How affectionate are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels? Are they easy to train? Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get on well with children? Ideal for first-time dog owners, discover why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the ultimate companion dog, and will happily be part of a multi-pet household.
28th August 2025
With their soulful eyes, silky coat – which comes in four colourways: black and tan, ruby, tricolour, and chestnut and white, known as ‘Blenheim’ – and sweet temperament, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have captured the hearts of people across the world ever since King Charles II became a fan back in the 17th century.
These small, affectionate Spaniels, which weigh between 12-18 lbs (5.4-8.2 kgs), really are the ultimate companion breed. These loving, gentle dogs thrive on spending their time hanging out with their human family and playing lots of games.
“Oh, the beautiful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known as the ‘Cavi’. Such a sweet little dog! They’re a balanced, friendly breed… a real pleasure to live with,” enthuses rehoming charity Woodgreen’s Dog Behaviour and Training Specialist Sue Ketland.
A right royal breed
This little dog has a distinguished history. “It was in the courts of Charles I and his son Charles II that the Toy Spaniels became well established and their popularity spread, particularly amongst the nobility,” notes The Kennel Club, which describes the breed as: “Active, graceful, with gentle expression.” The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in 1928, with the Cavalier recognised as a separate breed, distinct from the flatter-faced King Charles Spaniel, in 1945.
DID YOU KNOW?
Toy breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, were bred especially to keep their owners’ company and are friendly, sociable dogs. Adaptable to city or countryside living, it’s no surprise that they make such popular family pets.
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Fun, affectionate, kind companions
“They are affectionate, kind and a great companion, happy to be a lap dog on a wet and windy day but not adverse to a good walk either,” adds Your Dog. “They are excellent with both the young and old, energetic but not overexcitable. Ever the socialites, they will meet most, human or animal, warmly.”
What’s the best food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels? >>
Understanding what makes your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tick will help you give them everything they need to love life! Read on to discover more about:
- CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL PERSONALITY PROFILE
- IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
- HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL NEED?
- WHAT SHOULD I FEED A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
- HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL NEED?
- CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL HEALTH
- WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
- GETTING A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
DID YOU KNOW?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossbreeds include the Cavachon – a cross between a Cavalier King Charles and a Bichon Frise – and the Cavapoo – a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL PERSONALITY PROFILE
Friendly, sociable Cavalier King Charles Spaniels like to make friends with pretty much everyone – guard dogs they are not!
“Born companions, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are easy-going, lovable and playful dogs that do especially well with children and other canine friends,” says insurer Petplan. “Ideal for first-time owners, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are versatile and adaptable; they’re just as happy enjoying cuddles as they are playing games or going for walks. Highly intelligent and easy to train, Cavaliers are motivated by love and affection.”
“Cavaliers are great little dogs that suit family environments,” adds veterinary charity PDSA. “They’re known to be good around children because they’re so keen to please their owners and love the company of people.”
“Cavis are a very affectionate breed but aren’t overly clingy,” notes Sue Ketland.
They can be on the shy side, however, so time must be taken to build their confidence. “Timid at first, socialising Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies is essential to develop their confidence and personality,” advises Petplan.
And, while small in size, these loving dogs are big on fun and adore playing games. “Whilst they might not have the same energy levels and prey drive as other Spaniels, Cavaliers still love ball games or playing fetch with a frisbee,” says Petplan.
They are also a joyful presence to have around your home. “Cavis are renowned for their wonderfully waggy tails. You can’t help but smile when there’s one by your side!” adds Sue Ketland.
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Whatever the breed, every dog is unique
While each breed has certain identifiable traits, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique.
Dogs Trust says: “Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop their own likes and dislikes and learn to respond to situations in different ways. For example, some dogs might like meeting other dogs, and some may not. Some might like new experiences and others may need to go slowly.”
IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
To create a perfect canine/human partnership, it’s vital to think about what kind of energy and temperament you’d like your four-pawed friend to have so you’re a good match for each other – and that you can provide a suitable environment.
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Cavaliers need company
Because they are true companion dogs, Cavaliers need someone who’s home most of the time. “Cavis are adaptable to most living arrangements if they can be with their people,” advises Sue Ketland. “They’re a companion breed and don’t thrive in homes where they’re left alone for long periods of time.”
“Cavaliers are a playful breed and will love spending time with their owners playing in the house or garden,” says PDSA. “Like all dogs, Cavaliers prefer company and don’t cope very well when left on their own.”
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make great dogs for novice owners and families with children and other pets, who are at home most of the time,” adds Petplan. “You will need a secure yard and a strong leash to prevent your Cavalier from following their nose! Prone to separation anxiety, King Charles Spaniels exhibit unwanted behaviours such as barking, whining, scratching and chewing if they are left alone, so they need lots of human interaction.”
Cavaliers and other pets
Tolerant, good-natured Cavaliers generally get on well with other dogs and most cats, although they may need close supervision if you have small furries in your home.
“As long as your Cavalier is well socialised, they should have no problems with other dogs. Usually, they would rather say hello to all the passing people instead of passing dogs!” says PDSA. “If you have your Cavalier with other pets from a young age, they should get along with them fine. They should get along with cats OK (although whether your cat likes your Cavalier is another thing!). Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can have a prey drive, so be careful of other small pets with your Cavalier and always supervise your dog with other pets.”
“When it comes to other furry family members, this breed is good with other dogs but can be intimidated by large, bouncy dogs. If Cavis are introduced to small furry pets and cats from an early age, they can happily be part of a multi-pet household,” adds Sue Ketland.
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Cavaliers and children
“Cavaliers are known for making really great family pets and, as long as they are well socialised from a young age, they’ll enjoy the company of people of all ages,” says PDSA. “Although Cavaliers are adaptable and will get along well with all members of your family, we would always recommend supervising your dog around children just in case playtime gets too rough. It’s important that your dog has somewhere they can go to relax when they want time away from any children or other pets.”
“Cavis make great family pets, they’re tolerant and playful. But their good nature shouldn’t be taken advantage of, and children should always be supervised in the presence of any dog,” adds Sue Ketland.
“Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world,” advises Dogs Trust. “They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are some universal ways to behave safely around them and treat them with respect.”
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HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL NEED?
If you prefer laid-back daily strolls as opposed to arduous cross-country hikes, then a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be your ideal canine chum.
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniels usually need daily walks, but they might not manage tough exercise like long walks or mountain hikes,” advises Dogs Trust. “They'll need plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play.”
“Despite their small size, Cavaliers are quite energetic dogs and will still need plenty of exercise every day to keep them happy and healthy,” adds PDSA. “Being Spaniels, they love to play and chase and, due to their keen minds, tend to do really well at agility. Your Cavalier will need at least one hour of exercise a day, which we would recommend splitting into at least two walks with some time off-lead if there is a secure place you can do this. On top of this, remember to play with your Cavalier as much as possible, have regular training sessions to keep them sharp, and they’ll enjoy some free time in a secure garden.”
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WHAT SHOULD I FEED A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
To keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthy and happy, choosing a balanced diet that suits them and meets all their nutritional needs is very important.
Burgess in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB MRCVS, who oversees recipe development and product production, advises: “When choosing food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, it’s essential to bear in mind that the optimum diet for your dog is one that supplies the correct number of calories and balance of nutrients for their life stage and lifestyle. This means calculating the nutrient content and dietary components such as protein, fat, carbohydrate and vitamins and minerals required. All Burgess Dog Food is a complete food. So, whatever variety you choose for your dog, it will contain all the nutrients they need in the correct balance.”
The benefits of life stage food
Canine nutritional requirements vary throughout their life. Puppies need extra energy and other nutrients to support rapid growth. For adult dogs, providing a nutritionally balanced, complete diet will help keep them in tip top condition during the prime of their life. Many older dogs develop specific conditions, such as arthritis – some of which can be eased by feeding a diet designed just for them.
Feeding tips
Split your Cavalier’s daily allowance into two meals and try to feed your dog at the same time every day. Measure out precise portion sizes. Recommended feeding amounts can be found on dog food packaging, but always ask your vet if you’re not sure. Giving your dog a little more than they need means they could become overweight. If you don’t feed enough, your dog will not be getting all the nutrients they need and will become underweight. Remember to leave a gap after eating and before exercising.
Petplan notes: “Prone to becoming fat, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need to have a closely monitored diet. Control portion sizes and discard whatever they haven’t eaten after 30 minutes.”
If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake as this can unbalance their diet
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HOW MUCH GROOMING DOES A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL NEED?
Cavaliers’ silky coats need quite a lot of attention, including some professional grooming to keep them looking their best.
“Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have fairly high maintenance coats, and you may find they need to be brushed daily to make sure their fur doesn’t get matted,” says PDSA. “Like most dogs, they shed, and you’ll find they need extra brushing in autumn and spring when they shed even more. You may find you need to take your Cavalier to be groomed professionally a few times a year to keep their coat in the best condition.”
“Cavis have a beautiful, silky coat! You’ll need a slicker brush, comb and a pair of scissors to keep it in tip-top condition,” adds Sue Ketland. “Cavis can get matting behind their ears and on the feathering (the longer hair) on their legs. The hair between their pads needs to be kept short to lower the risk of grass seeds attaching there and penetrating the skin. In the winter months when there’s a risk of snow, this can clump together with the hair between their toes and around their feet looking like snowballs – we call this snowshoes. This can become very painful.”
“You’ll generally need to brush your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel most days to prevent matting,” advises Dogs Trust. “To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching your dog to feel relaxed and confident will make grooming more enjoyable for everyone.”
“Use grooming your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel as an opportunity to check them for signs of parasites or for unusual lumps or skin rashes,” recommends Petplan.
Regular teeth cleaning is also important to help to prevent plaque and tartar from building up and keep gums healthy. This is particularly important with Toy breeds such as Cavaliers as small dogs are more susceptible to periodontal disease. This is a condition where plaque and tartar buildup lead to gum recession, tooth root exposure, and potential tooth loss.
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL HEALTH
It’s important to be aware that there are some health concerns to consider with Cavaliers.
Dogs Trust says: “Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are brachycephalic, which means they have short noses, flat faces, or both. They can struggle with various health issues related to this body shape.”
Dogs with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can suffer from difficulty breathing (noisy breathing, increased breathing effort), exercise intolerance, increased risk of heatstroke and gastrointestinal problems such as regurgitation.
Dogs Trust advises: “Treatment for BOAS depends on the severity of the condition and will be guided by your vet. In mild cases, treatment can involve careful management, including making sure the dog is not overweight and taking care not to excessively exercise your dog, particularly in warm weather. In more severe cases, surgery may be required, which can be costly and can also be associated with severe complications. Consider getting pet insurance as soon as you get your dog, before any signs of illness start.”
Petplan adds: “Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can suffer from a range of health conditions, so it is essential to get comprehensive pet insurance for your dog. A reputable breeder will be able to show you proof that your Cavalier puppy has been tested and cleared of specific conditions.”
Dogs Trust advises: “Whatever the breed, all dogs need basic preventative health care like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. You’ll also need insurance to help cover the cost of vet bills.”
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TRAIN A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL?
When it comes to training any dog, it’s all about positive learning, and, as Cavaliers are devoted people pleasers, these clever little dogs are pretty easy to train.
“As a Toy breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love their owners and are incredibly eager to please,” says Petplan. “What’s more, ‘Cavvies’ share the intelligence of their larger Spaniel counterparts, making them quick learners. They respond well to fun, positive training sessions that involve lots of attention, love and praise.”
The insurer notes that as Cavaliers are descended from traditional working Spaniels, their hunting and chasing instincts can be strong, so it’s essential to focus on recall training before allowing them off their lead as they just can’t resist following their nose!
“Cavis have a history as working dogs and are motivated by both food and toys,” says Sue Ketland. “This means they’re eager to learn! They might not have the style and flair of breeds like Border Collies or Belgian Malinois, but as a pet dog, a Cavi’s training needs are easy to meet. Training for being left home alone, not jumping up and not pulling on the lead are priorities for Cavi owners. Teaching them to retrieve would also help satisfy the spaniel traits they were bred for (to retrieve hunted birds). Cavis can be emotionally sensitive, so kind, fair and effective training methods are essential.”
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“We would recommend starting positive, reward-based training from a young age to prevent your Cavalier picking up any bad habits and remember to be consistent with their training,” advises PDSA. “Remember to socialise your Cavalier as a puppy with lots of other dogs, different people and types of experiences to help them gain confidence. Cavaliers can develop separation anxiety if their owners leave them at all, so you’ll need to train them to be left alone if you need to and remember to never leave your dog alone for more than four hours.”
Dogs Trust suggests: “Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, training with rewards is the best way for your dog to learn. As dogs are clever animals, they need suitable mental and physical exercise so that they don't get bored. Learning useful life skills such as recall, loose lead walking and settling are just as important. This ensures that you and your dog can spend enjoyable time together, both at home and out and about.”
For expert advice and practical training guidance, visit Dogs Trust Dog School >>
GETTING A CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
“Do plenty of research before you think about getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,” advises PDSA. “Make sure you have plenty of time to spend with these lap-loving dogs. Like any dog, owning a Cavalier is a lot of work, but well worth the time you put into them. Despite their small size, remember that Cavaliers still love to play and will take any opportunity to spend time with you.”
If you’re buying a puppy, always choose a licensed and reputable breeder. Petplan advises: “Remember ‘Lucy’s Law’. From 6 April 2020, anyone who wants a new puppy or kitten in England must buy direct from the breeder or adopt from a rescue centre. ‘Lucy’s Law’ was actually named after a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Lucy, who was rescued from a puppy farm. All dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mother.”
PDSA adds: “If you buy a Cavalier puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured Breeder as they meet higher standards.”
The comprehensive puppy checklist >>
Alternatively, there are a number of rescue organisations around the country, including Dogs Trust, Woodgreen and Battersea, along with breed-specific rescues such as Bliss Cavalier Rescue, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue and Welfare and the Cavalier Trust who would love to hear from you.
Staff will seek to match you with the right dog for your home and lifestyle and provide you with support and useful information about the breed. By choosing a rescue Cavalier, you’ll be giving one of these wonderful dogs a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life.
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Need more advice?
If you’re at all unsure about the best way of feeding your dog or have any concerns about specific nutritional requirements, ask your local veterinary practice for advice. You can also call our expert team, available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, on +44 (0)1405 862241 who’ll be happy to help. Alternatively, use our online contact form to get in touch.
CARE MORE Find lots of useful advice on caring for your dog from Burgess, the pet experts >>
Is your dog a Burgess dog? Join the Burgess Pet Club for exclusive offers, competitions and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.
SOMETHING TASTY FOR EVERY DOG
Every dog deserves a first-class dinner from puppy to adult and senior. Burgess Pet Care is a British, family-owned company and all our dog foods are made at our own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, using only ingredients that meet our stringent specifications – locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers
We’ve also developed foods to meet the specific nutritional needs of sporting and working dogs, Greyhounds and Lurchers and dogs with sensitivities.
All Burgess dog food is a complete food. This means, whatever variety you choose for your dog, it will contain all the nutrients they need in the correct balance. By choosing Burgess dog food, you know you can feed your canine companion with complete confidence.
Good to know
- COMPLETE NUTRITION Each of the recipes in the Burgess Dog Food range are complete, providing all the nutrients dogs require in the right proportions.
- PORTION CONTROL With dry food, it’s easy to measure out the right sized portion to help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
- HEALTHY AND SAFE The thorough cooking process ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, and viruses are destroyed, and the dry food stays fresh inside the pack.
- TEETH FRIENDLY Dry dog food has the added benefit of exercising your dog’s chewing muscles and provides a mild cleaning effect on the teeth.
- MADE IN BRITAIN Crafted at Burgess Pet Care’s own factory in the heart of Yorkshire, Burgess Dog Food contains high-quality ingredients that meet stringent specifications, locally sourced wherever possible to support British farmers.
With a whole host of *5 STAR REVIEWS*, our customers have told us:
* “An excellent dog food, definitely a market leading brand. My dog thrives on it, no upset stomach ever.” * “Our dogs just love it, and it keeps them happy.” * “Good value, wholesome food.” * “Edward (dog) is in raptures over this, he just can't get enough of it.” * “Our Ruby loves this food. In fact, she tries to open the food bin to steal it. That’s proof enough.” * “My dogs love it, it satisfies them, so it makes them happy and contented which makes me happy as they are thriving on it.” * “A leader amongst dog foods.” *
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EXPERT APPROVED: Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS
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