Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: temperament, price and where to buy in Europe
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most loved companion breeds in the world: affectionate, elegant and suited to family life. If you are thinking about buying a Cavalier puppy in Europe, this guide covers what you need to know first: temperament, price, health and how to choose a responsible breeder.
What is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's temperament like?
The Cavalier combines the sweetness of a lapdog with the playful energy of a spaniel. It is sociable, even-tempered and deeply attached to its family. It gets on well with children, other dogs and even cats, and settles into flat life easily.
- Affectionate: seeks contact and a lap, and hates being left alone for long.
- Adaptable: just as happy in a city flat as in a house with a garden.
- Easy to train: intelligent and eager to please.
- Calm: barks little and is no guard dog.
The Cavalier adapts easily to a long walk or an evening on the sofa. It suits families, older people and flat living.
Breed profile
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Small to medium |
| Height at the withers | 30–33 cm |
| Adult weight | 5.4–8 kg |
| Life expectancy | 9–14 years |
| Colours (FCI) | Blenheim, tricolour, black and tan, ruby |
| Coat | Long, silky; moderate shedding |
How much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost?
As a reference, a Cavalier puppy with an FCI pedigree from a responsible breeder in Spain usually costs €1,500 to €3,000. The final price depends on:
- Lines and pedigree: descendants of champions cost more.
- The parents' health tests: heart (MVD), eyes and patellas.
- Colour and conformation: some colours are in higher demand.
- Paperwork included: microchip, vaccinations, passport and certificate.
A very cheap Cavalier usually means breeding without health tests or a pedigree. The breed is prone to heart (MVD) and eye problems, so buying from a breeder who tests the breeding stock is the safer long-term choice and can help you avoid costly vet bills later.
Cavalier health: what you should know
Like every breed, the Cavalier has genetic predispositions that a good breeder keeps under control:
- Mitral valve disease (MVD): the most important one; breeding dogs should pass a cardiac check.
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia: breeders can lower the risk by MRI-screening breeding dogs and choosing low-risk lines.
- Eye problems: an ophthalmological check of the parents.
- Patellar luxation, common in small breeds.
At Valivans we breed from health-tested parents with a UKU pedigree (FCI-recognised). Ask us which health tests were done on the parents of a given litter.
Where to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Europe?
When choosing a breeder, always look for:
- An FCI/UKU pedigree and complete paperwork.
- Health tests on the parents (heart, eyes).
- Puppies raised at home and socialised.
- Transparency: you can meet the mother and see where the puppies grow up.
- Microchip, vaccinations and a health certificate at handover.
Valivans is a Ukrainian family kennel of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Toy Poodles, now based in Valencia, Spain. Our dogs live with us as part of the family, alongside our three children, and every puppy leaves with a pedigree, microchip, vaccinations, veterinary passport and health certificate. We arrange transport across Europe.
Looking for a Cavalier puppy?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with a UKU pedigree (FCI-recognised), health tests and champion lines, in Valencia. Transport across Europe.
Email usJoin the waitlist or write to us on Instagram @valivans.club
Frequently asked questions
In Spain, a puppy with an FCI pedigree from a responsible breeder usually costs €1,500 to €3,000, depending on lines, health tests and colour. Be wary of very low prices: they usually mean no tests or no pedigree. Email us for current availability and price.
Between 9 and 14 years. Buying from a breeder who tests the breeding dogs' hearts (MVD) and eyes can improve the odds of a long, healthy life.
Generally yes. It is one of the most affectionate and tolerant companion breeds, well suited to families with children and to living in a flat, with normal supervision around young children.
Between 5.4 and 8 kg, standing 30–33 cm at the withers according to the FCI standard. A small to medium dog, a comfortable size for home life.
Valivans is a Ukrainian Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder based in Valencia. Puppies leave with a UKU pedigree recognised by the FCI, microchip, vaccinations, passport and health certificate. We arrange transport across Europe.