The unmistakable tail wagging of a Cavalier King Charles running on a beach has caught the world’s attention. We can hardly blame you if you are one of the many people whose hearts are taken over by this breed!
The Cavalier King Charles, with his warm and gleaming eyes, can put you under his spell to draw out unlimited petting and treats from their owner. However, the adorable looks are not everything this regal dog brings with him. Therefore, to help you better understand the different aspects of ownership of this breed, we have composed this article. We’ve discussed everything from the financial costs of purchasing the dog to the emotional and physical efforts!
Fun Fact: The breed is named after King Charles II, who was extremely fond of the dog and would not go anywhere without two or three of his Cavalier Spaniels.
How Much Does King Charles Spaniel Cost in India?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed; its massive popularity is due to its jolly temperament and high adaptability. The breed is steadily gaining popularity in India and can be bought at INR 55,000-1,00,000. This range is a general estimate subject to variation based on several factors. We discuss all the essential ones below!
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of King Charles Spaniel in India
King Charles Spaniel Age: Buying a Puppy vs an Old Dog
In the dog world, puppies being hyperactive is equivalent to toddlers asking countless (annoying?) questions. While you can and should ensure your toddler is sleeping most of the day for good health, puppies do not come with a switch-off button.
The lack of an off switch coupled with the mischievous nature of the Cavalier King Charles makes them quite a handful during their puppy phase. Patience, endurance, and calmness become integral to the puppy owner’s routine. In other words, owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy can feel like a life trial. And, not everyone may be dressed in their best defence. Therefore, going over your limits before rushing to bring the pup home is advised.
Puppies aged 8-12 weeks are the costliest due to their cuteness and high impressionability. Usually, at this age, owners form a long-lasting bond with their pups and teach them good habits that will stay for life. As the dogs grow old, their asking price goes down.
Adopting a King Charles Spaniel Vs Buying
Since Charles Spaniel is not as popular as other breeds, locating them in a shelter in India may take a while. People looking for a puppy may need to settle for an old Charles Spaniel, as most shelter dogs are old. However, the plus point of this may be that the dog comes with its first-year expenses out of the way, rendering the option cheaper.
Buying the Cavalier King Charles may be quick, but it is pretty expensive in comparison. Due to the boom in the pet industry, unethical practices have become rampant. Therefore, if you’re a potential buyer, doing your homework is key to getting a healthy and well-balanced Charles Spaniel home.
Breeder Factor
Registering with the Animal Welfare Board is mandatory for Indian breeders to check the unethical practices. Due to the easy falsification of documents, potential buyers are encouraged to educate themselves on the breed and the breeding practices before making the purchase decision. Below we discuss the popular choices for buying a dog.
Buying a King Charles Spaniel from Puppy Mills (Please don’t go with this option)
The gut-wrenching visuals from puppy mills have crossed everyone’s feed. Breeding dogs in a chock-a-block fashion with little to no care about their physical or mental well-being is the routine at these inhumane factories. The visuals have left several people in utter shock, raising difficult-to-answer questions about humanity.
Perhaps, the only positive consequence of the exposure has been that more prospective owners have become alert in their dealings. We encourage our readers to educate themselves for the collective good of our canine friends. Remember to never deal with merchants selling their pups at unreasonably low prices. Always verify all certifications and documents produced by the breeder.
Buying a King Charles Spaniel from Pet Shops
We suspect removing a pet store’s flashy and attractive sign may reveal a sign that reads “puppy mill”. While we have no evidence to support our claim, we’ve got plenty to reason why it is possible.
Most mill owners have settled for selling their dogs to pet shops exclusively as direct sales have become difficult due to their now-widely general practices. Pet stores tempt dog lovers with perfectly groomed dogs in the display windows. We recommend that our readers not be swayed by the cuteness and exercise proper care.
Buying a King Charles Spaniel from Middleman or Brokers
Brokers charge a 10-20% surplus on each sale to facilitate the smooth transaction in an otherwise tiring endeavour. Brokers find a suitable breeder, take you to look at the breeding facility, and show you several options to choose the Cavalier King Charles of your dreams. In addition, they can educate you on the nuts and bolts of dog breeding, allowing you a chance to verify the breeder and his practices yourself. Due to the commission charged, this option becomes pretty expensive.
We urge our readers never to let caution go out the window when purchasing a pet; just as pet stores can be corrupted, so can dog brokers. Only deal with brokers you can trust. Generally, brokers providing the services mentioned above tend to be responsible.
Buying a King Charles Spaniel from Reputable breeders
Finding a breeder who loves the breed as much as you may be difficult. However, settling for any less may lead to a traumatizing ownership experience. As unethical breeders sell dogs with genetic diseases, these animals are often abused, making their behaviour harsh and aggressive. Therefore, for a happy ownership experience dealing with an ethical breeder of the Cavalier King Charles is the only option.
Responsible breeders test the genetic stock of their dogs before breeding them; they have good health and vaccination records of both the dog’s parents and the litter. Since these breeders are satisfied with nothing less than a perfect home and human parents for their tiny Cavalier Kings, be prepared to answer several questions about your lifestyle and house environment. Due to the top-quality breeding practices employed by reputable breeders, you can expect this option to be the most expensive. However, it won’t require you to break the bank, plus the added guarantee of a well-behaved dog often seals the deal.
Questions to ask from a Breeder
To determine whether you’re dealing with an ethical breeder, we recommend asking questions similar to the ones presented below. An ethical breeder will be more than pleased to answer your questions.
- Are you a licensed breeder?
- How much experience do you have breeding the Cavalier King Charles?
- Is the breed right for me?
- What are the unique requirements of the breed?
- Can I see the mother and her health records?
- May I look at the breeding facility?
- May I look at the puppy’s vaccination records?
- What does the diet of the pup look like?
- Can I return the puppy if it doesn’t work out?
- How can I reach out to you if I have problems with the puppy?
Fun Fact: In 1985, President Ronald Reagan gave his wife a Cavie named Rex.
Gender
Deciding which Cavalier King Charles to bring home is highly subjective and depends on the buyer’s preferences and expectations. There is little physical difference between the male and female Cavalier King Charles. However, the temperament varies slightly; the main difference could be that the males tend to retain much of their puppyhood energy when they grow up. In contrast, the females become a lot calmer. Another critical point could be aggressiveness. There are no significant differences between the price of male or female Cavalier King Charles.
Size
The Cavalier King Charles is a small breed weighing 5.8-8.1 kg and stands 12-13 inches tall. The females of the breed are slightly smaller, with less muscle mass. However, the difference cannot be cited by an untrained eye. The standard Cavalier King Charles is a toy breed. However, a teacup/miniature breed version is available and may sell for much more.
Mix Breed or Purebred
Traditionally, the practice of cross-breeding dogs was done to achieve the single purpose of creating a healthier and more desirable dog. Today the practice has been modified to develop designer dogs. The designer dog market is booming as it mixes and matches breeds for aesthetics. Some of the most popular mixes of the Cavalier Charles include Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel + Poodle), Golden Cavvy (Golden Retriever + Cavalier King Charles), King Charles Yorkie (Cavalier King Charles + Yorkshire Terrier) and many more.
When buying a mixed breed, choose the breeds that have been bred for two to three generations. This ensures that the traits inherited from both breeds are stable, making the dog’s behaviour predictable. Typically, purebred Cavalier King Charles tends to be more expensive, but in the case of popular mixed breeds like the Cavapoo, the asking price can be equal.
Bloodline
Typically, dogs are produced in two qualities: show quality and pet quality. The difference between these two dogs could be minor but tends to impact the asking price drastically. Show quality dogs are potential show ring winners with features strictly tuned to the official breed standard. This statement often leads likely pet parents to think that pet-quality dogs are low-ranking and flawed. However, this cannot be further from the truth. Pet quality dogs may not conform to the rigid rules of dog shows, but they can bring the same amount of love and happiness to your life at a lower price!
Coat Colors and Markings
The gorgeous silky smooth coat of the Cavalier King Charles is double layered with medium length. All the grace of the Cavalier Kings comes from their fluffy coats, which can either be straight or wavy. The double layer insulates them in the winter and regulates the temperature during the summer, making them adaptable to various temperatures.
The four standard colours of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are black and white, black and tan, Blenheim, and ruby. The Blenheim is the most popular, and the black and tan are the rarest. Naturally, you may have to shell out a lot more for these most sought-after colours.
Location
In metro cities, the price of Cavalier King Charles can be several thousand more than in rural and suburban areas of the country. This can be attributed to the high demand for the breed in large cities.
Certification and Warranties
An unregistered unvaccinated puppy is always cheaper and often riddled with plenty of health problems. When dealing with a breeder, verifying the documents he produces is best. Usually, ethical breeders get their pups registered with the KCI and have accurate health records. For this reason, their puppies tend to sell for more.
Fun Fact: The Blenheim colour of the Cavalier Kings is a reference to the battle of Blenheim.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of owning a King Charles Spaniel
The annual maintenance of your Cavalier King Charles may range from INR 60,000-72,000. This estimate includes the monthly food, medical expenses, grooming costs, etc. In this section, we’ll discuss various financial factors that owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel entails.
Dog Food Factor
The tiny bellies of the Cavalier Kings need to be fed adequately. Ideally, the diet of a Cavalier King should consist of biologically appropriate proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. This breed is known for piling on weight quickly; therefore, you need to be extra careful with their diet. This also means monitoring the ingredients that compose your dog’s food, as most Cavalier Spaniels are susceptible to various diseases. Below we discuss some important factors related to feeding your dog.
Home Food Vs Purchased food
Cooking for your pet requires a lot of confidence and care as it is relatively easy to slip up while monitoring the amount of all essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re up for the challenge of making food for your Cavalier King, talking to the vet should be the first step to a healthy dog.
The vet can guide you and may even provide you with a diet plan to follow. Most pet owners consider feeding homemade dog food to be a cheaper option.
Commercial dog food is expensive and deters pet parents. However, breeders recommend providing a mixed diet containing homemade and store-bought food. When shopping for commercial dog food, buying all-natural, no-additive dog food, preferably tailored to the breed, is essential. You can expect to spend INR 2,000-3,000 monthly feeding your Spaniel.
Portion Size and Daily Frequency
Your Cavalier King Charles’ food requirements may change based on various factors, including age, weight, activity levels, climate, and metabolism. Puppies can start with four meals a day. In adulthood, the Cavaliers can do well with two meals a day. It is essential to provide food optimized for your specific dog’s requirements. This can be done by speaking to the vet regularly. Below we’re providing a few pointers for you to look over.
| Weight | Low Activity | Medium Activity | High Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kg | ⅞ Cup/Day | 1 Cup/Day | 1 ⅛ Cup/Day |
| 6 kg | 1 Cup/Day | 1 ⅛ Cup/Day | 1 ⅜ Cup/Day |
| 7 kg | 1 ⅛ Cup/Day | 1 ⅜ Cup/Day | 1 ½ Cup/Day |
| 8 kg | 1 ¼ Cup/Day | 1 ½ Cup/Day | 1 ⅝ Cup/Day |
| 9 kg | 1 ⅜ Cup/Day | 1 ⅝ Cup/Day | 1 ⅞ Cup/Day |
Vet Factor
The royal breed enjoys a 9-14 years lifespan and may suffer from several health problems. Diseases including mitral valve disease (MVD), syringomyelia (SM), hip dysplasia (HD), luxating patellas (knees), retinal dysplasia, and other debilitating and painful disorders afflict the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Therefore, to ensure your tiny dog’s good health and happiness, we recommend visiting the vet regularly. An expert vet specializing in exotic breeds may be best for this dog. You can expect the cost of medical expenses for this dog to be INR 6,000-12,000 annually.
Vaccination Cost
Vaccinations are a crucial part of your dog’s veterinary schedule. It can get confusing when you get the vaccination schedule from your vet’s office. Let us lay it out for you in a regal way that suits the breed!
Think of vaccines as armour to combat different types of intrusions. The environment’s wide range of disease-causing organisms can sneakily enter your dog’s body (his kingdom). The most efficient way of controlling these notorious organisms is by regular inoculations (i.e. creating an army of antibodies). Armouring your Cavalier King should typically start at 4-6 weeks (right before the war begins!). Once the core vaccinations have been administered (the King is ready for his first battle), you can expect the next shot of vaccines to be given every two to three years. In India, inoculating your Cavalier King Charles may cost INR 1,700-2,500 per vaccine shot.
Consulting with the vet to get a customized vaccination schedule is best for your dog. However, to give you a general idea, below is a vaccination chart.
| Puppy Age | Core Vaccines | Non-Core Vaccines | Worms |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 Weeks | Distemper | Bordetella, Parainfluenza, Measles | |
| 10-12 Weeks | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus | Coronavirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease | Begin Heartworm prevention medication monthly or bi-monthly |
| 14-16 Weeks | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Rabies (required by law) | Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, Lyme disease, Leptospirosis | Begin/continue Heartworm prevention medication monthly or bi-monthly |
| Adult (renewed every 1-3 years) | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Rabies | Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, Leptotspirosis, Bordetella, Lyme disease | Continue Heartworm prevention medication monthly or bi-monthly |
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
The neutering or spaying procedure is generally undertaken on a veterinary recommendation. The process entails de-sexing the dogs to make management easier when the dogs reach sexual maturity. It is encouraged as breeding dogs responsibly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
In rural areas, you can expect to spend INR 4,000-6,000 for this surgery. At the same time, in metropolitan areas, the surgery cost can range from INR 6,000-12,000.
Deworming Cost
Intestinal and heartworms stand to damage the Cavalier’s health severely. They often prove to be fatal. In line with this, taking precautionary measures is essential. Usually, a vet can draw up a deworming schedule based on the age and weight of the dog. We recommend following up with the appointments to keep your Cavalier King healthy. Deworming procedure is usually inexpensive, costing up to INR 100 for each tablet.
Preventive Medications Cost
Ticks infestation can ruin the smooth and silky coat of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Prevention is possible by regular use of ticks and fleas powder. Ear drops to prevent ear infections are also among the essential supplies. Stocking on these items may cost INR 500.
Additionally, the breed is prone to accidental injuries while playing due to its small size. Equipping the first aid kit with antiseptic spray, band-aids, and cotton can be a lifesaver. These essentials may cost INR 500 and can be refilled as necessary.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Contentment within confinement should be the goal when shopping for a perfect crate for your Cavalier King. A medium 30-inch crate is most suitable for your tiny Spaniel. We recommend taking all steps necessary to make the crate feel like a home within a home. You can expect to find a crate of the recommended size at INR 1,500-2,000. Don’t forget to shop for the bed for your Spaniel’s beauty sleep. A bed can cost INR 600-1,000.
Accessories Cost
The range of accessories available in the market can be overwhelming for a new pet parent. While not all are essential supplies for the dog, some are indispensable for easy management. We’ve discussed one of those below:
Collar Vs Harness
The consensus is collar and leash have had their turn. Pet parents are turning towards sturdy, supportive harnesses or vests for their adorable puppies. Due to the toy size of this regal breed, it is crucial to select a snug-fitted collar that offers enough support to the dog’s chest and back. Going the extra mile in ensuring your Cavalier’s comfort is also essential due to this breed’s brachycephalic nature. You can expect to spend INR 500-1,000.
Toys Cost
Prepping your home for a Cavalier means making it exciting and entertaining Toys are a great way to do that. This toy breed enjoys all activities, including playing chase, tug-of-war, treasure hunting for treats, plush toys, etc. We recommend initially investing in new toys to allow your dog to develop a preference. Once your Cavalier has decided on its favourite activity, shopping for toys becomes easier. Typically, you can expect the monthly toy cost to be INR 250-500.
Grooming Cost
To keep the Cavalier King’s coat in its natural flowy and feathery state, brushing as frequently as two to three times a week is necessary. This ensures the fur isn’t tangled and all the dirt and dead hair are removed, reducing the amount of shedding. Nails can be clipped as necessary. As for bathing, it can be done between 8 to 12 weeks as this breed is relatively clean. Do not shower the breed more frequently than twice a month, as this may cause the beautiful silky coat to lose its natural oils.
Some tools can make grooming a fun and easy task. These tools include nail clippers, a brush, and all-natural shampoo and conditioner. A grooming kit with the necessary tool can cost INR 500-1500. Pet parents desiring professional grooming services can expect the charges for each session to be between INR 500-1,000.
Walker Cost
Walking your dog may be a great way to make dull early morning jogs fun and playful. A Cavalier needs his walks and at least an hour of activity daily.
Owners who can’t help but miss these walking sessions should arrange for a dog walking service. Professional dog walkers charge INR 2,500-5,000 monthly to fill the walking requirements of the dog.
Training and Socializing Class Cost
Cavaliers are highly trainable dogs and can quickly adapt to the lifestyle of their owners. Unlike most dog breeds, Cavaliers, due to their pleasing nature, match the energy of their owners instead of the other way around.
Some things to look out for a while training may be the prey drive owing to their Spaniel ancestry. For best results, start the training when young to cultivate desired habits in your King Charles.
Due to the breed’s highly social and outgoing nature, pet parents often discount socializing their Charles, but this can be a mistake. Despite the friendly spirit, socializing with dogs is essential. Professional training and socializing classes may cost up to INR 5,000-7,000 per month.
Treat Cost
Cavaliers are easily distracted, but treats can quickly catch their attention. This trait proves plenty helpful while training your Cavalier Charles. The treats should be chosen carefully to prioritize nutrition and health. Commercial treats are often expensive but can be an excellent option. Due to the dog’s fussiness, you can expect your Spaniel to turn up his nose at several foods, including homemade and store-bought. Spend time switching up treats to figure out what your dog loves best. You can expect the monthly treatment cost for your Spaniel to be INR 250-500.
Insurance Cost
The exotic Spaniel brings a host of diseases, and their tiny size renders them vulnerable to theft. Pet insurance may be critical to your good night’s sleep and your Spanieal’s good health and happiness. Therefore, we recommend getting a plan covering breed-specific health concerns, theft, and third-party liability. The annual charges of a plan ticking all important factors may cost INR 7,000-10,000.
Travel Cost
Reportedly, Cavaliers are great travel companions due to their snug size, but we suspect the pet parents are biased. The only way to confirm the claim is, of course, by travelling with them yourself.
Car travel and long drives are lovely if you have a travel-safe crate for the dog. Another convenient way to cover long distances is getting your King Charles Spaniel an Indian Railways ticket. This option is often the cheapest.
Due to their snug size, air travelling with your Spaniel can be a dream. Fitting them in an airline-approved crate and ensuring their rabies and health document is in place is all you need for a good air travel experience. Naturally, air travel is high-end, with charges varying based on the airlines, travel distance, and size of the dog. For domestic travel, expect to spend INR 5,000-20,000; for international locations, you can expect to pay INR 2-3 lakhs.
Daycare Cost
Cavalier King Charles was bred to be a companion dog and is prone to separation anxiety. These dogs should not be left alone at all unless trained beforehand. Going away for more than four hours is not recommended if you have to leave them. Charles should have a safe place to stay for vacations or extended holidays. Daycares offer just that and more. Locating a daycare that provides boarding, food, a play area, and other breed-specific facilities is crucial when planning to go for a vacation. Usually, the daycares charge INR 500-2,000 per day for the services listed above.
Registration Cost
The Indian Kennel Club (INKC) recognizes several dog breeds and maintains their pedigree in India. Pet parents are encouraged to get their dogs registered. This is a one-time expenditure of INR 400-1,000. The price usually varies based on the information available about the dog’s parents and whether you’re a member of the INKC. The organization also offers microchipping services for dogs. This is a reasonably simple procedure costing INR 1,000.
Miscellaneous
A food storage container, food and water dish, a poop bag, pee cleaner, and towels are other essential supplies you should buy before bringing your Cavalier King home. Purchasing these essential items may cost INR 2,500-4,000.
Hidden and Related Costs of King Charles Spaniel Puppy Ownership
To purchase the Cavalier King Charles is easy, and to afford them financially is achievable, but raising them from their hyperactive phase to a well-rounded dog is inconsistent, exhausting, and strenuous to voice the feelings of a few Charles owners. Some notorious traits of the dog include ruining your precious shoes by chewing, shedding on your new sofa, and being the culprit behind major mishaps around the house. Therefore, analyzing your limits, expectations, and your ability to be patient is a must before bringing the puppy home.
Fun Fact: King Charles II passed a law that allowed the Cavalier Kings to enter any buildings, including the House of Parliament.
Important Things to Consider Before Buying A King Charles Spaniel
The best way to determine whether a dog breed is right for you is to learn about the no-so-cute facts of the breed. If you’re okay with those, you will probably make a good dog parent. Let’s find out some difficult truths about the ownership of King Charles Spaniel.
- The Cavalier King Charles isn’t the healthiest breed in town. Dogs are predisposed to various genetic diseases.
- The breed is known for notoriously piling on the pounds.
- High separation anxiety in the breed is the most common problem owners face.
- Owing to their Spaniel ancestry, the dogs have quite a bit of a prey drive.
Benefits Of Bringing A King Charles Spaniel Puppy To Home
The Cavalier King Charles is currently among the most popular dog breeds in the world; while there seems to be an easy answer to their popularity, the adorable looks, there’s more to them than that. Let’s discover some benefits of owning this dog below:
- They love sitting in your and following you around from room to room.
- These dogs are brilliant and eager to please their master; these traits create an easily trainable Cavalier, King Charles.
- Because of their small size, travelling with these dogs can be a dream.
- Despite the elegant silky coat of this breed sports, the maintenance and grooming aren’t laborious.
- Staying true to their royal background, these dogs carry themselves gracefully and do not bark unnecessarily.
FAQs
Is Cavalier King Charles good for first-time owners?
Their outgoing, friendly nature and easy trainability make them suitable for novice owners.
Do Cavalier King Charles shed a lot?
The Cavalier breed is a moderate shedder but tends to shed a lot during the shedding seasons. This can be managed with regular brushing to reduce the amount of dead hair in the coat.
Is Cavalier King Charles lazy?
While not excessively active or a complete couch potato dog, the Cavalier King Charles readily adapts to the energy levels of its owners.
Do Cavalier King Charles bark a lot?
No, the breed could be considered a quiet dog, and their overall temperament is calm and friendly.
Is Cavalier King Charles low maintenance?
Despite the flowy coat, the dogs only need to be groomed every four to six weeks. While brushing can be done as frequently as twice a week.
Summing It Up
The financial commitment of owning a Cavalier King Charles can be mighty. A potential owner’s foremost concern should be the finances involved in the ownership. Another reason to cross this breed of your list could be the clingy nature of the breed. Once you’re confident in both these aspects, you can expect a pretty smooth sail with this dog. The Cavalier King Charles grabs the attention wherever they go; get ready for everyone to be in the limelight as a Cavalier King Charles owner!