Information about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small and sociable breed of dog. This breed has one of the longest names, and it’s often referred to as just “Cavalier”. Cavalier Dogs are originally from England and have become famous worldwide thanks to their appearances in TV and movies, like Lady and the Tramp. This breed is active and playful, and can be suitable for both adults and children.

Read our guide below to see if Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the pet for you.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information

If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?

As a fairly small breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s life expectancy ranges from 9 to 14 years old.

How big do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get?

They weigh around 6 to 8 kg and they can grow up to 33 cm in height. Their characteristic head is almost flat on the forehead with long, fluffy ears. Their tail is set high and long, and their paws are quite small.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels shed?

Cavalier dogs have medium-length silky hair, which they shed moderately to heavily all year long. You can brush your Cavalier Spaniel regularly to help remove loose dog hair.

Should I get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a friendly breed that usually adapts easily to any home. This can make them an ideal pet for anyone looking to get their next fur baby. However, you must take into account that even though they are very calm, they usually do not sit still. They like to be active and spend time outdoors. The Cavalier can have good health as long as it's given the proper care. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel personality

Cavaliers are usually dogs with loving and very extroverted personalities. They can be an excellent companion for children and even for the elderly, as long as they have someone to play with them.

The Cavalier usually has a good temperament. Additionally, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tends to get along with strangers very well and is not usually conflictive, but rather noble and patient.

Something to consider is that Cavalier King Charles dogs have a strong hunting instinct. If you have other smaller animals such as birds, you will have to keep them safe from this dog’s natural curiosity and playfulness, as they may end up getting hurt.

Taking care of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Grooming

Regarding their coats, these dogs have a lot of wavy hair. It is long, lush, abundant, and silky smooth. This is why it is important to brush it at least every other day to avoid tangles and dead hairs and keep it in good condition. Pay special attention to the area of the ears and extremities where they usually present more knots.

Exercise

Cavaliers are usually active and playful, which is why it might be necessary to take them for a walk at least once a day. Cavaliers don’t usually need to take long walks, but they do love the activity and playing. This means that it can be important to have toys and things that they can use to chase or play with around the house.

Diet

To feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you must take into account that they need a lot of nutrients. Providing good quality food according to their size and age (puppy, adult , senior) could keep them from becoming overweight.

Cavaliers can be fed using natural products or dry food. They could have a tendency to food insensitivities or allergies, so if you notice any signs that your dog is unwell, check in with your vet for their recommendations.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^ that a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can experience.

Conditions
Symptoms can include~
Highest cost for a single treatment>>
Heart failure (commonly mitral valve disease)

History of heart murmur

Coughing

Exercise intolerance/reduced activity

Blue or pale gums

Collapse

$10,824

Skin conditions (including infections and allergies)

Scratching, biting, or rubbing the skin

Signs of irritation including red skin, scabs, bleeding, pustules, or weeping

Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell

$4,435

Gastrointestinal diseases

Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation

Blood or mucous in stool/vomit

Increased frequency/urgency passing stool

Weight loss

Loss of interest in food

May seem more tired than usual

$7,382

Ear infections and allergies

Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears

Head shaking

Odour or discharge from the ears

Ears may be red or warm to the touch

$6,082

Anal sac problems

Sliding or “scooting” the bottom on the floor to relieve itchiness

Frequent licking and biting of the anus or base of the tail

An unpleasant, musky odour

Blood, pus, or other discharge draining from around the bottom

Straining when going to the toilet

$5,509

 

The cost of insuring a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.

Need Pet Insurance for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Why pick Everyday Pet Insurance?

Comprehensive Plus annual limit.#

Claim up to $30,000 a year.

Comprehensive Plus annual limit#

Claim up to 80% back.*

Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills.

Claim up to 80% back*

Lifetime cover.‡

Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life.

Lifetime cover‡

Introducing GapOnly.®

Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims.=

Introducing GapOnly®

Related articles

Important Information

text

^ Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

~ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text

Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.

text

* Limits, waiting periods, exclusions and excesses may apply.

text

Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life and your cover level will not be reduced as your pet ages provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.

text

= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).