Personality
The Cavalier is designed, temperamentally, to be a companion. They are gentle, warm, and consistently affectionate - without the independence streak that makes some breeds more complicated. They want to be with you, on you, ideally pressed against you at all times.
They're excellent with children, reliably good with other dogs and cats, and adaptable enough to thrive in a flat or a house with a garden. They're not naturally watchdogs - a Cavalier is more likely to greet an intruder warmly than sound any alarm.
Their spaniel heritage surfaces on walks - they'll follow scent enthusiastically and their recall can waver when something interesting has their attention. A secure garden and awareness around roads matters.
They do not do well alone for long periods. Cavaliers are bred for companionship and show signs of distress when isolated. This is an important consideration for households where the dog will be left alone for hours during the day.
Exercise
Around one hour of daily exercise suits most adult Cavaliers, ideally split across two walks. They enjoy gentle to moderate activity and are happy to match your pace - a relaxed stroll or a more energetic walk, they adapt.
Puppies should follow age-appropriate exercise limits. Over-exercising young joints is a concern in any breed, and particularly in one already prone to joint conditions.
Be cautious in hot weather. Cavaliers can suffer in heat - short-nosed individuals especially - and should avoid vigorous outdoor exercise in warm conditions.
Weight & Feeding
Adult Cavaliers weigh 5–8 kg. They're not especially prone to obesity, but the usual rules apply - measured meals, accounting for treats, and regular monitoring of body condition.
Two meals daily works well. A quality complete food suited to their size and life stage is appropriate. Cavaliers with heart conditions may require specific dietary management under veterinary guidance.
Health
This is the area where honest ownership of a Cavalier begins. The breed has significant inherited health problems, and any prospective owner should understand them before committing.
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is the most serious and prevalent concern. Nearly all Cavaliers develop this heart condition to some degree, with many affected by middle age. It progresses from a heart murmur to heart failure over time. Reputable breeders follow the Cavalier Health MVD Breeding Protocol - parents should be heart-tested annually and only bred if clear of murmur at the appropriate age. Always ask for heart test certificates when buying. Track MVD symptoms →
Syringomyelia (SM) and Chiari-like Malformation (CM) affect a significant proportion of Cavaliers. SM occurs when cerebrospinal fluid cavities form in the spinal cord, often caused by the skull being too small for the brain. Symptoms range from none to severe chronic pain - scratching at the neck and shoulders, yelping without obvious cause, sensitivity to touch around the head and neck. MRI screening of breeding dogs is available and used by conscientious breeders.
Episodic Falling Syndrome is a movement disorder specific to the breed that can look like seizures but is distinct from epilepsy. DNA testing is available.
Hip dysplasia and luxating patella occur in the breed at moderate rates.
Grooming
Cavaliers have a medium-length, silky coat that requires regular attention. Brushing 3–4 times per week prevents tangles, particularly behind the ears, under the legs, and around the chest.
Their long, feathered ears are the most demanding grooming area - they tangle easily and their length means they frequently dip into food and water bowls. Daily checking and gentle detangling around the ears prevents most problems.
Professional grooming 2–3 times per year for a tidy-up is optional but helpful. Ear health should be checked weekly - their floppy ears limit airflow and can lead to infections.
Common Conditions
- Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
- Syringomyelia and Chiari-like Malformation
- Episodic Falling Syndrome
- Hip dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts)
FAQs
How serious are the health problems in Cavaliers? They are significant and should not be minimised. MVD in particular affects the vast majority of the breed. This makes choosing a health-tested breeder who follows the MVD Protocol critically important. The breed can live happily with managed conditions, but owners must be prepared for the possibility of heart disease and the veterinary care that comes with it.
How long do Cavaliers live? 9–14 years is the typical range, though those with early-onset heart disease may have shorter lives. Dogs from health-tested lines tend to have better outcomes.
Are Cavaliers suitable for first-time owners? Yes - their temperament is gentle and trainable, making them one of the more accessible breeds for new owners. The health complexity requires readiness for veterinary involvement and associated costs.