DogsLifeBreed profile
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: size, sleep, exercise and care
A gentle, affectionate toy spaniel that wants to be wherever you are. Cavaliers are adaptable and easy-going, but their health needs attention.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Adult weight
- 6–8 kg
- Height at the shoulder
- 30–33 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise needs
- Moderate · 60 min per day
Sleep needs
Typical total sleep per 24 hours, including naps.
| Puppy | Adult | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 h | 12–14 h | 12–15 h |
These are general life-stage ranges for dogs from the AKC and Hill's; no study gives a separate figure for the Cavalier. Individual dogs vary, and a sudden change in how much your dog sleeps is worth mentioning to your vet. PDSA notes that mitral valve heart disease is a big problem in the breed, so tell your vet about faster breathing at rest or tiring more easily.
Exercise needs
PDSA recommends at least an hour a day, split into at least two walks, and The Royal Kennel Club lists up to an hour. Many Cavaliers enjoy longer outings if they are fit, and their spaniel nose loves sniffing games and gentle off-lead runs in safe places.
Potty training
Cavaliers are eager to please and usually respond well to a kind, regular routine. Take the puppy out after sleeping, eating and play, and every hour or two while it is awake at first.
They are sensitive to harsh handling, so ignore accidents, clean them thoroughly and focus on rewarding the right spot.
Puppy potty schedule calculator →
Feeding
Cavaliers love food and gain weight easily, and extra kilos strain the heart and joints. Weigh portions, use part of the daily food as training rewards, and keep table scraps out of the picture.
Puppies need three to four small meals a day, adults two. Long ears can dip into the bowl, so a narrower, deeper bowl or a snood keeps them clean.
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Cavalier need?
About an hour a day according to PDSA and The Royal Kennel Club, ideally split into two walks.
How do I keep my Cavalier at a healthy weight?
Weigh food, count treats and check the waist every few weeks. Our puppy feeding schedule helps plan regular meals.
Sources
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed information — American Kennel Club
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: breed information and exercise — The Royal Kennel Club
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed guide — PDSA
- How much do puppies sleep? — American Kennel Club
- How much should my dog sleep per day? — Hill's Pet Nutrition
- Can senior dogs sleep too much? — American Kennel Club