Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by ellen
Thanks to Celeste Fenton for providing this article about Five Things to Know About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
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If you’ve ever met a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you already know they’re basically royalty disguised as small, fuzzy love muffins. My Gemma certainly is. She rules my home, my schedule, and my heart.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
My late husband and I had two Cavaliers—Charlie and Lola (yes, Gabby’s best friend in my Mysteries of a Heart series is a nod to that Lola). Gemma came into my life after my husband passed away. I adored her instantly, and I like to think the feeling was mutual.
Cavaliers are the smallest of the spaniel breeds and are actually classified as part of the toy group in the AKC world. They can weigh between fourteen and twenty-two pounds, with eighteen being the average. Gemma is petite—barely fourteen pounds, all of it pure charm.
These adorable dogs come in four color varieties: Tri-color (creamy white with black spots and chestnut markings on their cheeks and eyebrows), Blenheim (creamy white with chestnut spots on the body and chestnut ears), Black and Tan (all black with chestnut markings on the cheeks and eyebrows), and Ruby (solid chestnut or reddish brown). Gemma is a ruby Cavalier, and fittingly, her name means “precious jewel” in Italian.
Here are five things to know about this irresistibly charming and elegant breed—from someone who’s been thoroughly trained by three.
1. They’re smarter than they look.
Don’t let those big, melting goo-goo eyes fool you. Behind that sweet face is a brain that works faster than I can type “treat.” Cavaliers are incredibly smart and easy to train. Gemma knows dozens of commands—she’ll do all the usuals, plus shake paws, high-five, and even twirl on cue. (Yes, she’s a performer. Cue the applause.) She knows when I’m leaving the house, and if she’s coming. Pouts when I don’t take her.
Eager to please, they pick up training quickly—and they’re clever enough to get their own way. I’ve begun to suspect Gemma has reverse-trained me to hand over a treat every time she gives me the ‘look’.
2. They’re big-time foodies.
Cavaliers take their snacks very seriously. Maybe it’s because they were bred as companions to royalty. Even so, they had to earn their keep. Back in the day, these pampered pups warmed the laps and feet of lords and ladies in drafty castles. They even slept in the royal beds so the fleas would go to the dogs instead of the humans. (Talk about loyalty!)
After centuries of enjoying luscious tidbits from the royal table, it’s no wonder Gemma thinks she deserves a bite of my bacon, a piece of my muffin, and at least half of my heart.
3. They believe they were born for luxury.
The “King Charles” in their name isn’t just for show—Cavaliers fully embrace their royal lineage. Gemma has two favorite thrones: the red leather sofa and my lap. She alternates between them, but even when she’s on the sofa, she has to be touching me.
She loves having a soft blanket to curl up on. If I forget to put it down for her, she gives me the side-eye. Five o’clock sharp means her bowl needs to be cleaned and filled—she knows if I haven’t washed it. More side-eye, with a side of sigh.
Gemma goes to the groomer once a month, but in between, daily brushing is expected. The girl insists on good hair days!
RELATED: How to Save Money on Dog Grooming
4. They’re Velcro.
Morning wake-ups come with a full-body snuggle, tender little kisses to my cheek, and a tail wag that could power a small fan. During the day, she follows me from room to room, waiting patiently while I shower, put on makeup, or do chores—whatever I’m doing, she’s right there.
Vets and breeders will tell you that Cavaliers do not do well left alone for long periods. If I’m gone for a couple of hours, Gemma’s fine, curled up in the window seat waiting for me to come home. Four hours, however… there’s hell to pay. First comes the barked complaint—“How could you leave me alone like that!”—followed by the cold shoulder for a few minutes, until she forgets and is back on my lap again.
She loves to ride in the car, go shopping (everyone fusses over her), visit restaurants (I’m sure the crumbs under the table have nothing to do with that), travel with me (she once saved us from a buffalo—but that’s a tale for another story), take walks together, or just sit on the patio watching birds and squirrels. Her favorite thing, besides food, is chasing lizards.
5. They remind you to slow down and love life.
Cavaliers have a special gift for joy. Gemma loves to chase butterflies, nap in sunbeams, and treat every meal like a Michelin-star experience. When I’ve been writing too long and forget to eat, Gemma nudges me with that “Hey, remember me?” look—and before I know it, I’m outside, breathing, smiling, and grateful again.
They teach you balance. They remind you to laugh more, worry less, and keep snacks handy (for both of you).
Having a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel means your life will include more fur on your clothes, more nose prints on your windows, and more happiness than you can measure.
In short: they’re loving, loyal, smart, slightly dramatic, a little manipulative, and absolutely worth every hair on the sofa.
So, if you’re thinking about getting one, be prepared—you won’t just own a dog. You’ll gain a royal roommate with excellent taste, a generous heart, and a talent for running your household with charm and a wag. You’ll have a best friend with a sweet soul and an endless capacity for love.
And a fun little secret for readers of my Mysteries of a Heart series: the character Darcy, who’s introduced in Captive Heart, was inspired by Gemma’s sweet personality—and by my neighbor’s equally delightful Cavalier, Fergie. Together, those two pups made sure Darcy had just the right mix of curiosity, loyalty, and sass.
So now it’s your turn. Do you have a loving, loyal companion? Tell us about your pet! I’d love for you to share in the comments. Or contact me at https://celestefenton.com/contact or on social media.
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Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.