Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adoption Guide: What to Know Before Adopting

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an adorable, sweet, and social dog breed who is well-suited for individuals or families, with or without children and other pets. Their small-to-medium size makes them a great choice for city living. Still, they are adaptable to any home environment as long as they are kept safe. Cavaliers thrive when they spend lots of time with their human and dog family members. Read on to find out if this breed is right for you.

TL;DR: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, sociable, and adaptable dogs perfect for families. While their grooming needs and health considerations require attention, their gentle temperament and loyalty make them ideal choices for many pet parents.

Why adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

You should adopt a Cavalier because they are all-around pleasant, good-natured, adaptable dogs who easily fit into most households. 

• They’re adaptable: Cavaliers are easy-going dogs who fit into most lifestyles and households.

• They’re small: Cavaliers are a smaller, portable breed, weighing between 13 and 18 pounds.

• They’re super-cute: Cavaliers have soft, silky fur that comes in four color patterns — blenheim (red and white), black and tan, tri color (black, tan, and white), and red.

• They’re velcro dogs: Be sure that your lifestyle has room to include a little Cavalier on a daily basis, because these pups want to go everywhere you do.

• They’re low-energy: Cavaliers require a low to moderate amount of exercise, and are content to be an office mate as long as they get to have play time.

J Danielle Wehunt / Stocksy/

Things to consider before adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy spaniel who has been a favorite of British royalty dating back to King Charles I and II in the 17th century. Over generations, their once longer snout was bred out in favor of a “cuter,” pushed-in nose, resulting in a brachycephalic (shortened) skull. Unfortunately, this more modern look created a variety of related health issues.

Cavalier breed clubs and researchers are very proactive in trying to decrease the incidence of mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, and several neurologic and orthopedic health issues that affect this breed. Monitoring dogs through registries and genetic testing, plus extensive research at veterinary schools around the world, has helped characterize hereditary diseases to create a healthier breed. 

Cavalier personality and temperament

Cavaliers are exceptionally friendly, affectionate, sweet dogs who thrive in a wide range of family environments, as long as they are well cared for and receive lots of love. Their gentle nature makes them an outstanding choice for families with children. They make terrific lap dogs for seniors who are homebound, and great travel companions for pet parents on the go. They love other dogs, so they are easy to take to dog-friendly parks and other venues. 

Cavaliers require moderate amounts of exercise 

Cavaliers are small to medium-sized, low-ish energy dogs. It’s not that they don’t need a good walk and play time each day, but they know how to moderate their behavior to match the situation. While many dogs require a yard to run and play in, Cavaliers are versatile, adaptable dogs who thrive even with a bit less exercise. They do well in apartments as long as they are regularly walked or visit local dog parks. Of course, they also enjoy playing and sunning in a fenced-in backyard. 

Note: Cavaliers, being toy-sized spaniels, should never be left outside alone. Their small stature makes them vulnerable to wild animal attacks and other dangers.

Cavalier grooming requirements

Cavaliers have a medium-length silky coat with longer “feathers” on their back legs and ear flaps. This breed sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic. They only require minimal grooming, but to ensure their coat stays clean and shiny, they should be regularly brushed and occasionally bathed. The Cavalier’s long, hanging spaniel ears require regular cleaning as they are prone to yeast and bacterial infections. Occasional professional grooming helps keep their hair trimmed and body clean. 

Cavalier health considerations

Unfortunately, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may come with some hereditary health issues. Genetic testing helps detect these hereditary health issues. 

Mitral valve dysplasia

Mitral valve dysplasia can cause a heart murmur, usually by age five. If left untreated, it will eventually progress to full-blown heart failure. Over the years, changes in breeding practices and mixing with other similar breeds have decreased the incidence of this hereditary trait. 

Regular check-ups with a veterinarian to monitor any developing heart murmurs are very important for all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Diagnostics include a full exam, auscultation (listening with a stethoscope) of the heart and lungs, radiographs, an EKG, and an echocardiogram. Early detection means early and more effective treatments. 

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia is a buildup of fluid pockets within the spinal cord, usually around the first vertebra. Syringomyelia causes very severe pain, phantom scratching at the neck and ears, and can cause neurological weakness and seizures. The condition, the result of the brachycephalic nature of a Cavalier’s skull, can also be related to Chiari malformation — a condition where the skull is too small for the brain, causing pressure and disruption of cerebrospinal fluid flow.

Diagnosis is made through a dog’s history, a physical exam, an MRI, a CT scan, an ultrasound, and some other tests. A gabapentin trial is often used as a test for syringomyelia because many dogs with syringomyelia respond very well to it. NSAIDS, omeprazole, and other medications may be prescribed to reduce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and signs of pain.

Other health issues

Cavalier Spaniels are also prone to detached retinas, cherry eye, ear infections, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and some other conditions.             

Cavalier training and socialization

Cavaliers are grounded, calm dogs, which makes them fairly easy to train. That said, like any dog, they still need time, patience, and consistency from their pet parent to learn and thrive. 

These dogs love to be with their family members, and they expect to be included in family outings, travel, and daily routines. They are not dogs who can be left home alone for extended periods because separation anxiety is common in Cavaliers. Teaching them good manners when they are young helps them become well-adjusted adult dogs. 

As with any dog, early socialization and exposure to new people, pets, and environments help Cavaliers grow into well-mannered, social, and exceptional pets. This can be accomplished by attending puppy socialization and training classes, or by working privately with a reputable dog trainer who practices positive-reinforcement methods. As with any other dog, consistency is the key to success.

Alex Master / AdobeStock/

Ideal pet parents for Cavaliers

Wondering if a Cavalier is right for you? Here’s a checklist of qualities that are ideal for potential Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pet parents.

• You want to spend a lot of time with your dog. Cavaliers are a breed prone to separation anxiety and do best with constant companionship.

• You are looking for a gentle, affectionate companion.

• You are open to having more than one dog. Cavaliers love canine companions in addition to their human family members.

• You can commit to regular grooming and health care. Cavaliers need to be monitored for a number of potential health issues. 

• You can provide them with daily exercise. They require pet parents with moderate activity levels.

• You are looking for a dog who adapts well to different living spaces.

• You have the resources to pay for veterinary care, when needed.

Commonly asked questions 

Should you buy or adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

You should consider adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This way, you’re not only gaining a loving, adaptable companion but also helping to combat pet overpopulation and supporting animal welfare. Cavaliers are frequently available to adopt from shelters and rescue organizations near you. 

What is the personality of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the calmest, most affectionate, and good-natured dog breeds. They are friendly to people and other animals, which makes them a very good choice for beginner dog families and families with children. 

Are Cavaliers good for families with children?

Cavaliers are generally a very good choice for families with children. That said, children must be respectful and gentle with any dog brought into the household. Cavalier puppies are very small, and adults are a small- to medium-sized breed. Children who are too rough may injure any dog being brought into the home, especially a small puppy. 

Do Cavaliers get along with other pets?

In general, Cavaliers get along with other pets, but since each dog is different, they should be “tested” to be sure. Dog trainers are a good resource for pet parents who need some coaching and support with a new dog. 

How much grooming do Cavaliers need?

Cavaliers require moderate amounts of grooming, depending on their haircoat type. The longer, thicker hair coat varieties require more frequent grooming than those with shorter coats. 

Are Cavaliers prone to health issues?

Unfortunately, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed may have some hereditary health issues, including mitral valve dysplasia, syringomyelia, detached retina, cherry eye, ear infections, luxating patella, and hip dysplasia. Regular veterinary checkups help to detect illness early so that treatment can be started right away. This breed’s average lifespan is between nine and 14 years.

How much exercise does a Cavalier need?

Cavaliers are a low-energy breed, but that doesn’t mean they are sedentary or can be left out of family activities. They love to play, take walks, are very social, and can become exceptional therapy dogs. 

References

American Kennel Club. “American Kennel Club.” American Kennel Club, 2017, www.akc.org.

“Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Health & Genetic Diseases.” www.cavalierhealth.org, www.cavalierhealth.org.

‌“Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Research.” College of Veterinary Medicine, 2014, cvm.ncsu.edu/cavalier-king-charles-spaniels-research.

‌Knowler, Susan Penelope, et al. “Pilot Study of Head Conformation Changes over Time in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed.” Veterinary Record, vol. 184, no. 4, 11 Jan. 2019, pp. 122–122, https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.105135.

‌Pace, Charlotte. “Identifying and Treating Heart Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.” The Veterinary Nurse, vol. 14, no. 9, 2 Nov. 2023, pp. 379–385, https://doi.org/10.12968/vetn.2023.14.9.379.

Wijnrocx, Katrien, et al. “Assessing the Relative Importance of Health and Conformation Traits in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, vol. 5, no. 1, 23 Jan. 2018, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0056-2.