Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a graceful toy breed with a gentle, affectionate temperament that traces back to the lap dogs of British royalty. Their large, expressive eyes and silky, feathered coat give them an unmistakable elegant appearance. Despite their aristocratic heritage, Cavaliers are adaptable, athletic spaniels who enjoy both cuddle sessions and outdoor adventures.
9–15
years lifespan
13–18
lbs (male)
12–13
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
Temperament
How Old Is Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Age CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)
Nearly 100% of Cavaliers develop MVD by age 10. #1 cause of death. Onset much earlier than other breeds.
Typical onset: 3–8 years
Syringomyelia (SM)
Skull too small for brain, forcing fluid into spinal cord. Extremely common in Cavaliers.
Typical onset: 0.5–4 years
Patellar Luxation
Kneecap displacement.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Dry Eye (KCS)
Insufficient tear production.
Typical onset: 1–6 years
Episodic Falling Syndrome
Breed-specific exercise-induced muscle stiffness.
Typical onset: 0.25–1 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is 11 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- mitral valve disease (near-universal)
- syringomyelia
- patellar luxation
- eye diseases
When Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Considered Senior?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally considered senior at around 8 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s age in human years →