Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small British companion breed with a silky coat, large expressive eyes, and long feathered ears, beloved by European royalty since the 17th century. The breed combines the gentle affection of a toy dog with the athleticism of a sporting spaniel, getting along well with children, other pets, and strangers. It adapts well to apartment living but is predisposed to several serious hereditary conditions, most notably mitral valve disease and syringomyelia.
Weight
5–8 kg
Height at withers
30–33 cm
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
small
Activity
medium
Shedding
moderate
Barking tendency
low
Apartment friendly
Excellent apartment dog: small size, moderate energy level, and low barking tendency make the Cavalier an ideal urban companion; daily walks are essential and the breed should not be left alone for extended periods due to its social nature
Care
Brush the coat several times a week to prevent tangles and mats, Bathe as needed, approximately once a month, Check and clean ears regularly to prevent infections, Provide moderate daily exercise: two 20–30 minute walks per day, Schedule regular veterinary exams to monitor heart and neurological health, Monitor weight carefully, as obesity worsens orthopedic conditions, Use a harness instead of a collar to reduce neck pressure, especially with CM/SM risk, Brush teeth regularly, Professional grooming every 3–4 months
Health
Mitral valve disease (MVD) — leading cause of death in the breed, Syringomyelia and Chiari-like malformation (CM/SM) — neurological disorder of the brain and spinal cord, Hip dysplasia, Patellar luxation (sliding kneecap), Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), Ear infections, Primary secretory otitis media (PSOM / 'glue ear'), Epilepsy
Coat
Long, silky
Travel
Generally travels well — the breed is known for its adaptability, For air travel, check individual airline policies; typically cabin-eligible when carrier plus dog stays under 8 kg total, Crate-train in advance to reduce travel stress, Bring water, a portable bowl, and a familiar toy, Avoid overheating — the breed can be sensitive to high temperatures, On long car trips, stop every 2–3 hours for a walk and water break
Carrier size
A soft-sided bag or hard carrier approximately 55–60 cm long, 35–40 cm high, and 35 cm wide (internal dimensions) is suitable; the dog must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
Harness size
Typically size S or M; a padded, well-fitting harness that distributes pressure evenly is recommended — especially important given the CM/SM risk, to avoid pressure on the neck and trachea
Leash
A 1.5–2 m nylon or leather leash is recommended; a retractable leash can be used in safe open areas; always keep on leash in unfenced areas due to the breed's spaniel instinct to chase
Airline cabin travel
usually allowed
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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