In the 1660s, King Charles II of England issued a royal decree unlike any other: his beloved spaniels were to be permitted in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament where animals were strictly forbidden. This decree, remarkably, still stands today.
Charles II was rarely seen without several small spaniels at his heels—or on his lap, or in his bed (where he let them whelp their puppies, to the disgust of fastidious courtiers who complained the court was “nasty and stinking” as a result). When the king died of a stroke at age 54, as many as a dozen spaniels were at his bedside.
This is the origin of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: a breed so beloved by royalty that a monarch literally changed the law for them. Named for King Charles II—whose supporters in the English Civil War were called “Cavaliers”—these gentle, affectionate dogs have been warming laps and hearts for over four centuries.
But there’s something else you need to know about this breed. Something less romantic. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has become a cautionary tale about what happens when breeding for appearance compromises health. Over half of all Cavaliers will develop heart disease by age five. This is a breed you should love with your eyes open.
What You’ll Learn
- The fascinating royal history
- The truth about Cavalier health problems
- Why they’re called the “love sponge” of the dog world
- Finding a responsible breeder
- Australian pricing and ownership costs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Group | Toy Group |
| Origin | England (17th century; modern breed 1920s) |
| Other Names | Cavalier, CKCS, Cav |
| Size Category | Small |
| Height | 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) |
| Weight | 5.9-8.2 kg (13-18 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 9-12 years (breed average 9.75 years) |
| Coat Type | Silky, medium length, may be slightly wavy |
| Colours | Blenheim, Tricolour, Black & Tan, Ruby |
| Shedding | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | 2/5 (Low-moderate — daily walks) |
| Trainability | 4/5 (Eager to please) |
| Good with Children | Excellent |
| Good for First-Time Owners | Excellent (if health understood) |
| Average Puppy Price (AUD) | $3,500 – $6,000 |
History & Origins
Small spaniels appear in European royal portraits as early as the 16th century—Titian’s famous “Venus of Urbino” (1538) features a red and white toy spaniel. They were described as “small ladyes puppees” and served as lap warmers, foot warmers, and companions to nobility. King Henry VIII decreed that no dogs might be kept at Court “except for some small spanyells for the ladyes.”
The breed became indelibly associated with King Charles II (reigned 1660-1685), known as the “Cavalier King” or “Merry Monarch.” Charles was a passionate dog breeder who took his spaniels everywhere—to council meetings, state banquets, and even let them sleep (and birth puppies) in his bedchambers. Courtiers complained, but the king was unmoved.
After Charles II’s death, fashion changed. Dutch royalty favoured the Pug, and flat-faced Asian breeds like the Japanese Chin became popular. Breeders crossed the original spaniels with these breeds, producing the modern King Charles Spaniel (called the English Toy Spaniel in America)—a dog with a domed head, flat face, and very different appearance from Charles II’s spaniels.
In 1926, wealthy American Roswell Eldridge placed an advertisement in the Crufts dog show catalogue offering £25 prize money (a significant sum) for dogs matching “Blenheim Spaniels of the Old Type, as shown in pictures of Charles II’s time, long face, no stop, flat skull, not inclined to be domed.”
British breeders were appalled—they’d spent decades breeding out those features. But some entered what they considered “sub-par” dogs, and slowly a movement grew to recreate the original type. In 1928, the first Cavalier club was formed. A dog named “Ann’s Son” won best of breed and became the template for the new standard.
Sadly, Eldridge died in 1928, just before seeing his vision realised. World War II nearly destroyed the emerging breed—at one kennel, 60 dogs dropped to just three. After the war, the Kennel Club (UK) recognised the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a separate breed in 1945. The AKC didn’t follow until 1995.
Blenheim: Chestnut markings on pearly white background. Named for Blenheim Palace where the Duke of Marlborough bred spaniels in this colour. The “Blenheim spot”—a chestnut thumbprint on the forehead—has a romantic legend: the Duchess pressed her thumb on a pregnant spaniel’s head while anxiously awaiting news from the Battle of Blenheim.
Tricolour: Black and white with tan markings over eyes, on cheeks, inside ears, inside legs.
Black and Tan: Jet black with tan markings in same areas as tricolour.
Ruby: Solid rich reddish-brown throughout.
These are two different breeds, despite the confusing names. The King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel in USA) has a domed head, flat face, and is smaller (3.6-6.4 kg). The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is larger, with a flatter skull, longer muzzle, and higher-set ears. The Cavalier is the breed that resembles Charles II’s original spaniels.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Temperament
The Cavalier’s temperament is, quite simply, one of the best in the dog world. They were bred for centuries to be companions—nothing else—and they excel at it. Their gentle nature makes them outstanding therapy dogs, and they’re one of the most adaptable breeds for different living situations.
Cavaliers are often called “love sponges” because they absorb and return affection endlessly. They’re lap dogs in the truest sense—they want to be touching you whenever possible. They’re intuitive about human emotions, seeming to sense when you’re sad or stressed and offering comfort.
Key temperament traits:
- Affectionate and gentle—excellent with everyone
- Adaptable—apartment or country house, both work
- Friendly with strangers, other dogs, and other pets
- Patient with children
- Eager to please—responds well to training
- Quiet—not excessive barkers
- Retains some spaniel instincts—may chase birds/butterflies
Cavaliers suffer from significant separation anxiety. They want to be with their people—always. They’ll follow you from room to room, sleep on your lap (or on you), and become distressed when left alone for extended periods. This is not a breed for people who work long hours away from home.
Cavaliers are exceptional with children. They’re gentle, patient, and sturdy enough to handle (appropriate) play. They rarely snap or become aggressive. They’re one of the best breeds for families with children of all ages. However, very young children should always be supervised with any dog.
Cavaliers typically get along beautifully with other dogs and can live happily with cats (though they may chase initially). They’re not territorial or aggressive. In multi-pet households, they’re usually the peacemakers.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Problems
This section is detailed for a reason. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has significant, well-documented health problems that prospective owners must understand. This is not to discourage you from the breed, but to ensure you go in with eyes open and choose a breeder who prioritises health.
Mitral Valve Disease is the leading cause of death in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. It’s so prevalent that the Australian Veterinary Association recommends annual cardiac screening for all Cavaliers.
The statistics are sobering:
- Over 50% of Cavaliers have heart murmurs by age 5
- Nearly all (90%+) have MVD by age 10 if they survive that long
- MVD is 20 times more prevalent in Cavaliers than in average breeds
- Once detected, the disease typically progresses faster in Cavaliers than other breeds
What happens: The mitral valve in the heart degenerates and doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward instead of flowing forward. The heart enlarges to compensate, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. Symptoms include coughing (especially at night), difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and lethargy.
What you can do: Choose a breeder who follows MVD breeding protocols (no breeding before age 5, cardiac clearances required). Have annual cardiac examinations by a veterinary cardiologist. Medications can manage symptoms and slow progression, but there is no cure except expensive open-heart surgery (90% success rate with specialist surgeons).
Syringomyelia is a devastating neurological condition caused by Chiari-like malformation (CM)—essentially, the Cavalier’s skull is often too small for their brain. This causes blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow, creating fluid-filled cavities in the spinal cord.
The statistics:
- Up to 95% of Cavaliers have the skull malformation (CM)
- Up to 50% may develop syringomyelia
- Symptoms typically appear between 6 months and 3 years (but can appear at any age)
What happens: The signature symptom is phantom scratching—dogs scratch at their neck and shoulders without making contact, sometimes while walking. As the disease progresses, it causes severe head and neck pain (dogs may yelp or scream), sensitivity to touch, difficulty sleeping, and possible paralysis. Some dogs can only sleep or eat with their heads elevated.
What you can do: Diagnosis requires MRI (expensive). Treatment ranges from pain medication to surgery (decompression surgery). Choose a breeder who MRI scans breeding dogs and follows SM breeding protocols. The condition was highlighted in the 2008 BBC documentary “Pedigree Dogs Exposed.”
Eye Conditions: Juvenile cataracts, retinal dysplasia, dry eye. Regular eye examinations recommended.
Hip Dysplasia: May affect up to 25% of Cavaliers.
Patellar Luxation: Slipping kneecaps; common in small breeds.
Ear Problems: Those beautiful long ears are prone to infections.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lifespan
The Cavalier lifespan is typically 9-12 years, with the breed average around 9.75 years according to comprehensive studies. This is shorter than many small breeds, largely due to the prevalence of MVD. Some Cavaliers live well into their teens, while others succumb to heart disease much younger.
Maximising Lifespan:
- Buy from breeders who health test extensively (cardiac, eyes, patellas, SM)
- Annual cardiac examinations with a veterinary cardiologist
- Maintain healthy weight (obesity stresses the heart)
- Appropriate exercise (gentle to moderate)
- Quality nutrition
- Early intervention when heart murmurs are detected
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Grooming
Cavaliers have moderate grooming needs. Their silky coat requires regular attention to prevent matting, particularly around the ears and feathering. The American Kennel Club notes that the breed standard specifies the coat should be shown “as nature intended”—no trimming except for neatening feet.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 3-4 times weekly | Daily during shedding season |
| Bathing | Every 2-4 weeks | Use gentle shampoo |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly | Essential — prone to ear infections |
| Nail Trimming | Every 2-3 weeks | Keep short for comfort |
| Teeth Brushing | 2-3 times weekly | Prevents dental disease |
| Feathering Check | After outdoor play | Remove debris from ear/leg feathering |
Shedding: Cavaliers are moderate shedders. They’re not hypoallergenic. Expect some hair on furniture and clothing, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Exercise Needs
Cavaliers are adaptable dogs with moderate exercise needs. They’re happy to join you on longer walks or hikes, but equally content with shorter daily walks and play sessions. They adapt well to their owner’s activity level—which is both a blessing and a potential problem (sedentary owners can lead to overweight Cavaliers).
Exercise Guidelines:
- 30-60 minutes daily of moderate activity
- Mix of walks and play sessions
- Some spaniel instincts remain—they enjoy sniffing and may chase birds
- Good candidates for dog sports: agility, obedience, nose work
- Many enjoy swimming
- Watch for overheating in hot weather
- Monitor exercise if heart disease is present
Important: If your Cavalier has been diagnosed with MVD, consult your vet about appropriate exercise levels. Some exercise is beneficial, but overexertion can stress an already compromised heart.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training
Cavaliers are one of the easiest breeds to train. They’re intelligent, eager to please, and respond beautifully to positive reinforcement. According to Dogs Australia, they’re excellent for first-time owners and make wonderful therapy dogs because of their trainability and gentle nature.
Training Tips:
- Use positive reinforcement—they’re sensitive and don’t respond to harsh methods
- Keep sessions short and fun
- Socialisation is easy—they naturally love everyone
- Address separation anxiety early with gradual alone-time training
- Teach recall—their spaniel instincts may lead to chasing
Socialisation & Training Timeline
| Age | Training Focus | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 8-16 weeks | Socialisation, alone-time practice, potty training | Confident, beginning independence |
| 3-6 months | Basic obedience, leash manners | Knows basic commands, walks nicely |
| 6-12 months | Advanced training, recall, therapy dog basics | Reliable obedience, good public manners |
| 12+ months | Therapy certification, dog sports if desired | Well-mannered companion |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Price & Costs in Australia
Important note: With Cavaliers more than almost any breed, spending more upfront for a health-tested puppy from a reputable breeder is likely to save money (and heartbreak) in the long run. Cheap Cavalier puppies often come from breeders who haven’t invested in cardiac, eye, and MRI health testing.
Initial Costs
| Expense | Approx. Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Cavalier Puppy (registered, health-tested breeder) | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Initial Vet + Vaccinations | $200 – $350 |
| Desexing | $250 – $400 |
| Essential Supplies | $250 – $400 |
| TOTAL INITIAL COST | $4,200 – $7,150 |
Annual Ongoing Costs
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Quality Food | $600 – $900 |
| Veterinary Care & Preventatives | $400 – $600 |
| Pet Insurance (ESSENTIAL) | $700 – $1,300 |
| Annual Cardiac Examination | $200 – $400 |
| Grooming (professional, optional) | $300 – $600 |
| Toys, Treats, Miscellaneous | $150 – $300 |
| TOTAL ANNUAL COST | $2,350 – $4,100 |
Lifetime Cost Estimate
Based on 10-year lifespan: $28,000 – $48,000
About Pet Insurance: Given the breed’s health predispositions, comprehensive pet insurance is strongly recommended. Heart disease treatment, including medications and potential surgery, can cost $10,000-$30,000+. Some insurers exclude pre-existing conditions or have breed-specific limitations, so research carefully.
Finding a Responsible Cavalier Breeder
This is perhaps the most important section of this article. The health problems in Cavaliers are genetic, and responsible breeding practices can significantly reduce (though not eliminate) the risk.
A responsible breeder should:
- Cardiac clearances for breeding dogs (by veterinary cardiologist)
- Follow MVD breeding protocol (no breeding before age 5 with clear hearts)
- MRI scan breeding dogs for syringomyelia
- Eye examinations by veterinary ophthalmologist
- Patella evaluation
- Be willing to show you health testing results
- Ask YOU questions about your suitability as an owner
- Provide health guarantee and lifetime support
- Allow you to meet parent dogs
Red flags: Multiple litters available at once, no health testing documentation, breeding dogs under age 5, unwillingness to discuss breed health issues, puppies priced significantly below average.
Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Right for You?
The ideal Cavalier owner wants a loving, gentle companion who will be a constant presence. They’re home frequently (or work from home), prepared for the emotional and financial commitment of potential health issues, and have chosen a health-tested puppy from a responsible breeder. They want a dog who will be their shadow.
Home Size: Adaptable—apartments to houses
Presence: Must be home or have company most of the day
Yard: Secure yard preferred but not essential
Climate: Tolerate moderate temperatures; avoid extreme heat
- First-time dog owners (if health issues understood)
- Families with children of all ages
- Seniors seeking a gentle companion
- Therapy dog work
- People who work from home
- Multi-pet households
- Those seeking an affectionate, loyal companion
❌ People away from home for long hours daily
❌ Those unable to afford potential health costs or insurance
❌ Anyone not prepared to research breeders thoroughly
❌ Those wanting a guard dog or highly independent breed
❌ People who are uncomfortable with the possibility of early loss
Cavalier vs Similar Breeds
| Aspect | Cavalier King Charles | King Charles Spaniel | Cocker Spaniel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 5.9-8.2 kg | 3.6-6.4 kg | 12-15 kg |
| Face Type | Moderate muzzle | Flat face | Longer muzzle |
| Energy Level | Low-Moderate | Low | Moderate-High |
| Health Concerns | Significant (MVD, SM) | Significant (similar issues) | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 9-12 years | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is, temperamentally, one of the finest companion dogs ever developed. Their gentle, affectionate nature, adaptability, and intuitive connection with humans make them exceptional family pets and therapy dogs. King Charles II knew what he was doing when he changed the law for these dogs.
But here’s the difficult truth: the breed is in crisis. Decades of breeding for appearance without adequate health testing have resulted in heartbreaking statistics—over half developing heart disease by age 5, widespread neurological conditions. If you choose this breed, you must go in with eyes open, choose your breeder extremely carefully, and be prepared for what may come.
Perfect for: Those who want an affectionate, gentle companion and are prepared to invest in a health-tested puppy from a responsible breeder. Excellent for families, seniors, first-time owners (with research), and therapy work.
Think twice if: You can’t afford comprehensive pet insurance or potential health costs. You’re away from home for long hours. You’re not willing to research breeders thoroughly or are tempted by cheap puppies from unknown sources.
First-time owner verdict: Excellent choice—IF you understand the health realities, invest in a properly health-tested puppy, and are committed to ongoing cardiac monitoring. Their gentle temperament and trainability make them ideal for new owners who do their homework.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel FAQs
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed?
Yes, moderately. They’re not hypoallergenic. Expect some hair on furniture and clothing, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes. Regular brushing (3-4 times weekly) helps manage shedding.
How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?
Typically 9-12 years, with the breed average around 9.75 years. Lifespan is often limited by mitral valve disease, the breed’s most common health problem. Some Cavaliers live well into their teens with proper care and luck in the genetic lottery.
What are the negatives of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
The main negatives are significant health concerns (MVD heart disease affects 50%+ by age 5, syringomyelia affects up to 50%), severe separation anxiety (they can’t be left alone for long periods), and moderate shedding. They’re also not guard dogs and may be too friendly with strangers.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good for first-time owners?
Yes, they’re excellent—their gentle temperament and trainability are ideal. However, first-time owners must understand the health concerns, choose a responsible breeder carefully, and be prepared for potential health costs.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aggressive?
No. Cavaliers are one of the least aggressive breeds. They’re friendly with everyone—strangers, other dogs, other pets, children. This makes them poor guard dogs but excellent family companions.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No. They shed moderately and produce normal levels of dander. They’re not suitable for people with dog allergies.
How much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost in Australia?
$3,500-$6,000 from a registered breeder who health tests. Cheaper puppies often come from breeders who haven’t invested in cardiac, eye, and MRI testing—which may cost you far more in the long run.
Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be left alone?
Not for extended periods. They suffer from severe separation anxiety and can become destructive or depressed if left alone regularly. They’re best suited for homes where someone is present most of the day.
Primary Sources:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club — King Charles II’s decree
- AKC — English Toy Spaniel history; Charles II’s dogs at deathbed
- AKC breed standard; Kennel Club (UK)
- Trerose Cavaliers — Tudor royal spaniel history
- Wikipedia — King Charles Spaniel; breed evolution
- AKC — Roswell Eldridge £25 prize story
- Wikipedia — Cavalier vs King Charles Spaniel differences
Health Sources:
- PetMD — Cavalier temperament: petmd.com
- RSPCA Australia: rspca.org.au
- Cavalier Health — MVD statistics: cavalierhealth.org
- UFAW — Mitral Valve Disease prevalence
- Cavalier Health — Lifespan data: 9.75 years average
Care Sources:
- American Kennel Club: akc.org
- Dogs Australia: dogsaustralia.org.au
- NC State College of Veterinary Medicine — CKCS Research