Toy · Rank #14 Most Popular Dog Breed
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a British toy breed with roots in the royal courts of 17th-century England. Bred to be a companion dog, the Cavalier is affectionate, gentle, and thrives on human company. Its silky, feathered coat and expressive eyes are hallmarks of the breed. They adapt well to various living situations, from city apartments to country homes.
Ideal Weight
5.9-8.2 kg
Height
30-33 cm
Activity Level
Moderate (Daily Walks)
Life Expectancy
9-14 yrs
Feeding Guide
Cavaliers are prone to obesity, so portion control is essential; follow age-appropriate feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding treats. Two measured meals per day are recommended rather than free-feeding. High-quality food with controlled calorie density helps maintain a healthy weight.
Water Needs
Cavaliers have moderate hydration needs; ensure fresh water is always available, especially after exercise or in warm weather as they can be sensitive to heat.
Exercise Guide
Cavaliers need about 30–40 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as brisk walks and off-leash play. They enjoy interactive games and gentle hikes but should not be over-exerted in hot weather due to their somewhat flattened face.
Common Health Issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Syringomyelia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
These are conditions commonly associated with the breed, not a diagnosis for your individual pet.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Calorie Calculator
Estimated Daily Calories
484 kcal
1.4
Cups / day
166
Grams / day
Based on a generic 350 kcal/cup food. Use the full Calorie Calculator to enter your food's exact calorie density.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel FAQs
How much should I feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavaliers are prone to obesity, so portion control is essential; follow age-appropriate feeding guidelines and avoid overfeeding treats. Two measured meals per day are recommended rather than free-feeding. High-quality food with controlled calorie density helps maintain a healthy weight. For a personalized daily calorie and portion estimate based on your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's exact weight, age, and activity level, use the calculator above or our full Calorie Calculator.
How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels generally have moderate exercise needs. Cavaliers need about 30–40 minutes of moderate exercise daily, such as brisk walks and off-leash play. They enjoy interactive games and gentle hikes but should not be over-exerted in hot weather due to their somewhat flattened face.
How much water does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
Cavaliers have moderate hydration needs; ensure fresh water is always available, especially after exercise or in warm weather as they can be sensitive to heat. As a general guideline, most dogs need roughly 50-60 ml of water per kg of body weight daily -- use our Water Intake Calculator for an estimate based on your pet's exact weight.
What health issues are common in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are commonly associated with Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), Syringomyelia, Hip Dysplasia, and Ear Infections. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis -- regular veterinary checkups are the best way to catch and manage breed-related conditions early.
How big does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel get?
A fully grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel typically weighs 5.9-8.2 kg (13-18 lbs) and stands about 30-33 cm (12-13 in) tall at the shoulder, with a typical life expectancy of 9-14 years.
Medical Disclaimer
This tool provides general, educational estimates and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Breed-based estimates for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are general guidance and vary by individual dog or cat. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs before making changes to their diet, water intake, or care routine.
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From the Blog
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Feeding Guide
Cavaliers are gentle, food-motivated small dogs that need carefully portioned meals to stay at a healthy weight. This guide covers daily amounts, meal frequency, life-stage adjustments, and breed-specific feeding quirks.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ideal Weight Guide
Cavaliers should weigh between 5.9 and 8.2 kg (13–18 lbs). This guide explains how to assess body condition in this toy breed's compact build and spot the signs of being overweight.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Growth Chart: What to Expect
Cavaliers are a small breed that typically reaches adult size by 10–12 months. This guide walks through growth milestones, appropriate weight gain by stage, and how to tell if your Cavalier puppy is growing normally.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Guide
Raising a Cavalier puppy involves careful feeding, early socialization, and attention to breed-specific health screening. This guide covers the key milestones from 8 weeks to 12 months.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Senior Care Guide
Cavaliers are generally considered senior from around 8 years of age. This guide covers the breed-specific health issues that become more common with age and how to adjust feeding and exercise to support an aging Cavalier.
More Tools
Calorie Calculator
Full calorie calculator with custom food density.
Weight Checker
Check if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is at a healthy weight.
Body Condition Score Calculator
Assess your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's body condition with a simple visual score.
Dog Age Calculator
Convert your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's age into human years.
Water Intake Calculator
Estimate how much water your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs daily.
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