The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is classified as a small or toy breed spaniel. They originated in the UK but soon became extremely popular worldwide thanks to their adorable looks and endearing personality. In fact, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is ranked 18th in the list of most popular dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.
Choosing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great decision. These small dogs are highly adaptable and they get along great with kids, making a wonderful family dog. However, you must commit to taking care of your pet’s needs which entails spending time, energy, and money on your furry friend.
Are King Charles Cavaliers Expensive?
In short, yes! Owing to their popularity, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels cost $3,300 on average. Some breeders even charge up to $15,000 if the pup is from a champion dog.
Considering all these costs, you can expect to pay nearly $4,500 in the first year that you bring home your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. In each subsequent year thereafter, this will drop down to about $1,200 – mostly spent on food and medical expenses. Since the life expectancy of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about 13 years, expect to pay about $15,000 over the course of its lifetime.
What is the Average Price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the USA?
Because of the high popularity of the breed, most puppies cost between $900 and $2,000 for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Puppy prices mainly depend on the breeder you choose and whether the pup has champion bloodlines. The average price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy is around $1,500.
Factors Affecting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Price
Color
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are available in colors like Blenheim (chestnut and white), Black and Tan, Tri-color (black/white/tan), and Ruby. The Blenheim color is the most popular and pups in this color cost more than others.
Sex
Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies are often priced more because of their breeding capacity. If a potential dog owner opts to mate their dog, then there is potential to make money.
Also, some dog owners prefer female dogs because they are generally more docile. Male dogs also have the propensity to lift their leg indoors and mark their territory which makes it a hassle for potential owners.
Lineage
A breeder that has litters of champion studs or show-winning female dogs is more likely to charge a higher price for these pups. If you’re not interested in showing or breeding your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you don’t need to shell out the extra cash for pups with champion bloodlines.
If you want official Kennel Club papers, however, your puppy’s price tag will be significantly higher. Kennel Club registration raises the price of a purebred puppy.
Breeder
Reputable breeders conduct health tests on their dogs to ensure they do not carry the genes for developing certain health issues like PRA, hip dysplasia, etc. They also ensure their dogs have routine vet care prior to adoption. These puppies are priced higher to recover these costs.
Where Should You Buy Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
If you choose to buy your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, then search for a reputable breeder. Such breeders will be well-known in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel community.
You can start your search on the AKC website – they will have a list of reputed breeders registered with them. Many of these breeders carry champion bloodlines.
While the Internet is a good place to start your search for “Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale” – this might present you with a slew of breeders. Some of these, no doubt, you’ll want to avoid. They may be backyard breeders that are only interested in making profits and cut necessary corners that put your pup’s health at risk, resulting in low-quality dogs.
To know if your Cavalier breeder is genuinely interested in the dog’s health, consider asking your shortlisted breeders the following questions:
- Can I visit your facility?
- How long have you been breeding Cavaliers?
- What genetic conditions do you test the parent dogs for before breeding? Also, what conditions do you screen your pups for?
- What kind of guarantee do you provide?
- Do you have vet records of both parents?
- Do you sell to pet shops?
You can also adopt your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) from animal shelters. The Cavalier Rescue of USA is a good place to start your search. Rescue CKCS may be mixed breed with another type of dog, however.
It should go without saying, but avoid puppy mills at all costs.
Basic Dog Supplies Costs in the USA
Before bringing home your puppy, be sure to prepare your home for it. By spending time getting everything in order, the first few days of your Cavalier will go much smoother.
Some supplies you’ll want to consider include a collar and leash, a crate, toys, a bed, water, and food dishes, grooming supplies, and treats. The total initial cost for these supplies is approximately $200 – $300.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training Costs
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent dogs that are quick to learn. Still, you may want to invest in basic obedience training for your puppy. If your dog is particularly mischievous, you may want or need to invest in further professional training.
Private training classes can cost between $25 and $50 per session depending on the trainer and your area. You can also enroll your pet in group training classes, which is less expensive.
Some dog owners even go the extra mile and enroll their fur babies in doggy boot camps for exceptionally well-behaved dogs. These include boarding for several weeks and can cost between $500 and $1,250 per week.
Experienced dog owners may not need to invest in training, particularly if they know the basics of obedience training. New dog owners, on the other hand, may lack the experience to train their dogs on their own.
Food Costs for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the USA
Your growing Cavalier puppy will need to eat at least 3-4 times a day. In the beginning, it is best to feed the same food that it was eating at the breeder.
Your vet can also guide you about the right food to feed and whether your dog requires prescription dog food. Generally speaking, you should always opt for high-quality dog food to ensure your pup is getting adequate nutrition.
Considering the food requirements for this breed, you can expect your food cost range to be between $25 and $75 per month on dog food depending on the brand you purchase.
Medical Costs of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In your puppy’s first year, it will need many vaccinations to protect against several canine diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, etc. It may also need some non-core or optional vaccines like Lyme Disease, Kennel Cough, and so on as advised by your vet and depending on risk factors.
In addition to vaccinations, you must also have your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel neutered/spayed.
Deworming is another health precaution to take that can help prevent parasitical infestations like giardia, hookworm, tapeworm, etc. Deworming begins when the pup is a few weeks old and continues throughout adulthood. Most vets recommend a deworming schedule which you must follow strictly.
In addition to deworming, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will also need protection against fleas, ticks, and mites. These tiny external parasites can cause health problems that include intense itching, hair loss, blisters, secondary skin infections, and even diseases like Lyme disease in dogs.
Vaccines
The core vaccines for dogs include those against rabies, canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and canine adenovirus (also known as hepatitis). These diseases can be highly contagious and potentially fatal, making it crucial for all dogs to be properly vaccinated.
Non-core or optional vaccines may also be recommended based on a dog’s individual risk factors and lifestyle. These can include vaccines for Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and kennel cough.
It is important to discuss your dog’s vaccination needs with your veterinarian to ensure they are fully protected against preventable diseases.
You can expect to spend $170 on your pup’s first-year vaccines. The total cost decreases year after year as boosters may or may not be required depending on the vaccine.
Sterilization
Depending on the age at which you get your CKCS, your pup may already have been spayed or neutered. In the event that this is left to you, you can expect to pay between $100 – $500. Spaying a dog is more expensive than neutering as it is a more invasive and involved procedure.
Deworming
The cost of deworming will depend on your vet as well as the type of parasite being treated, in addition to the size of your dog. Given the fact that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dogs, the cost is on the low end of the $50 – $150 range that includes a fecal test.
Common Health Problems in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
When you buy your Cavalier from a reputed breeder, then your chances of getting a healthy, hardy dog are much higher. This is due to the fact that good breeders conduct health checks on their dogs and prevent breeding ones that are prone to genetic conditions.
Having said that, a Cavalier is known to have a genetic predisposition to certain diseases including hip dysplasia, eye problems, or Mitrial Valve disease. These health issues can be expensive to treat, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Additional Costs of Raising your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In addition to food, proper veterinary care, and training costs, there are several miscellaneous costs CKCS parents may incur while raising their pets. These include:
Pet Insurance for your CKCS – Wise or Not?
Pet insurance can cover most costs and provide you with peace of mind. If your Cavalier is not too old and does not have any pre-existing conditions, then the right plan can cover many unexpected costs.
Some pet parents choose to set aside a small amount of money each month for their Cavalier’s old age. However, this may not always be sufficient. Many good pet insurances cover several unexpected costs and can help you save thousands of dollars on vet bills and unexpected medical expenses.
Pet insurance usually ranges between $15 and $50 per month depending on what is covered.
Boarding costs
In case you decide to leave your pet behind while you travel, you can choose to board it in a pet hostel or hire a dog sitter for it. Charges for pet hostels are between $30 and $75 per night. Pet sitters charge around $50 per visit depending on the tasks they perform dog walking, litter box cleaning, changing the water, etc.
Dog grooming
Your Cavalier has a beautiful coat that is prone to tangles and mats. Therefore, regular grooming is a must. You must brush your pet daily and shampoo it monthly. If you choose to get it professionally groomed, you can expect to pay between $50-$75 for basic grooming packages which include services like nail trimming, bathing, ear cleaning, anal gland expression, etc.
Pet walking
All dogs need daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit, so you need to exercise your dog twice a day (at least) for 30 minutes each. Without exercise, this energetic dog can get restless or even destructive.
If you do not have the time to walk your pet every day, you can hire a dog walker. This service costs between $20 to $50 per walk at 30-60 minutes depending on your city and whether you prefer private or group walks for your King Charles Spaniel.
Summing Up – How Much Does a King Charles Spaniel Cost?
Cavaliers are expensive in comparison to other dogs that are small in stature. As we’ve discussed, there are a number of factors that affect the King Charles Spaniel price.
First-year Expenses
The cost of buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is about $1,500. This price depends upon the breeder. Some breeders even charge up to $15,000 for puppies from winning dogs.
In addition to the purchase cost, you’ll also spend on vaccinations, basic supplies like toys and a bed, sterilization, and vaccines, among other things.
Your dog will also need healthy food and treats. This can bring your first-year costs to approximately $4,200 if you get an average-priced puppy.
Monthly costs
Monthly costs of adult dog ownership include medical and food expenses and flea and tick prevention.
You might also spend on grooming, dog walking, and training. Expect to pay between $150 to $500 depending on your lifestyle and geographical location.
Annual costs (after the first year)
After the first year, the ASPCA figures that the yearly cost of this small breed can be anywhere between $1.000 to $1,400 each year. This includes dental cleaning and routine medical costs, food and treats, grooming, and pet-sitting.
Over its lifetime
The life expectancy of the Cavalier is about 9-14 years. Therefore, the lifetime cost of owning it can be between $10,000 and $14,000.
We hope this guide helps you financially plan for your Cavalier’s expenses.
