Affectionate and Loyal

Cavaliers are known for their loving, gentle, and affectionate nature, making them perfect companions for families and individuals.

Adaptable

They can thrive in both apartments and larger homes, and are equally happy lounging on the couch or going for a walk.

Good with Children and Pets

Cavaliers tend to be friendly and gentle with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs.

Low Exercise Needs

While they enjoy walks and outdoor play, Cavaliers are not overly demanding in terms of exercise and adapt well to less active households.

Prone to Health Issues

The breed is prone to several genetic health problems, including heart disease (mitral valve disease), syringomyelia, and hip dysplasia, which can result in high veterinary costs.

Grooming Requirements

Cavaliers have long, silky coats that require regular brushing and occasional professional grooming to keep them free of tangles and mats.

Separation Anxiety

They are very social dogs that thrive on companionship, so they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Weight Management

Cavaliers can be prone to weight gain, careful management of their diet and exercise is important to keep them healthy.

Exercise Needs

Cavaliers have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and some playtime will keep them healthy and happy. They enjoy running and playing but do not require intense physical activity.

Walks

One or two short walks per day, along with play sessions, are recommended to meet their exercise needs.

Training

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Positive reinforcement methods work best. They can be sensitive, so a gentle approach is key during training sessions.

Purchase Price

$3,000 - $6,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

PuppyPal encourages you to explore rescue and shelter adoption options—these can be more affordable and offer a loving dog a much-deserved second chance at a forever home

Initial Setup

Incl. crate, bed, toys, etc
Around $400 - $600 AUD.

Food

Approximately $600 - $1,500 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.

Grooming

Professional grooming costs for Cavaliers can range from $300 - $600 AUD per year.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing veterinary care could cost $500 - $1,000 AUD per year.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 10-14 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $50,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels typically stand 30-33 cm (12-13 inches) tall and weigh between 5-8 kg (12-18 lbs).

Coat

They have a long, silky, and soft coat that requires regular brushing to prevent tangling and matting. Their ears are also prone to mats and should be groomed frequently.

Colour Options

Cavaliers come in four recognized colour patterns: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolour (black, white, and tan), ruby (solid red), and black and tan.

Temperament

Cavaliers are gentle, friendly, and affectionate dogs that are known for their desire to please. They are very people-oriented and enjoy being around their families.

Good with Children

Cavaliers are generally excellent with children due to their gentle, patient nature. They tend to be tolerant and loving with kids of all ages, making them great family dogs.

Socialisation

While naturally friendly, early socialisation is still important for Cavaliers to ensure they grow up well-adjusted and comfortable around different people, pets, and environments.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Cavaliers are best suited to indoor living with their families. They enjoy time outside for walks and play, but due to their small size and social nature, they should not be left outside for extended periods.

Apartment Living

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-suited for apartment living due to their compact size and relatively low exercise needs. They are generally quiet and adapt well to smaller spaces, as long as they receive daily exercise.

Time Alone

Cavaliers thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They are best suited for homes where someone is often present, or they have another pet for company.

Common Health Issues

Cavaliers are prone to several genetic health issues, particularly mitral valve disease (a serious heart condition), syringomyelia (a neurological disorder), hip dysplasia, and eye conditions such as cataracts. Regular vet check-ups and health screenings are important to monitor for these conditions and manage their health effectively.

Guarding Ability

Cavaliers are not natural guard dogs, but they may bark to alert their owners of strangers or unusual activity. They are generally friendly with most people and are not aggressive by nature.

Affectionate Nature

Cavaliers are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being close to their families. They are known for being lap dogs and will often seek out attention and cuddles from their owners.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Cavaliers are generally social and enjoy playing with other dogs. They do well in dog parks and social environments, though supervision is always recommended to ensure positive interactions.

Climate Adaptability

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can adapt to a variety of climates, but their long coat may require extra care in hot weather. It is important to provide plenty of water and shade during warm months to prevent overheating.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to the breed’s predisposition to serious health issues, it is crucial to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings for conditions such as mitral valve disease and syringomyelia. Ethical breeding practices can help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and improve the overall well-being of the puppies.