
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Size of home
- Flat/ Apartment
- Grooming
- More than once a week
- Coat length
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Lifespan
- Over 12 years
- Vulnerable native breed
- No
- Town or country
- Either
- Size of garden
- Small/ medium garden
About this breed
Toy spaniels can be traced back to at least the 16th Century and, as with many other of the toy breeds, it is likely that they were bred down from sporting breeds. Queen Elizabeth I had a ‘spaniel gentle’ as a comforter, a dog popular with noble ladies as playthings and bed warmers. The spaniel of Mary, Queen of Scots was found hidden in her petticoats after she was beheaded. However, 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. The first Duke of Marlborough developed the Blenheim spaniel, a rich red and white dog which retained its sporting instincts and was adept at flushing game. Its name comes from the Duke’s residence, Blenheim Palace, and the word is used today to describe the chestnut and white coat colour. The Duke of Norfolk also kept the Blenheim type but developed the black and tan variety. The tricolours were called the Prince Charles. The ruby colour was the last colour to be developed in the breed.
Until the late 19th Century the toy spaniels retained the fairly long muzzle and the flattish skull of the sporting spaniels. However, the fashion for shorter muzzles in the toy breeds, as seen in the Pug and the Pekingese, lead to the domed skull and shorter muzzle becoming more popular and more successful in the show ring. A group of breeders were saddened by the apparent decline of the slightly larger type dogs with slightly longer muzzles, flatter skulls, and which retained their sporting instincts. At Crufts in 1926-1930, there were special prizes given for ‘Blenheim spaniels of the old type’ and the word ‘Cavalier’ was chosen to distinguish this type from the flatter-faced type which was known as the King Charles. This effectively saw the emergence of the Cavalier King Charles (the old type) as a separate variety from the King Charles. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed in 1928 but The Kennel Club did not recognise the Cavalier as a separate breed until 1945.
Images for this breed
The Toy breed group
The Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs. Many of the Toy breeds were bred for this capacity although some have been placed into this category simply due to their size. They should have friendly personalities and love attention. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters.
Breed standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Black & Tan
- Blenheim
- Ruby
- Tricolour
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Non-breed-standard colours
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Health
Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.
More about health
Priority health schemes and tests
The Kennel Club's Assured Breeders must use the following schemes, tests and advice. All other breeders are strongly advised to also use these.
- Eye screening scheme (BVA/KC/ISDS) - Find results for the pre 2020 MRD open register. This only lists dogs that were diagnosed as 'affected by MRD'. MRD results published after 31 Dec 2019 can be found in their Health Test Results Finder entry
- DNA test – EF - part of The Kennel Club's CombiBreed package* (see below). Find lists of clear, carrier or affected dogs
- DNA test – CC/DE - part of The Kennel Club's CombiBreed package* (see below). Find lists of clear, carrier or affected dogs
Important health schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following schemes, tests and advice.
- Breed club heart testing (Mitral valve disease)
- CM/SM screening scheme (BVA/KC)
- Check inbreeding calculators
Other health schemes and tests available
*CombiBreed - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests for breeders
The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our CombiBreed health test package. This includes:
- EF (episodic falling)
- CC/DE (Curly coat/Dry eye)
As part of this package, both of these tests are carried out from a single swab. Assured breeders receive a 10% discount.
Find out more about our CombiBreed health packages.
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
Health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Health screening is one way that responsible breeders are reducing the risk of passing on pre-existing conditions. There are three main health issues currently screened for in Cavaliers:
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Syringomyelia (SM)
- Eye conditions
Mitral valve disease
Mitral valve disease is a common health problem in older dogs of all breeds, although it has been found to have an earlier onset in the Cavalier. The disease causes a degeneration of the heart’s mitral valve, often picked up as a heart murmur in younger dogs. Many dogs diagnosed with mitral valve disease continue to live to a good age and enjoy a happy life.
All Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that are being bred from should first be graded under The Kennel Club heart scheme.
Syringomyelia
Known by some as “neck scratchers disease” where the dog is seen scratching in the air near the neck, usually when excited or on a lead. The term syringomyelia is a condition where fluid filled cavities (syrinxes) develop within the spinal cord. While some dogs show no or only mild symptoms, unfortunately, in some cases the condition progresses and deteriorates, causing the dog pain and neurological problems. Medical interventions can help to alleviate health problems, but very sadly in some cases this is not possible.
Diagnosis for syringomyelia is by MRI scan. Veterinary clinics operating low-cost MRI scanning can be found on the Cavalier Club website together with advice and further information on syringomyelia.
Eyes
The main inherited genetic eye conditions in Cavaliers are cataract (congenital and juvenile) and multifocal retinal dysplasia. Fortunately both diseases are now much less common, as reputable breeders test their stock prior to breeding. However, you should check for the condition if you intend to breed from your Cavalier.
Health screening is an important part of illuminating health problems in any animal, but should you have concerns about any area of your dog’s health always seek and follow professional advice from your vet.
Have any questions about health in your breed?
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
Contact the breed health co-ordinator for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Breed watch
Category 2
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
It is genetically proven that two blenheim parents can only produce blenheim puppies. Therefore, with effect from 16 April 2007, puppies produced from two blenhiem parents will only be accepted for Kennel Club registration if they are blenhiem.
More information

Sign up to The Kennel Club
Create an online account and enjoy the many benefits, including your own online dashboard, as well as access to our newsletters and learning centre.

Visit us at Discover Dogs
Unsure of which pedigree dog to choose? Visit Discover Dogs where you can meet hundreds of pedigree dogs and speak with experienced owners/breeders.

Use our Find a Puppy service
The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service provides contact details for breeders who have puppies available. Let's help you find your new best friend.