The Ultimate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Ownership Guide

12 minute read By Lucy Hughes
Reviewed by: Pawrade Team
June 22, 2023

a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog smiles at the camera

You feel like someone’s watching you.

You turn around ever so slightly and notice a pair of bright eyes at shin level staring up at you with adoration. 

A beautiful dog emerges from the shadows, and you can’t help but give in to the urge to snuggle with it right away. 

As your new furry friend leaps into your lap, you know this will not be the last time you cuddle with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

With their signature long, floppy ears, big round eyes, and gentle nature, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale (also just called a Cavalier) is sure to bring joy to any household. Find out what it’s like to own Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale with our comprehensive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy ownership guide. 

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What Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale Look Like?

You already know about their devoted gaze, but what else is so special about the appearance of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? 

A Cavalier puppy for sale is classified as a small-to-medium-sized breed. On average, they stand between 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 13 to 18 pounds. 

Their heads and ears make them stand apart from other breeds. Their head is slightly rounded with sweet eyes peering out. Their long, silky ears are covered in wavy feathered hair and hang down close to their faces. The long-tapered muzzle of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale ends in a cute nose that is normally black but can be ruby in color. Their tails proudly wag in a feathery swoosh. 

Other than their ears and eyes, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale has a medium-length, silky, luxurious, and straight coat that is well-feathered. The coat comes in various colors and combinations, including Blenheim (chestnut markings on a white background), Tricolor (black and white with tan markings), Black and Tan, and Ruby (solid chestnut).

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"Young King Charles II of England with his Spaniel” by Van Dyck, c. 1600s.

History and Origin of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale 

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Despite their regal appearance, they have a hunting background rooted in their lineage as a Spaniel breed. Originally bred as hunting companions, Cavaliers possess an instinctive drive to flush out game. 

Over time, they primarily became companion dogs and were favored by the royalty and nobility of England during the Renaissance era. 

During the reign of Stuart Kings Charles I and Charles II in the 1600s, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel earned its esteemed status. King Charles II was a great admirer of small spaniels and had a particular fondness for them. These spaniels became known as "King Charles Spaniels" in his honor. These dogs were highly favored at court and faithfully accompanied both monarchs as they moved between different castles. 

During the 17th and 18th centuries, artists were enamored with the sweet expressions and feathery coats of these companion animals which were depicted in many paintings and tapestries. Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Rembrandt, and others were some famous painters likely to feature Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in portraits of royals and aristocrats. 

Some people also believe Cockers, Papillons, and Welsh Springer Spaniels were bred to create the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Over time, the breed underwent changes, resulting in a flatter face and a shorter muzzle. 

In the early 20th century, an effort to restore the original appearance of the breed began. A prominent figure in this restoration was American Roswell Eldridge. He offered a cash prize at the Crufts dog show in 1926 for "Blenheim Spaniels of the old-fashioned type seen in pictures of King Charles II's time." This initiative spurred breed enthusiasts to revive the original breed standard.

The first breed club for Cavaliers was formed in England in the late 1920s. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels quickly achieved the status of top companion breed in the United Kingdom. 

How Popular is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed? 

The first Cavalier King Charles Spaniels came to the US in the early 1950s. Several Cavaliers competed in the “Miscellaneous” category in several dog shows, gaining traction. However, it wasn’t until 1996 that the American Kennel Club recognized the breed on its own with standards. 

Today, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ranks way up at #14 among 199 of the AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2022. It’s a testimony to the versatility of this friendly, curious breed that is the perfect size for every living situation. 

People all over the globe love Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as evident in the sheer amount of social media accounts and channels dedicated to this breed.

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Energy and Exercise Needs of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale

While their modern-day role primarily revolves around companionship, their hunting heritage contributes to their agile and active nature. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale have a moderate activity level and exercise needs compared to some other breeds. While they are not hyperactive or excessively energetic, they still require regular exercise to maintain their overall health and well-being.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies benefit from daily walks to help keep them physically and mentally stimulated. A couple of 20-30 minute walks each day can usually suffice. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and the opportunity to sniff and investigate their environment. These walks also provide a chance for Cavaliers to socialize with other dogs and humans.

In addition to walks, interactive playtime is important for Cavaliers! They enjoy activities such as fetching a ball or playing with puzzle toys that engage their minds. Because they’re very clever, you’ll need to provide plenty of mental stimulation opportunities. Getting them used to entertaining themselves will come in handy to combat separation anxiety if you have to leave them for a while. 

However, it's essential to note that they are not a high-intensity or highly demanding breed in terms of exercise. Overexertion or intense exercise may not be suitable for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies due to their small size and potential health concerns. It's important to be mindful of their physical limitations, especially if they show signs of tiredness or fatigue during exercise. That being said, they can still enjoy a hike in the woods – just make sure to keep an eye on them for any signs of overexertion. 

While they appreciate exercise, Cavalier puppies are primarily companion dogs who thrive on human interaction and affection. Spending quality time with their owners, whether it's cuddling on the couch or enjoying gentle play sessions, is just as important as physical exercise for their overall happiness.

What’s Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Like? 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's friendly demeanor and gentle nature make them an excellent choice for individuals and families of all ages, from babies to seniors. These affectionate dogs are known for forming strong bonds with their human companions. Here are some fun facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners want you to know. 

Smart and clever 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their intelligence and cleverness. They possess a quick learning ability, making them adept at picking up new commands and tricks. Their sharp minds, combined with their eagerness to please, contribute to their overall smart and clever nature as companion dogs.

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Great travel buddies

Because of both their size and dispositions, Cavalier puppies for sale make excellent travel companions. They’re small enough to fit in a soft-sided carrier and can be trained to be an extremely friendly, well-behaved companion. Whether you take it to the pet store to pick out a new collar or to our nation’s capitol, Where will you take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel first? 

Charm your socks off

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale is arguably one of the sweetest, most loving dog breeds. They thrive when they are with love and attention from their humans. They are the perpetual lap dog and are content with cuddling with you for hours. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies even form strong bonds with strangers and other animals, and you’ll appreciate their friendly, easy-going nature.

Terrible guard dogs

Even though Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale excel in many areas, they make terrible guard dogs due to their friendly and trusting nature. They are more inclined to greet strangers with affection rather than displaying protective behavior. Their loving and sociable temperament makes them better suited for companionship rather than guarding or alerting to potential threats.

…but make great therapy dogs

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels make exceptional therapy dogs due to their loving and gentle temperament. Their innate ability to connect with people on an emotional level brings comfort and joy to those in need. With their affectionate nature and intuitive understanding, they provide a calming presence, offer unconditional support, and bring smiles to the faces of those they interact with, making them wonderful therapy companions. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are excellent emotional support animals and have provided comfort to children in courtrooms among other uses. 

Average shedders

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale have silky soft medium double coats. Their hair is usually straight but can be wavy too with lots of feathering. As average shedders year-round, they do blow out their coats twice a year to get ready for the summer and winter seasons, so be sure to have a quality vacuum and lint roller handy!

Can live in small spaces

If you live in a condo or apartment, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great choice for a small inside dog for several reasons. They don’t thump and romp around too loudly or bark incessantly, annoying neighbors around you. In addition, their calm disposition helps them remain friendly with other residents and pets. Lastly, they don’t need huge space to run around, so they make great city dogs, too. 

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Easy to groom

While Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale are relatively easy to groom, that doesn’t mean you should take a hands-off approach. Brush them 2-3 times a week to distribute natural oils and keep their coats free of mats and debris. You’ll only give them a bath when needed to avoid stripping their coat of oils.

In addition to keeping their coat glossy, pay attention to their eyes and ears for signs of infection or inflammation because their ears can be breeding grounds for yeast and bacteria due to their shape. 

Perpetual puppy dog eyes

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have that puppy-dog eyes look down pat! They will always use them on you, even when they don’t want something. That’s just how they look all the time! It sure is nice having someone already devoted to you look at you with such love and affection 24/7. 

Training is a breeze

Training a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a rewarding experience for novice and experienced owners because they are intelligent and eager to please. The keys to training are using a positive reward system like food and playtimes and consistency in your chosen training method, as Cavaliers can be sensitive. Early socialization and exposure to a variety of sounds and environments get them used to the world around them. 

They follow their noses

When a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is roaming unleashed, it may follow its instinct to sniff out small prey. They were primarily sporting dogs, so it’s no surprise they want to act on this natural urge. Even a well-trained Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may forget its recall training and bolt after a picked-up scent. For this reason, never let your Cavalier go without a leash unless fenced-in. 

Where Can I Find Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies For Sale? 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale are relatively healthy dogs in general. They live to be 12-15 years and are a lifetime commitment to the owner. Are you ready to care for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for its entire lifespan? That’s a question a potential Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should ask themselves. 

Like all dog breeds, Cavaliers are prone to certain health issues, including ear and eye infections, mitral valve disease, retinal atrophy, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups and responsible breeding practices are essential to help minimize the occurrence of these conditions.

Speaking of responsible Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders

If you don’t know where to start when looking for “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale near me,” rest assured you can turn to Pawrade. 

At Pawrade, we understand the importance of bringing a healthy and happy puppy into your home. That's why we have taken every possible measure to ensure the well-being of our puppies. We have partnered with a network of honest and reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders who share our commitment to raising puppies with love, compassion, and proper care.

Before a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale joins your family, rest assured that it has been raised in an environment filled with tender loving care. Our breeders undergo a rigorous pre-screening process to ensure they meet our strict standards. This includes providing puppies with socialization, exercise, comfort, and affection, all crucial for their development and happiness.

When you choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy for sale puppy from us, you can feel confident that you are bringing home a healthy, well-cared-for companion who will bring joy and love to your life for years to come. Find your perfect pup among our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale to experience those puppy dog eyes forever!


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Lucy Hughes

Lucy Hughes has been teaching and writing professionally for half her life. She has a passion for helping people choose a puppy and lead an exciting life with their new furry companion. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and her beloved Golden Retriever, Bowie.

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