---
title: "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-breed/
description: "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 12 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at about 30-33 cm tall and 5.4-8.2 kg, living over 12 years. It suggests at least 1 hour a day, and lists 8 health problems to watch, including heart disease, mostly mitral valve disease, often first heard as a murmur and eye problems including cataracts. Minimum running cost: at least £70 a month, and up to £12,000 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Small |
| Average height | 30-33 cm |
| Average weight | 5.4-8.2 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 12 years |
| Exercise | At least 1 hour a day |
| Grooming | Daily brushing to prevent matting, more in spring and autumn, and professional grooming a few times a year |
| Cost | At least £70 a month, and up to £12,000 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- heart disease, mostly mitral valve disease, often first heard as a murmur (Kennel Club scheme)
- eye problems including cataracts (testing available)
- curly coat/dry eye syndrome
- luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
- ear problems
- dental disease
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (BVA/KC scheme)
- episodic falling

Source: [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day. Grooming: daily brushing to prevent matting, more in spring and autumn, and professional grooming a few times a year. Source: [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as kind, gentle and loyal; generally good with children and other dogs, usually tolerant of cats. PDSA says they need near-constant company and should never be left alone for more than four hours. Source: [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel).

Advertisement

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £70 a month, and up to £12,000 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel).

## Questions people ask

How long do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 12 years.

How much exercise does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?

PDSA suggests at least 1 hour a day.

What health problems do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have?

PDSA lists heart disease, mostly mitral valve disease, often first heard as a murmur (Kennel Club scheme); eye problems including cataracts (testing available); curly coat/dry eye syndrome; luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps); ear problems; dental disease; Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (BVA/KC scheme); episodic falling.

How much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £70 a month, and up to £12,000 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Cocker Spaniel](https://pawmultiverse.com/cocker-spaniel-breed/)
- [Boxer: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/boxer-breed/)
- [Shih Tzu: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/shih-tzu-breed/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)

Advertisement