Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Price: How Much Does the Breed Cost?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500, with show-quality dogs costing up to $6,000. Several factors influence their cost, including breeder reputation, location, coat color, and potential health expenses. Cavaliers are prone to conditions like mitral valve disease and syringomyelia, adding to long-term veterinary costs. Beyond the purchase price, pet owners should also budget for food, accessories, and regular care. Owning this lovable breed is a commitment—be sure you’re financially prepared.
Well, you know what they say—it is hard to put a price tag on royalty. That isn’t a saying, but it certainly should be, as it perfectly applies to our topic for the day: the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
There seems to be a ton of confusion about their costs. We often see questions in our emails and public forums from current and future pet owners wondering, How much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost? The price varies depending on factors like breeder reputation, lineage, location, and some other things that may not be so obvious. Let’s break it down.
How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost?
We’ll talk about the breed and the factors influencing its cost later. Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 when purchased from a reputable breeder. However, show-quality Cavaliers or those from champion bloodlines can cost between $3,500 and $6,000.
Prices vary and are always subject to change. This isn’t a number set in stone. So, check with your preferred breeder about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price they’ve set, as it may differ. Generally speaking, this is the price observed most often.
Factors Affecting Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Price
The cost of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel depends on various factors, which is why it is tough to provide a single number. Here are the key factors:
Breeder Reputation and Location
Breeders who invest in the proper care of their pups, avoid unethical practices, and conduct thorough health testing (responsible breeders perform screenings for common health issues like mitral valve disease, or MVD, and hip dysplasia) and socialization often charge more. After all, responsible breeding isn’t easy—it requires extensive knowledge, patience, and effort.
The breeder's location also makes a difference. Cavaliers in high-demand areas tend to be more expensive.
Coat Color and Markings
Yes, that’s right—the Cavalier’s coat color affects the price. Since they come in four variations—Blenheim, Tricolor, Ruby, and Black & Tan—their cost can vary. Rare colors and unique markings tend to be more expensive. The size doesn’t change. Ruby, along with Black and Tan, are the most expensive colors.
Cost of Health
All living beings are prone to certain health issues, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are no exception. Despite their royal genetics, we’re all the same, after all. Their breeding history, paired with their small size, makes them prone to certain conditions, such as:
• Mitral valve disease (MVD) – A heart condition that affects a huge percentage of Cavaliers as they get older. It starts as a murmur and can lead to heart failure. It’s the number one cause of death for these dogs.
• Syringomyelia – A neurological condition where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord due to skull malformation. It causes severe pain, sensitivity, and even paralysis in extreme cases. Many Cavaliers have it to some degree, and symptoms usually appear between 6 months and 3 years old.
• Eye problems – They’re prone to cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
• Joint issues – Even though they’re small, they can still have hip dysplasia and patellar luxation (basically, their kneecap pops out of place). You must know how to keep your dog’s joints healthy.
• Obesity – Cavaliers love food and can get chubby fast. Extra weight puts stress on their heart and joints, worsening existing problems. Managing a fat Cavaliers’ weight is paramount.
• Ear infections – With their big floppy ears, they’re prone to infections if not cleaned regularly.
The cost of health checkups adds up over time. Heart screenings range from $50 for a basic checkup to $800 for an echocardiogram. MRIs for syringomyelia cost $1,000–$3,000. Eye exams run $100–$600, joint X-rays cost $150–$500, and general vet visits for obesity or ear infections range from $50–$300. Prices vary based on location, vet expertise, and whether a specialist is needed.
Now, this isn’t to say all Cavaliers will suffer from these issues or require every test. However, as a potential pet parent, it’s important to keep these expenses in mind. Pet parenting is called parenting for a reason—it’s a commitment, and you must care for the dog like it’s your child.
Conclusion
Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is more than just the cost of purchase. Pet ownership is a major responsibility. The cost includes medical expenses, dietary needs, and accessories (bowls, water bottles, potty bags, a crate—the list goes on. A desirable breed comes with its fair share of responsibilities, after all. So, before you bring home this lovable furball, it’s best to ensure you’re prepared for the financial commitment.
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If you're curious to learn more about this breed, check out these related articles;
• History of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: From Royalty to Beloved Pet