Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavaliers typically live to around 10–13 years. Where an individual dog falls in that range is strongly tied to heart health, as mitral valve disease (very common in the breed) is the main life-limiter. Choosing a puppy from heart-screened parents, keeping your dog lean, and having yearly heart checks all genuinely help yours reach the upper end of that range.

The two most important are mitral valve disease (a common heart condition that appears earlier in Cavaliers than most breeds) and syringomyelia (a neurological condition linked to skull shape, whose classic sign is 'air scratching' at the neck). They're also prone to ear infections, certain eye conditions, slipping kneecaps and weight gain. Buying from a breeder who heart-, eye- and MRI-screens reduces these risks considerably.

Yes — they're one of the best family companion breeds. Cavaliers are gentle, affectionate, adaptable and typically excellent with children and other pets. The main caveat is that they're intensely people-focused and don't cope well with being left alone for long, so they suit households that are home a good deal. Supervise them with small children as you would any dog, and you've got a wonderfully easy-going family pet.

Not for long, and not without preparation. Cavaliers are exceptionally people-oriented and are prone to separation-related distress, so they're a poor fit for a home that's empty all day. If you need to leave one, build up alone-time gradually from puppyhood, keep comings and goings calm, and use enrichment to help. Many owners find a dog walker or company during the day makes a real difference.

Yes, Cavaliers shed moderately year-round, with a bit more during seasonal changes. Their silky, feathered coat needs brushing several times a week to stay mat-free, especially behind the ears and on the legs. They are not heavy shedders like a double-coated breed, but they do shed — and they are not hypoallergenic, so they're not an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

No. Cavaliers are not hypoallergenic — they shed and produce the usual dander and saliva proteins that trigger most dog allergies. No breed is genuinely hypoallergenic, but a moderate-shedding, silky-coated breed like the Cavalier is not a low-allergen choice. If allergies are a concern, spend time around the breed before committing rather than relying on any 'hypoallergenic' label.

Around an hour a day suits most adult Cavaliers — a couple of relaxed walks plus some play and sniffing. They have moderate energy and a spaniel's curiosity, but they're equally happy resting at home. Because they love food and will gladly be sedentary, keeping them active enough to stay lean matters a lot, particularly given the breed's predisposition to heart disease.

Usually yes. Cavaliers are gentle and sociable by nature and typically get on well with cats, especially when introduced young and properly. They don't tend to have a strong prey or guarding drive, which helps. As with any introduction, take it slowly, give the cat escape routes and high spaces, and supervise early interactions until both animals are relaxed together.

Cavaliers are moderate barkers. They'll usually give a friendly alert at the door or when excited, but they're not a notably yappy breed and make poor guard dogs because they're so welcoming. As with most dogs, excessive barking usually points to boredom, under-stimulation or anxiety about being left alone rather than temperament — a well-exercised, secure Cavalier is generally quiet and content.

Cavaliers are a small toy breed. Adults typically stand around 30–33cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 5.4–8kg. They're compact and easy to handle, which is part of their appeal as companion and family dogs — but their small size means gentle handling, especially around children, and care not to let them become overweight, which is common in the breed.

Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Great for first-time owners. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Very sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Flat-friendly. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.