing appearance.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require thoughtful care to ensure their well-being. For puppies, a crucial aspect of their early development is nutrition: they should be fed three times a day for their first six months, with feedings spaced approximately eight hours apart. A proper and nutritious diet during this period is essential for both their physical growth and mental development. Regardless of age, it's vital for owners to remember that the Cavalier is fundamentally a companion dog that thrives on human interaction. While they can manage brief periods alone, they truly flourish when they receive consistent attention, affection, and engagement from their family. Their gentle nature means they do best in homes where they are considered an integral part of the family unit.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel generally enjoys a good lifespan, typically ranging from 9 to 14 years, with many living comfortably into their teens. While they are prone to certain health conditions, particularly heart issues like Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), responsible breeding and consistent veterinary care can significantly contribute to their longevity and quality of life.
Royal Companions: Legend states they were originally bred in England to keep royal owners warm in drafty castles on chilly evenings, and they gained immense fame through their close association with King Charles II, who reportedly never went anywhere without at least three by his side.
Smart and Trainable: Despite being primarily a lapdog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is quite intelligent. They are ranked in the Top 50 smartest breeds in Stanley Coren's "The Intelligence of Dogs," showcasing their ability to learn and be trained.
Surprising Agility: Don't let their small size and cuddly appearance fool you! Cavaliers are surprisingly agile and active. They love to run and even enjoy swimming, demonstrating a playful energy beyond their typical "lapdog" reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavaliers are widely known for their gentle, affectionate, and friendly nature. They are eager to please, highly adaptable, and make excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike.
Yes, their gentle and patient demeanor makes them excellent with children. With proper socialization, they also typically get along well with other dogs and even cats.
Unfortunately, Cavaliers are predisposed to several significant health issues, most notably Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) and Syringomyelia (SM). Other concerns can include hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, and certain eye conditions. Responsible breeding practices with health screenings are crucial.
Their long, silky coats require regular grooming. Daily or every-other-day brushing is essential to prevent mats, and professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is often recommended to maintain their coat and hygiene.
Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks (30-60 minutes), playtime, and can even participate in dog sports like agility, but they are also content to relax indoors with their family.
The average lifespan for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is typically between 10 to 14 years, though some may live longer with excellent care.
Yes, their adaptable, eager-to-please nature and manageable size make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
Cavaliers are generally not excessive barkers. They may bark to alert you to visitors or when excited, but they are not typically known for being yappy.
Yes, their relatively small size and adaptable nature make them well-suited for apartment living, provided they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They come in four recognized colors: Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tricolor (black, white, and tan), Ruby (solid rich red), and Black and Tan.
