A sweet-natured, cheerful little dog that mixes the easygoing charm of a lap dog with the lively spirit of a sporting spaniel. It is outgoing and trusting, rarely nervous, keen to please and usually gets on well with children and other animals when socialised.1732
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery 2 days
Bathevery month
HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, silky and feathered
A long, soft coat that lies straight or with a gentle wave, with generous feathering on the ears, legs, feet and tail, and shown completely untrimmed. The dog itself is a small, balanced spaniel with a nearly flat skull, large round dark eyes, long high-set ears, a short but not flat muzzle and a full-length tail carried cheerfully at about back level.124
ColoursBlenheim (chestnut on pearly white)Ruby (solid rich red)Tricolour (black and white with tan)Black and Tan126
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderately active: around an hour of exercise a day, ideally split into a few walks with some off-lead play, plus games and short training sessions.35
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The silky coat needs regular attention: brushing daily or several times a week keeps the feathering free of tangles, with extra brushing in spring and autumn shedding and an occasional visit to a groomer. The breed standard calls for no trimming in the show ring.351
Home where they are happiest
Very adaptable and happy in a flat or apartment, with a small to medium garden a bonus. What matters most is having people around for much of the day.53
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete commercial dog food split into two meals a day, portioned for age and lifestyle, with treats kept to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.3
Company who they like around
A true companion breed that wants to be with its family as much as possible; PDSA advises not leaving one alone for more than about four hours. Usually sociable with other dogs and pets.3
The story where it all began
Small toy spaniels were popular in Britain and Europe from the 16th century and became court favourites under Charles I and Charles II, whose supporters were known as Cavaliers. In the early 18th century the first Duke of Marlborough kept red and white spaniels at Blenheim Palace, giving the Blenheim colour its name. Victorian show fashion later favoured a flatter face and domed skull, which became the King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel). In 1926 the American Roswell Eldridge offered prize money at Crufts for spaniels of the older type seen in paintings of Charles II's era. Breeders took up the challenge, a club was formed in 1928 around a dog called Ann's Son, and the Kennel Club accepted the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a separate breed in 1945. The breed was rebuilt after the Second World War from very few dogs, reached the United States in the 1950s, gained UKC recognition in 1980 and AKC recognition in 1995, and has since become one of the best-loved companion dogs.542
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The breed is named after King Charles II and the Cavaliers, the supporters of the crown in the English Civil War period.4
2
The Blenheim colour is named after Blenheim Palace, where the first Duke of Marlborough kept red and white spaniels.4
3
Many Blenheims carry a chestnut spot on the top of the head called the 'lozenge' or 'Blenheim spot', which legend nicknames the 'Duchess Thumb Print'.4
4
The modern breed exists thanks to a prize offered at Crufts in 1926 by American Roswell Eldridge for spaniels of the old type seen in royal portraits.4
5
A popular story says King Charles II decreed the dogs could go anywhere in the UK, but the UK Parliament says no such law exists.4
6
Famous owners include Queen Victoria, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, who had a Blenheim named Rex.4
7
The breed standard says the coat must be shown completely free from trimming.1
A day in the life told by a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
I wake up and wag my tail before my eyes are even open. My human laughs and gives me a kiss. After breakfast, we go to the park, where I chase a ball and say hello to everyone, people, dogs, even a friendly squirrel. I love being with my family. At home, I curl on a lap for a nap, then play a little tug-of-war with my favourite toy. I learn a new trick for a treat and feel very clever. In the evening, we all snuggle on the sofa. I fall asleep with my head on a knee, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; recognised as a breed in its own right in 1945 (decision dated 5 Dec 1944 per Wikipedia); breed club founded 19285
FCI
Standard No. 136, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 7 English Toy Spaniels; definitive acceptance 20 Jan 1955; current standard published 1 Dec 2009; no working trial6
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and at what times?
Feed your Cavalier two meals a day at regular times, using a complete commercial dog food portioned for age and lifestyle. Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. For puppies, three to four smaller meals are recommended.39
What should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete commercial dog food split into two meals is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs.310
How often should I bathe a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every four weeks, while general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.11Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need brushing?
Brush your Cavalier daily or several times a week to keep the silky coat free of tangles, especially the feathering. Extra brushing during spring and autumn shedding is helpful.351Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick, your vet or groomer can show you how.11Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
Your Cavalier needs about an hour of exercise daily, split into a few walks with some off-lead play and games. They are moderately active and enjoy short training sessions too.35Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's teeth and ears?
Brush your Cavalier's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean gently, never push anything into the ear canal.11Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel live?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically live between 10 and 12 years, with an average around 10 to 12 years.453
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel good with children and other pets?
Yes, with proper socialisation, Cavaliers are sweet-natured, outgoing, and usually get on well with children and other animals. They are keen to please and make wonderful family companions.1732
Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel be left alone?
Cavaliers are true companion dogs and prefer to be with their family. PDSA advises not leaving them alone for more than about four hours, as they can become distressed.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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