The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is distinguished by their longer nose and heavier build from the King Charles Spaniel. They have beautiful large dark eyes. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a loving dog, they are good natured and fond of children. They make a good companion for the young and old alike. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will be happy to run in the field or just sit by your side. A fearless, lively little dog with a cheerful disposition, they are sociable with both people and other dogs. One of the most popular of all the toy breeds, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly, happy, loving companion.


Height: 12 - 13 inches
Weight: 10 - 18 lbs.

Colors: Black and Tan - black with bright tan marks above eyes, head, chest, legs, underside of tail; white marks undesirable. Ruby - Rich red; white markings undesirable. Blenheim - Chestnut markings, well broken up, on white ground; markings evenly divided on head, lozenge between ears. Tricolor - black and white, well spaced and broken up, with tan markings over head, inside legs, on underside of tail.
Coat: Long, silky, free from curl

Temperament: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly, obedient, sensible
With Children: Yes, children should be older if just a puppy.
With Pets: Good
Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Moderate
Guard-dog: Low

Care and Training: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need weekly grooming with a firm bristle brush. Special attention should be given to their ears. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should only be bathe when necessary. Minimal exercise is needed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, but they do enjoy a romp in the park or a backyard with a playmate.
Learning Rate: High intelligence.

Activity: Moderate
Living Environment: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an indoor dog. Best with fenced yard and walks on leash.

Health Issues: Patella luxation, eye conditions, heart murmurs and ear infections.

Life Span: 9 - 11 years
Litter Size: 2 - 6

Country of Origin: Great Britain History: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels origins are from the King Charles Spaniel, who through selective breeding from the Toy Spaniel was produced to have a more exaggerated head with a great dome and flatter face, possible from the Pug though it is uncertain. Cavalier were a crossing of the King Charles and the Cocker Spaniel. Their name is from King Charles II who kept a large number of Toy Spaniels. They were a favorite of the aristocracy in the early nineteenth century. A dog called Ann's Son became the model for the first breed Standards and in 1945 the Kennel Club granted the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel separate registration.

First Registered by the AKC: 1996
AKC Group: Toy
Class: Toy
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 9), KC (GB)