The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, affectionate breed with a long history as a royal companion dog. Named after King Charles II of England, who was rarely seen without his Spaniels, the Cavalier combines a silky, elegant coat with the warmest temperament in the dog world. They are adaptable, easy to train, and genuinely happy in almost any home — making them one of the best all-round family dogs.
Cavaliers are smart and keen to please, which makes training enjoyable. Mine picked up basic commands quickly and now has a good vocabulary including recalls at the dog park that would impress a professional trainer. She's food-motivated enough that training is productive without being bribery-depen…
Read full review →Cavaliers bond intensely and can struggle with being alone. Mine took several months of gradual training to be comfortable for several hours independently. She's fine now with proper preparation but it required consistent work. If you're away from home for long stretches regularly, either get two or…
Read full review →Six years with my Cavalier and she remains exactly what I hoped for when I chose the breed: gentle, loving, adaptable, and always happy to see me. She's the best decision I made in my adult life. The silky coat, the soulful eyes, and the unfailing sweetness — completely irreplaceable.
Read full review →My Cavalier has never met a stranger. Dogs, cats, children, elderly people, loud teenagers, delivery drivers — she greets everyone with a wagging tail and an open invitation to pet her. She makes friends everywhere she goes. In a social household or a neighbourhood with lots of interaction, this is …
Read full review →Cavaliers have some significant genetic health vulnerabilities, particularly Mitral Valve Disease which affects many in the breed. I chose a health-tested puppy from tested parents but regular cardiac checkups are part of our routine. Their beautiful floppy ears also trap moisture and need regular c…
Read full review →My Cavalier was my first dog and he's made the experience of dog ownership entirely positive. He's forgiving of training mistakes, responds well to positive reinforcement, and has never presented a challenge I couldn't handle. He's turned me into a confident dog owner. Perfect for first-timers who w…
Read full review →We take our Cavalier everywhere — holidays, visits, weekends away — and she adapts with cheerful ease. She's small enough to fit in accommodation easily, calm in cars, and manages new environments without stress. She's been on ferries, in holiday cottages, and to city hotels, and taken all of it in …
Read full review →The Cavalier is everything the breed description promises: gentle, affectionate, adaptable, and completely devoted. My girl is the softest soul I've encountered in any animal. She never snaps, never growls, and never shows anything but warmth to everyone she meets. The silky coat, the big dark eyes,…
Read full review →We got our Cavalier when our youngest was 18 months old. The patience and gentleness he shows with even very young children is remarkable. He moves carefully around them, tolerates enthusiastic hugging, and still comes back for more. He's also wonderful with our elderly parents. A truly family-spann…
Read full review →People assume Cavaliers are pure lap dogs. Mine gets good daily exercise — an hour's walk — and loves it. She swims, fetches, and explores with real enthusiasm. Then she comes home and is completely content on the sofa for the rest of the day. This balance of activity and calm is ideal for most fami…
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