Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most popular companion breeds in the world, with roots stretching back to 16th century England where small toy spaniels were prized by royalty. The breed is named after King Charles II of England, who was so devoted to his spaniels that he reportedly issued a royal decree permitting them access to any public place in the land. The modern breed was substantially reconstructed in the 1920s and 30s to revert to the longer-muzzled spaniel of the old paintings. Under the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), the Cavalier is classified in Group 1 (Toys).

Cavaliers are moderate-exercise dogs that adapt well to their owner's lifestyle — content with two short-to-moderate daily walks but equally happy with more. They are intelligent and enjoy training, though sessions should be kept short and positive as they are sensitive dogs. The most significant care commitment for this breed is health monitoring — particularly cardiac health. Annual veterinary checks including cardiac auscultation are strongly recommended from an early age, with cardiology referrals as advised. Feed a quality, age-appropriate small-to-medium breed diet in measured portions twice daily. Dental care should begin from puppyhood.

The Cavalier's silky coat is moderately high-maintenance. Brush three to four times per week with a soft slicker brush and comb, paying particular attention to the feathering on the ears, legs and chest where tangles form most readily. Professional grooming every eight to twelve weeks for tidying and trimming is recommended. The long, pendant ears are prone to infections — check and clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner. Bathe every three to four weeks. Brush teeth regularly — dental disease is common in this breed. Trim nails every three to four weeks. The eye area should be kept clean and free from discharge.

The Cavalier's gentle, forgiving temperament makes socialisation relatively easy, though puppy school is still recommended for foundational obedience and building confidence. This breed is sensitive to tone and responds best to calm, positive, reward-based training. It generally gets along well with children and other dogs, though interactions with very young or boisterous children should be supervised given the dog's small size. Never use harsh correction — Cavaliers shut down under pressure and lose confidence quickly.

Cavaliers are people-oriented and their most natural enrichment is time with their family. Interactive play — gentle fetch, hide-and-seek, trick training — provides both mental stimulation and strengthens the bond. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are enjoyed. Short training sessions teaching new commands or tricks provide cognitive enrichment. Despite their gentle reputation, Cavaliers retain some sporting spaniel heritage and many enjoy gentle nose work and sniff walks. Avoid prolonged periods of isolation; this breed does not thrive without company.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD): The most significant and common health concern in the breed. MVD is a progressive degeneration of the heart's mitral valve, leading to heart murmur and potentially congestive heart failure. It affects over half of Cavaliers by age five and nearly all by age ten, and is the leading cause of death in the breed. Annual cardiac auscultation by a veterinarian is strongly recommended from an early age; cardiology referral when a murmur is detected is advised. Source from breeders who follow the MVD Breeding Protocol (both parents clear of murmur at the required ages).

Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like Malformation (CM): A serious neurological condition where the skull is too small for the brain, causing fluid-filled cavities to develop in the spinal cord. Signs include scratching at the neck or shoulder area (particularly when moving or excited), sensitivity around the head and neck, and, in severe cases, pain and neurological deficits. Source from breeders who MRI-screen breeding dogs.

Ear Infections: Prone due to long pendant ears; weekly cleaning is essential.

Patella Luxation and Hip Dysplasia: Joint issues reported in the breed; source from health-screened parents.

Episodic Falling Syndrome: A unique neurological condition exclusive to the breed causing muscle stiffness and collapse during exercise or excitement; DNA testing is available.