Pet Wiki

Certified lap warmer.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Also called Cavalier, CKCS

A sweet-natured, cheerful little dog that mixes the easygoing charm of a lap dog with the lively spirit of a sporting spaniel.

SizeSmall
Weight5.4 to 8.2 kg (12 to 18 lb)123
Height30 to 33 cm (12 to 13 in)23
Lifespan10.45 to 12 years453
CoatLong, silky and feathered
OriginGreat Britain (England)65
GroupCompanion and Toy Dogs (FCI group 9)
Exercise60 min a day
Recognised breedDeep profile
gentle and affectionate
friendly with people and other pets
adaptable to city or country life
137

Personality what they are like

A sweet-natured, cheerful little dog that mixes the easygoing charm of a lap dog with the lively spirit of a sporting spaniel. It is outgoing and trusting, rarely nervous, keen to please and usually gets on well with children and other animals when socialised.1732

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, silky and feathered

A long, soft coat that lies straight or with a gentle wave, with generous feathering on the ears, legs, feet and tail, and shown completely untrimmed. The dog itself is a small, balanced spaniel with a nearly flat skull, large round dark eyes, long high-set ears, a short but not flat muzzle and a full-length tail carried cheerfully at about back level.124

ColoursBlenheim (chestnut on pearly white)Ruby (solid rich red)Tricolour (black and white with tan)Black and Tan126

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery 2 days
  • Bathevery month
  • HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
  • ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active: around an hour of exercise a day, ideally split into a few walks with some off-lead play, plus games and short training sessions.35

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The silky coat needs regular attention: brushing daily or several times a week keeps the feathering free of tangles, with extra brushing in spring and autumn shedding and an occasional visit to a groomer. The breed standard calls for no trimming in the show ring.351

Home where they are happiest

Very adaptable and happy in a flat or apartment, with a small to medium garden a bonus. What matters most is having people around for much of the day.53

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete commercial dog food split into two meals a day, portioned for age and lifestyle, with treats kept to no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.3

Company who they like around

A true companion breed that wants to be with its family as much as possible; PDSA advises not leaving one alone for more than about four hours. Usually sociable with other dogs and pets.3

The story where it all began

Small toy spaniels were popular in Britain and Europe from the 16th century and became court favourites under Charles I and Charles II, whose supporters were known as Cavaliers. In the early 18th century the first Duke of Marlborough kept red and white spaniels at Blenheim Palace, giving the Blenheim colour its name. Victorian show fashion later favoured a flatter face and domed skull, which became the King Charles Spaniel (English Toy Spaniel). In 1926 the American Roswell Eldridge offered prize money at Crufts for spaniels of the older type seen in paintings of Charles II's era. Breeders took up the challenge, a club was formed in 1928 around a dog called Ann's Son, and the Kennel Club accepted the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as a separate breed in 1945. The breed was rebuilt after the Second World War from very few dogs, reached the United States in the 1950s, gained UKC recognition in 1980 and AKC recognition in 1995, and has since become one of the best-loved companion dogs.542

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed is named after King Charles II and the Cavaliers, the supporters of the crown in the English Civil War period.4

  2. 2

    The Blenheim colour is named after Blenheim Palace, where the first Duke of Marlborough kept red and white spaniels.4

  3. 3

    Many Blenheims carry a chestnut spot on the top of the head called the 'lozenge' or 'Blenheim spot', which legend nicknames the 'Duchess Thumb Print'.4

  4. 4

    The modern breed exists thanks to a prize offered at Crufts in 1926 by American Roswell Eldridge for spaniels of the old type seen in royal portraits.4

  5. 5

    A popular story says King Charles II decreed the dogs could go anywhere in the UK, but the UK Parliament says no such law exists.4

  6. 6

    Famous owners include Queen Victoria, Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan, who had a Blenheim named Rex.4

  7. 7

    The breed standard says the coat must be shown completely free from trimming.1

Name ideas for your new friend

CharliePoppyMontyDaisyHenryMollyOllieRubyFreddieLilyArchieRosie

A day in the life told by a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

I wake up and wag my tail before my eyes are even open. My human laughs and gives me a kiss. After breakfast, we go to the park, where I chase a ball and say hello to everyone, people, dogs, even a friendly squirrel. I love being with my family. At home, I curl on a lap for a nap, then play a little tug-of-war with my favourite toy. I learn a new trick for a treat and feel very clever. In the evening, we all snuggle on the sofa. I fall asleep with my head on a knee, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; recognised as a breed in its own right in 1945 (decision dated 5 Dec 1944 per Wikipedia); breed club founded 19285
FCI
Standard No. 136, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 7 English Toy Spaniels; definitive acceptance 20 Jan 1955; current standard published 1 Dec 2009; no working trial6
UKC
Companion Dog Group; recognised 19802
AKC
Toy Group; recognised 19954

Popularity No. 12 of AKC-registered breeds in 20258

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and at what times?

Feed your Cavalier two meals a day at regular times, using a complete commercial dog food portioned for age and lifestyle. Treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. For puppies, three to four smaller meals are recommended.39

What should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete commercial dog food split into two meals is ideal. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs.310

How often should I bathe a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every four weeks, while general guidance recommends at least every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep the coat healthy.11 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your Cavalier daily or several times a week to keep the silky coat free of tangles, especially the feathering. Extra brushing during spring and autumn shedding is helpful.351 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Trim a little at a time, stopping before the quick, your vet or groomer can show you how.11 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

Your Cavalier needs about an hour of exercise daily, split into a few walks with some off-lead play and games. They are moderately active and enjoy short training sessions too.35 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your Cavalier's teeth daily if possible, at least two to three times a week, using dog toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and clean gently, never push anything into the ear canal.11 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel live?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically live between 10 and 12 years, with an average around 10 to 12 years.453

Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, with proper socialisation, Cavaliers are sweet-natured, outgoing, and usually get on well with children and other animals. They are keen to please and make wonderful family companions.1732

Can a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel be left alone?

Cavaliers are true companion dogs and prefer to be with their family. PDSA advises not leaving them alone for more than about four hours, as they can become distressed.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI standard No. 136 fci.beused for temperament, coat, colours, weight
  2. UKC breed standard: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ukcdogs.comused for recognition, height, weight, coat, history
  3. PDSA: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pdsa.org.ukused for size, exercise, grooming, diet, social needs
  4. Wikipedia: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel en.wikipedia.orgused for history, lifespan, fun facts, AKC recognition
  5. The Royal Kennel Club: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, exercise, grooming, home, lifespan, history
  6. FCI nomenclature: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (136) fci.beused for recognition, origin, colours
  7. AKC: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel akc.orgused for temperament
  8. AKC: Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.