Cavalier King Charles spaniel at a glance
| Adult weight | 6 to 8kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Small |
| Typical lifespan | About 11 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Well-known breed health problems |
Heart disease is very common in cavaliers, so a high vet fee limit matters.
What a cavalier King Charles spaniel costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,085 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,300 |
| A month, after year one | £108 |
| Over about 11 years | £16,085 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £20 a month of mid-range dry food for a 7kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Cavaliers are known to be prone to:
- Heart disease (mitral valve disease)
- A painful brain and spine condition (syringomyelia)
- Eye problems
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every cavalier King Charles spaniel will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a cavalier King Charles spaniel?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £6,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about heart disease.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a cavalier King Charles spaniel needs
- See how big your cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a cavalier King Charles spaniel puppy
- Check a cavalier King Charles spaniel breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a cavalier King Charles spaniel cost a month?
About £108 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a cavalier King Charles spaniel cost in the first year?
About £3,085, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a cavalier King Charles spaniel?
Our starting figure is £43 a month for lifetime cover for a young cavalier King Charles spaniel, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £6,000 a year.
How long do cavaliers live?
About 11 years on average.
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