Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Good
- Devoted and loyal to their owner
- No tendency toward dominance
- Small size (suitable for apartment living)
- Friendly nature
- Love children
The Real
- Don't like being alone
- High sensitivity to temperature changes
- Sometimes demanding of attention
- Prone to cardiovascular diseases
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of those breeds that just melts your heart with a single glance. These beautiful little dogs combine the gentle nature of a lap dog with the spirited personality of their sporting spaniel ancestors. At 30-33 cm tall and weighing between 5.4-8kg, they're perfectly sized for Australian apartment living while still being sturdy enough for active families.
What makes Cavaliers truly special is their incredible adaptability to Australian lifestyles. Whether you're a young family in Melbourne's suburbs, retirees on the Gold Coast, or professionals in Sydney's inner city, these dogs seem to read the room perfectly. They're equally happy joining you for morning beach walks along Bondi or curling up for Netflix marathons during those chilly Canberra winters.
Their gorgeous silky coats come in four distinct colour patterns - the classic Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolour (black, white, and tan), ruby (solid red), and black and tan. Each variety is stunning, and you'll often spot them turning heads at weekend markets across Australia.
These dogs were literally bred to be companions, and it shows in everything they do. They're naturally social, getting along brilliantly with children, other pets, and even strangers. However, this friendly nature means they're not great guard dogs - they're more likely to greet a burglar with a wagging tail than a warning bark! Their biggest challenge is separation anxiety, so they're best suited to families where someone's usually home.
History
The story of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel reads like a royal romance novel, and it all started in the castles of 17th-century Britain. These charming toy spaniels were the absolute favourites of European nobility, but two British monarchs really put them on the map - King Charles I and his son, Charles II.
King Charles II was so obsessed with his black and tan spaniels that he allegedly took them everywhere, even to Parliament! He cared so much about breeding his beloved dogs that the breed was eventually named after him. The Duke of Marlborough also played a key role, developing the beautiful chestnut and white variety at his Blenheim Palace, which we now call 'Blenheim' after his estate. These dogs were bred to be perfect companions, warming laps during chilly carriage rides and in drafty castles.
However, the breed nearly disappeared during Queen Victoria's reign when they were crossbred with Asian toy breeds like Pugs, creating a flatter-faced dog. It wasn't until the 1920s that an American enthusiast, Roswell Eldridge, offered a cash prize to revive the original type seen in old royal paintings. Guided by artworks from masters like Sir Edwin Landseer, breeders successfully restored the long-nosed spaniel. They added the prefix 'Cavalier' to distinguish them from the shorter-faced King Charles Spaniels and to honour the royalist supporters of King Charles I.
Traits & Characteristics
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Here's where we need to be completely honest with you - Cavaliers are prone to several serious health conditions that potential owners must understand. While they typically live 12-15 years, responsible ownership means being prepared for potential health challenges and associated veterinary costs.
The most significant concern is mitral valve disease (MVD), a heart condition that is the leading cause of death in the breed. Unlike in many other breeds, it often progresses to congestive heart failure. Watch for symptoms like coughing, exercise intolerance, or difficulty breathing, and ensure regular cardiac screenings with your vet.
Syringomyelia (SM) is another serious inherited condition where fluid-filled cavities develop near the brain and spinal cord, causing severe pain. You might notice your dog 'air scratching' near their neck, whimpering for no reason, or showing weakness in their legs. Diagnosis requires an MRI, and management can be costly.
Eye problems are also common, including cherry eye, dry eye, and cataracts. Joint problems like patellar luxation (sliding kneecaps) and hip dysplasia also occur, often showing up as a limping or 'bunny hopping' gait.
Given these predispositions, pet insurance (often costing $80-$120 AUD per month for this breed) is highly recommended. Always choose reputable, ANKC-registered breeders who test their breeding stock for these conditions, as this can significantly reduce, but not eliminate, the risk. Regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for your Cavalier's quality of life.
Feeding your Cavalier properly is crucial for maintaining their health, especially given their predisposition to heart and joint problems. These little dogs do best on high-quality, complete and balanced diets specifically formulated for small breeds - the smaller kibble size aids digestion and prevents choking.
Look for premium Australian pet food brands that meet international nutritional standards. Royal Canin actually makes a breed-specific formula for Cavaliers, while other excellent options include Hills Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan. Your local Australian vet can recommend the best choice for your individual dog's needs and any health considerations.
Puppies under 12 months need special puppy formulations with added nutrients for proper development, fed three to four times daily to prevent low blood sugar. Adult Cavaliers should eat twice daily, and when they reach 7-8 years, consider switching to a senior formula with joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine.
Weight management is absolutely critical for this breed. Cavaliers can be prone to obesity, which worsens their predisposition to heart disease and joint problems. Measure food portions carefully and resist those pleading eyes at dinner time! Many Australian owners find success with low-fat or weight management formulas.
Consider supplements based on your vet's advice. Omega-3 fatty acids from quality fish oil can support heart and eye health, while joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may help prevent arthritis. Probiotics can support digestive health during stressful periods or illness.
Avoid feeding table scraps, especially foods toxic to dogs like chocolate, grapes, onions, and cooked bones. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule and always provide fresh water. During Australia's hot summers, ensure water bowls are always full and consider adding ice cubes to keep it cool.
One of the lovely things about Cavaliers is that their stunning silky coats are quite manageable. That beautiful flowing hair doesn't require the intensive grooming you might expect, making them a great fit for busy Australian families.
A thorough brushing 2-3 times per week with a pin or bristle brush will keep their coat tangle-free. Pay special attention to areas that mat easily—behind the ears, under the legs, and on the chest. During shedding seasons, daily brushing helps manage loose hair around your home.
Bathing should be done monthly or whenever they get dirty. After beach visits, always rinse off salt and sand, paying close attention to their feathery leg furnishings. Their long ears need a weekly check for signs of infection like redness or odour. The humid conditions in places like Brisbane and Darwin can increase infection risk, so be extra vigilant in those climates.
Some Cavaliers develop tear staining. Daily cleaning with a warm, damp cloth helps manage this. A professional groom every 6-8 weeks, which can cost between $80 and $120 in major Australian cities, helps maintain their coat and nails. Don't forget regular dental care, as small breeds are prone to dental problems.
Training a Cavalier is a genuine joy because they are so eager to please. This intelligence, combined with a gentle nature, makes them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners across Australia. Start with puppy socialisation classes, which are widely available in most Australian cities. Cavaliers excel at basic obedience and many go on to enjoy dog sports like agility or therapy work.
However, remember they retain those spaniel hunting instincts. That nose can get them into trouble, so never let your Cavalier off-leash in unfenced areas. A secure backyard or designated off-leash dog parks are perfect for safe free running.
While they love to learn, their exercise needs are quite moderate. Two 20-30 minute walks daily will keep most Cavaliers happy and healthy. They love variety—morning beach walks in Surfers Paradise, strolls through Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, or exploring Sydney's harbour foreshore paths. They're also excellent camping companions for weekend trips.
During Australia's hot summers, exercise early in the morning or in the evening to prevent overheating. In cooler climates like Tasmania or the ACT, they might appreciate a coat for winter walks. Mental stimulation with puzzle toys and games is just as important to prevent boredom.
Who is an ideal owner?
Cavaliers are wonderfully adaptable dogs, but they do best with certain types of Australian families and lifestyles. If you're considering one, here's who they typically thrive with and who might want to consider other breeds.
Perfect Cavalier families include those with children of any age - these dogs are naturally patient and gentle with kids, making them excellent family pets. They suit both active families who enjoy weekend beach trips and hiking adventures, as well as more sedentary households where they can happily be couch companions. Retirees often find them ideal - they provide companionship without being overly demanding.
They're fantastic for apartment living in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, requiring minimal space as long as they get their daily walks and attention. Young professionals working from home love their calm, quiet nature during video calls, while families appreciate their friendly attitude toward visitors and other pets.
However, Cavaliers aren't suitable for everyone. If you work long hours away from home regularly, this breed will struggle with separation anxiety. They need human companionship and don't cope well being alone for extended periods. FIFO workers or frequent business travellers should consider other breeds unless they have reliable pet care support.
They're also not ideal if you want a guard dog - Cavaliers are more likely to welcome intruders than warn you about them! Their friendly nature means they trust everyone, which is lovely but not great for security.
People seeking very low-maintenance pets should also reconsider. While not high-maintenance, Cavaliers do need regular grooming, consistent exercise, and can have significant health-related expenses. They're also not suitable for outdoor-only living - they need to be part of the family, preferably sleeping indoors and sharing your daily life.
Interesting facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A Royal Decree for Dogs
King Charles II was so devoted to his spaniels that he issued a royal decree allowing them into any public building, including Parliament—a law that technically still stands today in Britain.
A Modern AKC Breed
Despite their ancient royal heritage, the Cavalier was only fully recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1995, making them a relatively new official breed.
Sex and the City Star
The breed's popularity soared after Charlotte York's beloved dog in the hit HBO series "Sex and the City" was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Dangerously Royal Dogs
When the Stuart dynasty fell from power, it became politically dangerous to own these 'royal' dogs, and the breed's numbers dwindled to near extinction.
FAQ
Absolutely! Cavaliers are known for being tolerant and patient, making them excellent with children, cats, and other dogs. Their gentle, friendly nature makes them one of the best family breeds available.
Yes, they're bright dogs that are eager to please their humans, which often makes them quite easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy learning new things.
Expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000 AUD for a puppy from a reputable, ANKC-registered breeder. Prices can vary, and high demand often means there are waitlists. You might also find Cavaliers through breed-specific rescues for adoption.
Yes, they're excellent apartment dogs due to their friendly, adaptable temperament and moderate exercise needs. Their small size and generally quiet nature make them ideal for unit living across Australian cities.
They shed moderately year-round but aren't considered heavy shedders. Regular brushing 2-3 times per week helps manage loose hair around your home.
They cope reasonably well but need protection from extreme heat. Exercise them during cooler parts of the day in summer, provide plenty of shade and water, and watch for signs of overheating, especially in places like Darwin or Perth.
Two 20-30 minute walks per day plus some playtime usually keeps them happy and healthy. They enjoy variety - beach walks, park visits, or gentle hikes suit them perfectly.
Definitely! Their gentle nature, eagerness to please, and moderate care requirements make them excellent choices for people new to dog ownership. Just be prepared for potential health costs and their need for companionship.