Why choose a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
With their ever-wagging tails, love of cuddles and constant need to please, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is hard to resist. The smallest of the Spaniel breed, it’s probably the gentlest and quietest too. No surprise they’re often used as therapy dogs.
With a Cavalier King Charles walking, grooming and cuddling are all important, but as an owner you’ll also be responsible for maintaining your dog’s health. That’s why Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pet insurance could help you and your pet.
What types of pet insurance policies are there?
There are four main types of pet insurance for dogs that you can choose:
Lifetime policy: this type of policy covers your pet for its entire life, as long as you keep up with your premiums. It’s great for peace of mind, especially if your pet develops a long-term condition. Policies may have annual limits, but these refresh when you renew each year.
Maximum benefit: this policy provides a set amount of money for each condition your pet might have. Once the limit is reached, that condition is no longer covered.
Time limited: often recommended for older pets, this type of policy typically covers illness and injuries for a set period only, usually 12 months. Also, each aspect of the cover has a specific limit; you’ll only be covered up to that amount, and you can’t claim for any specific condition more than once.
Accident-only: this is the most basic type of cover, providing protection only for injuries resulting from accidents, not illnesses.
To see how the policies differ and to help you find the right insurance for you and your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, see our guide to pet insurance.
Things to look out for on your policy
When choosing a pet insurance policy, keep an eye out for the following details:
Excess: this is the amount you’ll need to pay towards any claim before your cover takes effect. When comparing policies, make sure you’re comfortable that you can afford the excess amount.
Cover limits: check the maximum amount your policy will pay out for each condition or in total per year. This can affect how much you’ll be reimbursed for vet bills.
Exclusions: be aware of what isn’t covered by your policy. Exclusions typically include pre-existing medical conditions, routine treatments and pregnancy. Knowing these can help you avoid unexpected costs.
Waiting period: this is the time you need to wait after taking out a policy before you can make a claim. This is usually around 14 days but may be as long 30 days for some policies. Understanding this can help you plan for any short-term needs.
Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have any known health conditions?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be at a higher risk than other breeds of these conditions:
Back problems: due to their long bodies, Cavaliers might experience back issues, which can cause pain and mobility problems. Regular vet check-ups can help catch these early.
Dry eyes: this condition, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is common in Cavaliers and can lead to discomfort and eye infections if not treated.
Heart conditions: mitral valve disease is particularly common in Cavaliers, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. Regular heart screenings can help manage this condition.
Arthritis: as they age, Cavaliers may develop arthritis, leading to joint pain and stiffness. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help manage symptoms.
Syringomyelia: this neurological condition is more common in Cavaliers due to their skull shape, causing pain and discomfort. It requires veterinary attention to manage.
Oral health
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like many small breeds, can be prone to dental issues. Their small mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth, which increases the risk of plaque build-up and gum disease.
Regular brushing of your dog's teeth, using a dog-friendly toothpaste, can help prevent these issues. Dental chews and toys designed to clean teeth can also be beneficial. Regular dental check-ups with your vet are important to catch any potential problems early.
Brachycephalic dogs
Brachycephalic dogs have short, flat faces, which can cause breathing difficulties. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels aren’t as brachycephalic as some breeds, they may still face mild respiratory issues.
Watch for signs such as snoring or laboured breathing, especially in heat or during exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding excessive heat can help reduce potential breathing problems.
Having good Cavalier King Charles dog insurance can give you peace of mind if your dog becomes unwell.
How much is Cavalier King Charles insurance?
The cost of insuring a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can vary, but the average premium for dog insurance is £119 per year [2].
Insurance providers consider several factors when calculating the cost of a dog insurance policy:
Policy type: comprehensive policies with more coverage tend to cost more than basic ones.
Age: older dogs often cost more to insure due to increased health risks.
Pedigree breed: purebred dogs like Cavaliers can be more expensive to insure. This is because they can be at a greater risk of certain hereditary conditions.
Pre-existing medical conditions: if your dog has known health issues, this can increase the cost of insurance.
Location: vet costs can vary by region, affecting insurance prices.
[2] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £118.13 for their dog insurance in June 2026.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel profile
Here's a quick profile of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, based on a healthy adult:
Size | Weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
Small | 6-8 kg | 12-15 years |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require moderate exercise to keep them healthy and happy. A daily walk and some playtime in the garden or park will usually be enough. They’re generally easy to train, thanks to their eager-to-please nature, making them suitable for first-time dog owners.
As for their home, Cavaliers are adaptable and can thrive in both small apartments and larger homes, as long as they receive plenty of love and attention. They do well in family settings and are known to be great with children.
Tips for keeping your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthy and happy
Diet: try to feed your Spaniel a balanced diet of natural foods, to provide them with all the nutrients they need. It’s also a good idea to split your pup’s daily food allowance in two, to help keep their energy levels up across the entire day. Ask your vet if you need guidance on your dog’s diet.
Grooming: Cavaliers have a beautiful, silky coat that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and matting. They’re moderate shedders, so brushing them a few times a week will help manage loose hair and keep their coat looking its best. Pay special attention to their long, floppy ears, which can be prone to infections if not kept clean and dry.
Staying social: plenty of social interaction with both dogs and humans can help your Spaniel stay happy and confident.
Vet check-ups: regular check-ups are vital for your dog’s long-term health and happiness. Make sure you keep up to date with all your dog’s vaccinations, as well as booking them in for de-worming and defleaing as required.
Spaniel ears: your Spaniel’s gorgeously floppy ears need a fair amount of care to keep them free from infection. To control bacteria, clean your dog’s ears at least once a week with a cotton ball or pad and a good dog-friendly cleaning solution.
Microchipping
Getting your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel microchipped is important for their safety, and in the UK it’s also a legal requirement – if you don’t do it, you could even face a fine of up to £500.
Microchipping is a straightforward way to make sure you can be reunited with your furry friend if they ever wander off. It's a good idea to get this done when they're still a puppy – ask our vet or local animal shelter for help with this.
In addition to microchipping, UK law requires that your dog wears a collar with a tag showing your name and address. Many dog owners add a phone number too. This helps with quick identification if they're found. Again, you could face a fine if you don't adhere to this rule.
What do I need to get a quote?
To compare insurance with Compare the Market, you’ll need to tell us:
Your pet’s breed type, age and gender
Whether your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a microchip
How much you donated or bought your dog for
Whether your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has been neutered or spayed
If you want cover for pre-existing conditions and illnesses.
FAQs
What is third-party pet insurance and do I need it?
Third-party pet insurance could protect you from any claims made against you, if your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel causes damage to someone’s property or injuries to other people or pets.
Third-party dog insurance is standard on many pet insurance policies. It’s also known as third-party liability insurance. Double check the details of your existing pet policy first, as you may already have it.
What if my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is lost or stolen?
If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is lost or stolen, some pet insurance policies can help you by offering a reward for finding your dog. Or the policy may provide compensation if he or she isn’t found, up to the price you bought your pet for – unless otherwise stated.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good for new owners?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be a great choice for first-time dog owners due to their friendly and gentle nature. They’re eager to please and generally easy to train too.
However, it's important to consider their grooming needs and potential health issues, which can require time and financial commitment. If you’re thinking of getting one as your first dog, think carefully about the responsibilities that come with caring for this affectionate breed.
Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels good with kids?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them well-suited for homes with children. They’re patient and enjoy playing, which can make them great companions for kids.
However, as with any breed, it's important to always supervise interactions between dogs and children to ensure safety. Families should consider the time and effort required to care for a dog too.
Why should I compare Cavalier King Charles Spaniel insurance with Compare the Market?
You don’t need to waste time ringing different pet insurance companies – we’ll do the legwork for you.
To start, simply tell us about you, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and what type of cover you’d like. Then we’ll search a selection of the UK’s pet insurance providers and give you a list of quotes, starting with the cheapest.
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Allie has spent her career helping people quickly understand complicated topics, to help them save money and focus on what matters. With almost 10 years’ experience writing, leading and managing content, she is an expert in personal finance and insurance products.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
Our content is written by a Compare the Market expert, backed by data and enhanced by technology. Find out how we ensure accuracy and quality in our Editorial Guidelines.
What our expert says...
"Spaniels are often considered to be a high-maintenance breed, in part thanks to their luscious coats and floppy ears.
"A good healthcare routine for Spaniels should always include ear-hygiene and regular defleaing, so they can stay happy and healthy into old age."