The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very cuddly, playful and social dog that loves to be with people. The breed is known for its gentle and trusting temperament, and it is usually easy to handle – for both new and experienced dog owners. A Cavalier does not like being left alone, and is not suited to a life in a kennel or in a home where it has to be alone a lot. If given the choice, it would prefer to follow its family throughout the day.

Loving, fearless and curious, the Cavalier fits well into most homes. It usually has a very good relationship with children, and it usually gets along well with other dogs and pets. However, it is important to remember that young children should never be left alone with a dog, regardless of breed or temperament. Good supervision and training of both children and dog are essential to ensure safe and good interactions in the home.

With its loyal and loving nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal family dog ​​– as long as it is allowed to be part of the community and live close to its people.

Don't be fooled by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's small, elegant body - this is an active and engaged breed that greatly enjoys physical activity. Although known as a companion dog, it has a medium to high need for exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.

The Cavalier enjoys long walks and loves being outdoors with his family. If he doesn't get enough exercise, he can easily put on weight, which can lead to health problems. It's therefore important to balance his food intake with daily physical activity.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly and cooperative dog, and everyday obedience can often be learned without much difficulty. However, the breed can be somewhat independent and easily distracted, which means it is not necessarily one of the easiest to train – especially if training becomes monotonous or motivation is lacking.

To get good results with training, it is important to be consistent, patient and clear. The dog responds best to positive reinforcement , such as rewards with treats, praise or play. Gentle training methods give the best results - harsh or strict methods can weaken motivation and confidence.

Although basic obedience can take some effort, the breed is well-suited to succeed in a variety of dog activities. The Cavalier often does very well in agility , tracking , rally obedience , and freestyle – as long as the training is enjoyable and varied. It loves to be involved and use both body and mind, and training can be a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

Weight and size

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant breed with harmonious proportions. The weight is normally around 5.5 to 8 kg . A male dog has a shoulder height of approximately 32–33 cm , while bitches tend to be somewhat shorter and more lightly built.

Lifespan

The breed has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years , but this depends on lifestyle, genetics, health monitoring and diet, among other things.

Hereditary diseases

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is unfortunately predisposed to several hereditary health challenges. Some of the most well-known are:

• A common heart defect where the heart valve does not close tightly, which over time can lead to heart failure.
  
• A painful condition in which fluid-filled cavities form in the spinal cord, often associated with skull deformities.
  
• A condition in which the kneecap slips out of position, which can lead to pain and lameness.
  
• The breed may be predisposed to corneal inflammation and other eye disorders.
  

Dental health

The Cavalier is also prone to developing tartar , and regular brushing is therefore recommended – preferably daily – to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent gingivitis and tooth loss.

Good food, regular health checks, a healthy weight and proper care are important to ensure a long and happy life for the breed.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a long, silky coat that gives the breed an elegant and soft appearance. The coat is slightly wavy and should not be trimmed or clipped except around the paws to keep them neat. Although the coat is considered relatively easy to care for, it requires regular brushing , preferably several times a week, to prevent tangles and keep the coat clean and shiny.

Especially behind the ears, where the fur is softer, tangles can easily form. Therefore, these areas should be checked and groomed regularly. The breed sheds some , especially during the transitions between seasons.

Cavaliers have floppy ears , and it is important to dry them well after a walk in the rain or swimming to prevent fungus and skin problems in the ear canals. Regular ear checks and cleaning are recommended.

The coat does not provide particularly good protection against cold or moisture, and the breed is therefore not well equipped for harsh winter weather. The use of a dog blanket in winter and in the rain is recommended, especially on cold and wet days.

Cavaliers come in several beautiful color variations:

• Pearly white ground color with chestnut brown markings.
  
• Black and white with tan details.
  
• Solid mahogany red.
  
• Black with tan markings.
  

Each color variant has its own distinctive expression, but all share the same gentle and loving nature that characterizes the breed.

When choosing food for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it is important to consider the dog's lifestyle, activity level and health needs . The breed has certain characteristics that make it advantageous to choose a food specifically designed for small or short-nosed dog breeds. Such foods often have smaller and more adapted kibbles that make it easier for the dog to chew and digest the food.

Many specialty foods for small dogs are also formulated with nutrients that support heart function , which is important for Cavaliers since the breed is predisposed to heart problems such as mitral valve disease. These foods often contain taurine, EPA, DHA, and antioxidants that contribute to heart health.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to gain weight if they are overfed or under-exercised. Therefore, it is important to keep portion sizes in check and avoid too many treats between meals. Regular weighing and body condition assessment will help you detect weight gain early.

A balanced diet combined with daily exercise, regular teeth brushing and fresh water will help keep your dog healthy, energetic and in good shape throughout his life.