Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect a small dog that is moderately active, sheds a normal amount and needs regular brushing. The big catch is company: this breed genuinely struggles when the house is empty all day.

Source: American Kennel Club breed standard.

Cavaliers are named for King Charles II, who was so devoted to his toy spaniels that they were reportedly allowed anywhere in the palace. The modern breed was recreated in the 1920s to look like the dogs in Restoration paintings. Temperamentally they are close to ideal for a family: soft, affectionate, adaptable to both a walk in the hills and an afternoon on a lap, and one of the least aggressive breeds recognised. That makes what follows harder to say. Cavaliers have a very high incidence of mitral valve disease, a progressive heart condition that affects a large majority by around ten years old, plus a painful neurological condition called syringomyelia. Ask about heart-screened parents, and budget for cardiac care.

Day to day. Moderately active — a proper daily walk plus some play in the garden or the hallway keeps this breed happy. On noise, it is quiet.

The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs regular brushing. A brush a few times a week and the occasional tidy-up keeps it in good order.

Being left alone. Struggles on its own. If your house is empty from the school run until the evening, this is the breed most likely to be unhappy about it — and separation problems are one of the top reasons dogs end up back in rescue.

Training. Eager and easy to train. That makes it a forgiving choice for a family training their first dog, as long as everyone is consistent.

• You want a dog with a reputation for putting up with children
• You are short on space and want a dog that fits your home
• This is your first dog and you want one that makes training feel possible

• Your house is empty from the morning drop-off until the evening
• A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year

Every animal is an individual, and plenty of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the dog from what they have tested for.

Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier dogs on our list) — because the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.

Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.

Rescues do have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.