Pet Care Blog

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Growth & Weight Chart

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian
king charles puppy in water

Sweet-tempered, silly, sophisticated, and charmingly cute, The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a special way of captivating the heart of any dog lover. These happy little pups are excellent with children, love to cuddle and interact with their guardians, and are considered perfect lap dogs. The toy-sized breed is friendly and easy to keep, making them a perfect family dog or companion for empty nesters.

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small-sized breed exhibiting distinctive variations in size, height, and weight. Their proportion and size contribute to their elegance and agility, making them perfect household companions and occasional dog sports participants. If you have just brought one of these charming household companions home, it's crucial to understand their growth journey.

This article is a comprehensive breakdown of the typical Cavalier growth rate throughout different stages of their lives. We include important information like how much to feed a puppy and how much activity they need to help you monitor their progress and provide the necessary care.

Table of Contents:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Growth and Weight Chart

The figures below and estimates will help you understand how much your Cavalier grows each month. That said, it is okay if your pup is slightly ahead or behind. You only need to follow your vet checkup schedule to ensure your little guy (or girl) is happy and healthy.

Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Weight Chart

Age

Average Height (in.)

Average Weight (lbs.)

0-1 month

5-6

1.5-3

2 Months

6-7

3-5

3 Months

7-8

5-7

4 Months

8-9

7-9

6 Months

9-10

9-12

7 -12 Months

12-13

13-18

2 Years

12-13

13-18

3 Years

12-13

13-18

Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Weight Chart

Age

Average Height (in.)

Average Weight (lbs.)

0-1 Month

5-6

1.5-2.5

2 Months

6-7

2.5-4.5

3 Months

7-8

4.5-6.5

4 Months

8-9

6.5-8.5

6 Months

9-10

8.5-11

7-12 Months

12-13

12-17

2 Years

12-13

12-17

3 Years

12-13

12-17

Please note these figures are generated based on general guidelines and can vary with individual dogs. Be sure to consult a professional breeder or vet for more specific guidelines about your individual Cavalier's growth and development.

When Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Stop Growing?

Generally, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are not considered fully grown until they hit 12 months (one year) old, after which they will stop growing. When fully grown, your furry friend should weigh approximately 13 to 18 pounds with an average height of 12 to 13 inches. Like most dog breeds, the male Cavies are typically larger than females.

Usually, this breed does most of their growth and development as very young puppies and will most likely have reached over 75% of their growth and development by the time they are six months old.

Additionally, most Cavies become quite sedentary and calm once they hit two to three years old. At this stage, some owners find it challenging to exercise and walk sufficiently, which can lead to more weight gain.

Be sure to reach out to your vet if your furry friend is older than one year and continues to consistently gain weight. Intervention is crucial to ensure continuous weight gain does not lead to obesity.

How Big Should a 6-Month-Old Cavalier Be?

At six months, your Cavalier should weigh approximately nine to 12 pounds. with an average height of nine to 10 inches. At this point, your pup is nearing its final adult weight.

Generally, their hair will continue to grow much longer, their chest will get broader and deeper, and they will become more muscular. At six months, height and growth slows down significantly as your pup is approaching the peak of their body growth

How Big Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Get?

There are several ways to determine how big your Cavalier is likely to grow. These include:

  • Age - If your pup is younger than one year, they definitely have much room for growth.
  • Growth Rate—Generally, your pup will be a fully grown adult by the time they are one year old. If your dog is still gaining significant weight at this stage, he might be on the larger side of the breed. However, it is crucial that you consult your vet to be sure.
  • Genetics - If you bought your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a professional breeder, they should be able to provide you with a specific estimated adult size and weight based on the pup's parent and previous litter. In most cases, a dog is not likely to grow bigger than their largest parent.

What are the Signs of Developmental Problems in My Cavalier's Growth?

As a Cavalier pet parent, common signs of potential developmental issues to look out for include:

  • Difficulty in walking and limping
  • Unusual activity
  • Poor growth rate

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, please consult your veterinarian to rule out conditions such as patellar luxation and dysplasia.

How Do I Ensure My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is Healthy?

king charles puppy looking up

Proper Nutrition and Diet

A proper diet is important in ensuring optimum growth and development as well as good health for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Be sure to monitor their caloric intake and provide them with a nutrient-rich diet.

High-quality commercial dog food is necessary to provide essential minerals, proteins, and vitamins required for growth and well-being. You should feed your Cavalier three small meal portions per day until they are six months old. After this age, you can reduce food servings to twice daily to effectively manage their energy levels and ensure steady growth.

Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Most Cavaliers are happy, active dogs that enjoy outdoor adventure. Regular playtime and walks are crucial in keeping their weight in check as well as stimulating their minds.

Physical exercise also helps avoid potential risks of behavioral problems that might emanate from excess energy and boredom. Aim for frequent, short activity rather than long, intense exercise, which can significantly stress your pup's joints and bone development.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, too much weight can significantly decrease pets’ quality of life and overall life expectancy by at least 24 months (two years). Consult your vet about your Cavalier's ideal weight and any recommended lifestyle changes, such as specific diets, serving sizes, treat quantities, and additional exercise. This is a great way of ensuring the healthy growth and development of your beloved pet.

Regular Health Checkups

Regular health checkups allow your vet to identify and address unobvious health issues, such as changes in heart rate and breathing as well as any signs of swelling and developmental issues. Given the breed’s disposition to hereditary health issues such as hip dysplasia, syringomyelia, and mitral valve disease, early detection and proper management are crucial.

For financial assistance with health checkups, most vets recommend securing dog insurance, which can cover unprecedented and emergency pet expenses. You can also invest in wellness plans to help you cover the costs of vet exams, vaccinations, microchips, and more.

Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance.

Why Is My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so Big?

Usually, most puppies under six months will stay lean because they are more active, always playing or running around. However, once fully grown adults, Cavalier King Charles dogs’ weight can become problematic due to overeating.

If you are worried that your lap dog is gaining too much weight and slowly becoming fat, be sure to consult your vet. One way to determine whether your little pup is overweight is by running your fingers across both sides of their body to assess their body condition score.

  • If you can feel your dog's ribs, but they are not sticking out, your pup is in perfect shape.
  • If you can easily feel your dog's ribs because they are sticking out, they are most likely underweight. You might also see their hip bones and vertebrae sticking out.
  • If you have to exert pressure and really push in to feel your dog's ribs, there is a high chance that they are overweight and might need immediate help to manage their weight.
king charles pup sitting on a bench

Is it Normal for My Cavalier Puppy to Experience Periods of Rapid Growth Rate Followed By Slower Growth Rates?

Yes. Most puppies, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, experience growth spurts combined with periods of slower growth. You need to constantly observe your little furry friend to ensure they are well-fed, active, and healthy. You should also ensure that their weight is within optimum ranges.

Can Environmental Factors Impact My Cavalier's Growth and Development?

Yes, various environmental factors can significantly affect your toy-sized dog's growth and development. Factors such as poor living conditions, poor nutrition, or lack of physical exercise can negatively impact your dog's physical and mental growth and well-being.

Providing a safe, clean, and nurturing environment is crucial in ensuring optimal growth and development.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Veterinary Costs

Preventive care is crucial for ensuring that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel enjoys a long, healthy life. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise are vital to maintaining your Cavalier's overall health.

Even so, dogs may still have issues requiring significant medical expenses. That's why we recommend purchasing pet insurance before having to visit the vet. 

Pet insurance provides you with a financial safety net in case of any required medical treatment for unexpected and expensive injuries or health issues in dogs. With pet insurance, you can focus on what matters most—caring for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if something goes wrong—without the stress of managing vet visit costs for x-rays, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications.

Additionally, wellness plans can help cover the expenses associated with preventive care, such as flea and tick prevention, spaying or neutering, and other essential services.

Give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the life it deserves while protecting your finances by finding a pet insurance plan on Pawlicy Advisor. Pawlicy Advisor offers customized policy recommendations that help you save money over the life of your pet.

Get expert guidance to find the best pet insurance for your best friend.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy-sized dog breed esteemed for its graceful appearance, affable disposition, and playfulness.
  • Fully grown Cavaliers should weigh between 13-18 pounds with a height of 12-13 inches.
  • Adult Cavies may be prone to weight gain and health problems if they aren’t properly fed and exercised.
  • Pet insurance can provide financial assistance with veterinary bills if your Cavalier puppy experiences developmental issues or develops a medical condition.

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Ricky Walther, DVM

Dr. Ricky Walther
Veterinarian

Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.

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