Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
KAV-uh-leer KING CHARLZ SPAN-yul
Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful, Adaptable. Originally bred for companionship for royalty.
An adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 12-18 lbs (male) or 12-18 lbs (female), needs 300-540 calories daily, and lives 12-15 yrs. As a small breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is mitral valve disease. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs 300 to 540 calories per day. An average male (15 lbs / 6.8 kg) needs around 410 kcal; a female (15 lbs / 6.8 kg) roughly 410 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel benefits from this with a life expectancy of 12-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are mitral valve disease and syringomyelia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 30-45 minutes daily. Cavaliers are adaptable; they'll match their owner's lifestyle. They enjoy walks and moderate play but don't need intense exercise. Their spaniel heritage means they can surprise you with bursts of athletic speed. Despite their small size, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a medium-length, silky, with feathering coat. Origin: England.
Nearly every Cavalier will develop mitral valve disease in their lifetime; it's the leading cause of death in the breed. Syringomyelia (a painful condition where the skull is too small for the brain) affects many Cavaliers. Despite these health challenges, they are consistently rated among the most affectionate and companionable dog breeds.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 300 to 540 calories per day for an adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A 15-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Small breeds have higher metabolic rates per pound than larger dogs, so they need calorie-dense food relative to their size. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standard is 12-18 lbs (5.4–8.2 kg) for both males and females.4–8.2 kg). Small dogs hide extra weight under their coat. Pick them up regularly and feel for rib coverage as your most reliable body condition check. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
Mitral valve disease is the primary health concern vets flag for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for mitral valve disease. Other conditions seen in the breed include syringomyelia, patellar luxation, hip dysplasia. Not every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are content with 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026