Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Dog Breed

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British toy dog breed developed from the English Toy Spaniel in the early 20th century.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate toy breed from the United Kingdom, developed in the early 20th century from the English Toy Spaniel. It is prized as a companion dog for its gentle, friendly nature and silky coat.

What it is

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed that stands about 30–33 cm tall and weighs 5.4–8.2 kg. It has a long, silky coat in four recognized colours: Blenheim, tricolour, black and tan, and ruby. The breed was created in Britain to resemble the older spaniel type linked to King Charles II.

Why it matters

This breed is known for its affectionate, gentle temperament and strong people-orientation, making it an excellent companion for families, singles, and apartment living. In Canada, it is a popular choice for households that can provide regular companionship. However, it is not a watchdog or protection breed.

Key details

Cavaliers typically live 12–15 years but are prone to several health issues, including mitral valve disease, eye problems, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, and ear infections. They are not hypoallergenic. Regular veterinary care is important to monitor these breed-associated risks.

In short

  • Small toy breed, 30–33 cm tall, 5.4–8.2 kg.
  • Affectionate, gentle, and thrives on human company.
  • Prone to mitral valve disease and other inherited conditions.
  • Popular in Canada as a companion dog for families and apartments.
Canadian angle

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a popular companion breed in Canada, including for families and apartment living, because of their small size and affectionate temperament.

Quick questions

How big do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get?
Adults are usually about 30–33 cm tall at the shoulder and weigh about 5.4–8.2 kg (12–18 lb).
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels hypoallergenic?
No. They are not considered hypoallergenic dogs, so they may still trigger allergies in sensitive people.
What are common health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Commonly reported issues include mitral valve disease, eye problems, luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, ear infections, and some thyroid or dental problems.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/Cavalier-King-Charles-Spaniel
    Supports: Breed origin, lifespan, and temperament.
  2. United Kennel Club — https://www.ukcdogs.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
    Supports: Height, weight, coat type, and temperament.
  3. VCA Animal Hospitals — https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
    Supports: Temperament and common health issues.
  4. PDSA — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
    Supports: Average size, lifespan, companion-dog behaviour, and breed health concerns.
  5. DogTime — https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel
    Supports: Size, lifespan, temperament, and common health problems.
  6. ASPCA Pet Insurance — https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/
    Supports: Hypoallergenic status and common health issues.