Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, affectionate, sociable
Also known as: cavalier, ckcs
- Adult weight
- 5.5–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- Moderate
- Origin
- UK
- Group
- Toy
Reference update: · Not veterinary-reviewedCompare weight & lifespan with the American Kennel Club breed profile ↗
What the evidence means for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia can cause pain and abnormal scratching. Discuss these signs and parent screening with your vet or breeder; published prevalence depends on the study population.
UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
Health topics to discuss with your vet
- ●Myxomatous mitral valve disease (very common)Breed-specific association not yet verified.
- ●Syringomyelia / Chiari-like malformationBreed association source: UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- ●Hip dysplasiaBreed-specific association not yet verified. General condition reference: OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- ●Eye diseaseBreed-specific association not yet verified.
Not a diagnosis or a complete risk list. A general condition reference explains a disease but does not establish increased risk in this breed or group. Unsourced associations still need verification.
Care tips
- ✓Regular heart checks from young adulthood
- ✓Watch for scratching at neck or yelping
Calculators for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sources & review
Reference update 25 October 2026; not an independent veterinary review. Direct breed evidence is identified above. General directories below do not verify every listed health association.
- Official breed profile – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ↗
- UFAW – Breed-specific welfare evidence ↗
- OFA – Hip dysplasia ↗
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Breed nomenclature ↗
- The Kennel Club (UK) – Breeds A to Z ↗
- American Kennel Club – Dog breeds ↗
- UFAW – Genetic welfare problems of companion animals ↗
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals – Health screening ↗
Weight and lifespan are typical ranges for healthy adults from breed standards and veterinary references; individuals vary. Not veterinary advice.