CanlıDostum⚡ At a glance
- Adult weight: 5.9–8.2 kg (13–18 lb)
- Life expectancy: 9–14 years
- Activity: Moderate · 45–60 min a day
- Best suited to: Families, homes with children, first-time owners
Key facts
| Origin | England |
|---|---|
| Height | 30–33 cm (12–13 in) |
| Adult weight | 5.9–8.2 kg (13–18 lb) |
| Life expectancy | 9–14 years |
| Activity needs | Moderate · 45–60 min a day |
| Coat | Medium-length, silky; moderate shedding |
| Best suited to | Families, homes with children, first-time owners |
Approximate ranges based on breed standards; individuals vary.
Temperament
Cavaliers are extremely affectionate, gentle and easy-going. They get on with children, older people and other pets, and dislike being left alone.
Daily exercise
45–60 minutes of walks and play a day. Their hunting instinct may make them chase birds in open areas.
Feeding
Prone to weight gain, and extra weight strains the heart.
Example: a neutered adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at an ideal weight of 7 kg (15 lb) needs roughly 480 kcal a day (RER × 1.6). Work out your own pet's needs with the calorie calculator and check ideal weight with the ideal weight calculator.
Common health problems
- Mitral valve disease (MMVD): very common and early-onset; heart listened to every year
- Syringomyelia (SM): skull–spinal cord problem; neck pain, air scratching
- Eye disease
- Patellar luxation
- Ear infections
Care tips
- Always have the heart checked at the yearly visit
- Brush 2–3 times a week, check ears
- Count resting breaths: over 30 per minute at rest means call the vet
- Keep an ideal weight
Frequently asked questions
How common is heart disease in Cavaliers?
Mitral valve disease is very common in the breed and starts earlier than in other breeds. Yearly heart checks help catch it early.
Why does my Cavalier scratch the air?
Scratching at the neck or the air can be a sign of syringomyelia. See your vet.
Are Cavaliers good with children?
Yes, they are among the gentlest family dogs.