Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

50 Questions Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Owners Ask

1. How often should I groom my Cavalier?
   Brush your Cavalier 3-4 times a week to prevent matting and keep their silky coat looking its best. Their feathered ears and legs need particular attention. A raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic helps maintain coat softness and shine.

2. Do Cavaliers shed a lot?
   Yes, they shed moderately. Regular brushing and a balanced raw diet help minimise loose hair and keep the coat healthy.

3. How much exercise does a Cavalier need?
   About 45 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise, including gentle walks and playtime. They enjoy companionship more than strenuous activity.

4. Are Cavaliers prone to health problems?
   Yes, they can be prone to:

• Mitral valve disease

• Syringomyelia

• Ear infections

• Eye conditions 

5. What’s the average lifespan of a Cavalier?
   Typically 10-14 years. Good diet, exercise, and regular vet check-ups contribute to longer, healthier lives.

6. How often should I bathe my Cavalier?
   Every 4-6 weeks, or when they get particularly mucky. Use a gentle, pH-balanced shampoo to protect their skin.

7. How do I clean my Cavalier’s ears?
   Clean ears weekly using a dog-safe solution. Their floppy ears need regular care to avoid infections.

8. How do I know if my Cavalier is overweight?
   You should feel their ribs with light pressure. Maintain a healthy weight with portioned meals and a natural raw diet like Poppy’s Picnic. Independent trade organisation, UK Pet food, has worked with vets to create a useful sizeometer for dogs so it's easier to track your dog's weight. Download it here 

9. What toys do Cavaliers enjoy?
   Soft toys, puzzle feeders, and gentle tug toys are ideal. Use Poppy’s Picnic treats for added enrichment.

10. How can I keep my Cavalier’s coat healthy?
    Brush regularly, trim feathered areas as needed, and feed a raw diet rich in omega-3s for coat health and shine.

Cavalier Behaviour & Temperament: 40 More Common Questions

11. Are Cavaliers good with children?
    Yes, they are gentle, loving, and patient, great with kids when properly supervised.

12. Do Cavaliers get along with other dogs?
    Yes, they’re sociable and enjoy the company of other dogs, especially when introduced early.

13. Are Cavaliers easy to train?
    Yes, they’re eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. Use Poppy’s Picnic treats during training sessions.

14. Do Cavaliers bark a lot?
    They’re not excessive barkers but may bark to alert or seek attention. Consistent training helps manage vocalisation.

15. Can Cavaliers live in flats?
    Yes, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they get daily walks and attention.

16. Do Cavaliers like cuddles?
    Absolutely. They’re known for being affectionate lap dogs who love human companionship.

17. Can Cavaliers be left alone during the day?
    Not for extended periods. They thrive on companionship and can develop separation anxiety. Use enrichment toys or Poppy’s Picnic treats to ease time alone.

18. Are Cavaliers hypoallergenic?
    No. They shed their fur which may trigger allergies.

19. How do I socialise my Cavalier?
    Expose them gently to different people, places, and experiences from a young age. Reward calm, confident behaviour.

20. Do Cavaliers enjoy water?
    Some enjoy paddling, but they’re not natural swimmers. Introduce water play gradually and always supervise.

21. Why does my Cavalier follow me everywhere?
    They’re naturally attached to their humans and enjoy being near you. Encourage independence through alone-time training.

22. Are Cavaliers good for first-time owners?
    Yes, their gentle nature and trainability make them ideal for novice dog owners.

23. Do Cavaliers get bored easily?
    They can, especially when left alone. Use training games, scent work, and Poppy’s Picnic treat puzzle feeding for mental stimulation.

24. Can Cavaliers do agility or obedience work?
    Yes, they enjoy gentle agility and obedience exercises and thrive on positive reinforcement.

25. How do I calm my Cavalier down?
    Provide structure, regular activity, and downtime. Calming enrichment with Poppy’s Picnic frozen treats works well.

26. What are common behavioural issues in Cavaliers?

• Separation anxiety

• Barking for attention

• Over-attachment. Training, enrichment, and company help manage these traits.

27. Why does my Cavalier stare at me?
    They may want attention, food, or are simply observing you. It’s a sign of their strong bond with humans.

28. Do Cavaliers need a job or task?
    They enjoy having things to do, like learning tricks or playing scent games.

29. How do I stop my Cavalier chewing?
    Provide a variety of chew toys and rotate them. Ensure they’re getting enough mental stimulation.

30. Why is my Cavalier always hungry?
    Some are greedy eaters. Stick to measured meals and healthy treats like Poppy’s Picnic to manage appetite.

31. Are Cavaliers good for older adults?
    Yes, they are gentle, easy-going, and well-suited to quieter lifestyles with regular walks.

32. Can Cavaliers be therapy dogs?
    Yes, their affectionate and calm nature makes them ideal candidates for therapy work.

33. What are signs of stress in Cavaliers?
    Panting, trembling, pacing, or hiding. Create a calm environment and maintain routines.

34. Why does my Cavalier dig the garden?
    It could be curiosity or boredom. Offer distraction or designate a digging area.

35. Why does my Cavalier nip when excited?
    It’s often playful. Redirect with a toy and reward calm interactions.

36. How do I stop my Cavalier from jumping up?
    Ignore jumping, reward sitting, and use consistent training to reinforce polite greetings.

37. Why is my Cavalier restless at night?
    It could be anxiety, lack of exercise, or needing the toilet. Create a calming bedtime routine.

38. Why does my Cavalier bark at sounds?
    They’re alert dogs. Gradual desensitisation to triggers helps reduce unnecessary barking.

39. How do I stop my Cavalier pulling on walks?
    Use positive reinforcement and stop walking when they pull. Treat calm walking with Poppy’s Picnic bites.

40. How do I keep my Cavalier mentally stimulated?
    Training, food puzzles, scent games, and trick teaching. Enrichment feeding using Poppy’s Picnic treats keeps them engaged.

41. Can Cavaliers live with cats?
    Yes, if introduced properly and from a young age. They’re generally gentle and accepting.

42. How do I help my Cavalier with separation anxiety?
    Build up alone time slowly and use food-based distractions like frozen Poppy’s Picnic in toys.

43. Do Cavaliers adapt well to new homes?
    Yes, with routine and reassurance. Bring familiar toys and keep feeding consistent.

44. How do I introduce a new baby to my Cavalier?
    Let them get used to the baby’s scent and sounds. Supervise and reward calm behaviour.

45. Why does my Cavalier eat grass?
    It’s common and often harmless. Ensure their diet is complete and monitor for any tummy upset.

46. Can I jog with my Cavalier?
    Short, gentle jogs are okay once they’re fully grown. Monitor for fatigue and avoid overexertion.

47. Should I crate train my Cavalier?
    Yes, crates can be a safe, cosy space when introduced positively.

48. How do I entertain my Cavalier indoors?
    Puzzle toys, scent games, and indoor training sessions work well. Use Poppy’s Picnic as motivation.

49. Why does my Cavalier howl?
    They may howl to communicate or seek attention. Reinforce quiet behaviours instead.

50. What’s the best daily routine for a Cavalier?

• Morning walk and breakfast

• Midday nap or enrichment activity

• Afternoon walk or training

• Evening cuddle and wind-down Cavaliers thrive with consistent routines and companionship.