Frequently Asked Questions

There is no substitute to talking to breeders to get your questions answered, but these are a few of the ones that we are most commonly asked:

How big will my Cavalier be when he's fully grown?

When fully grown the adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should weigh between 13 and 18 lbs and should stand about 12 to 3 inches high at the shoulder. Of course, there will be some variation in individual dogs, but this is a general guide.

What kind of food is best for my dog?

The ideal food for any dog is one that is as close as possible to the diet it would eat naturally. This would be a raw food diet, with a balanced mix of meat, bones and vegetables. It would not include animal by-products, or rice or other grains that are unnatural for a canine diet. Pre-prepared raw food can easily be obtained from good quality pet stores and from distributors on the Internet.

How much food does my puppy need?

Your breeder will advise you on the food the puppy has been raised on, and the quantities needed at the age you take him home. The most important thing is to carefully monitor his weight throughout his lifetime and immediately take action if he starts to gain weight. Just as with humans, a balanced diet and exercise is essential to a long and healthy life.

Do Cavaliers shed?

All dogs that have hair shed, just some shed more than others. As a relatively long-haired breed, Cavaliers will shed quite a lot at times of the year when they are molting. But regular grooming and daily brushing will minimize the amount of hair that will get transferred to clothes and furniture.

Are Cavaliers prone to any particular diseases?

They are generally very hardy little dogs, but they do have a tendency to develop heart problems - talk to your breeder for more details. Many dogs remain asymptomatic for many years after being diagnosed with a problem. And even with a heart problem, with a proper diet and good exercise, a Cavalier can still live well into the teens.

Are Cavaliers good with children?

Although they may seem to be a good pet for children, like most toy dogs they are not really suitable, for a number of reasons. The main reason is that children, however well-intentioned can be clumsy and it is too easy for them to drop a fiercely wriggling puppy. Even falling from one or two feet can be enough to cause severe damage or, in extreme cases, death. For this reason, we don't recommend Cavaliers for households with children under the age of nine.

How long do Cavaliers live?

With proper care and attention, a good, healthy diet and regular exercise, Cavaliers can often live 15 years, or even longer.

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