How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cost? (2024 Updated)

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful canine that is admired by enthusiasts of small dogs, but most are hesitant to ask about their cost, especially with the thought that they are quite expensive.

However, like with other dogs, familiarizing oneself with the price of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as well as its cost of ownership or maintenance, should help you prepare ahead to acquire one, no matter how much it is. 

In this article, you will be familiarized with everything there is to know about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price. Reading this will give you the edge you need to be financially prepared as you welcome home your new toy spaniel.

How Much Does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Cost?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price from a reputable breeder ranges between $1,500 to $3,500. This will depend on factors such as age, gender, color, pedigree, and the reputation and location of the breeder. A puppy that comes from the best bloodlines may cost upwards of $4,000.

This rare breed was given its royal distinction during the reign of King Charles II. Since then, its structure and appearance have continued to change until it reached the modern look we are all familiar with today. 

Yet, it kept its unique and noble heritage, impacting its price as well.

However, as you search for a Cavalier puppy, you might encounter one being sold for a ridiculously low price. Be careful not to be tempted by this offer since there is a good chance that it may be a product of puppy mills.

A puppy mill is a facility known for its numerous dog production that disregards ethical breeding standards. Hence, you end up with an unhealthy puppy with bad behavior, which also translates to higher costs of vet visits.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel From a Shelter?

Adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a shelter is a cost-effective and rewarding option. Adoption fees, as of 2023, typically ranged from $150 to $600, depending on the organization and the dog’s age, health, and breed.

However, for the most accurate prices, check with local shelters or breed-specific rescue organizations.

These fees often cover initial medical care, such as vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. They might also include other necessary care or training the dog received while at the shelter.

While the adoption fee can be significantly lower than the price from a breeder, remember there will still be costs for ongoing care. Nevertheless, adoption is an affordable way to provide a loving home for a Cavalier in need.

First-Time Expenses of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ownership

For new dog owners or pet parents, aside from acquiring the dog itself, you also need to prepare for the first-time expenses related to its overall health, well-being, and comfort.

Here’s a list of all the initial expenses associated with the ownership of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy:

• Food and Treats: Food and treats are the largest maintenance expense for any dog. Yet, this is one of the most important resources to keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel healthy. The average price of high-quality dog food necessary to keep your dog’s weight in its ideal state would be between $30 and $80.
• Bowls: Along with food and treats, you need to buy sturdy food and water bowls for your dog. Stainless or ceramic ones would be durable and easy-to-clean materials for these items. Prepare about $10 to $30 for this expense.
• Toys: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful family dog that is also active and smart. Hence, toys are essential to keep this dog mentally stimulated and happy. You can allot $20 to $30 for a good set of chewable toys.
• Beds: After a whole day of socialization and play, it is good to give Cavalier King Charles Spaniels a comfortable bed to sleep on. This can set you back by about $30 to $200, depending on the quality.
• Collars and Leashes: For just $15 to $50, you can already get your dog a good collar and leash set. This is not just effective in keeping them secure, but it will also help in their identification.
• Crates and Carriers: A reliable crate or carrier is essential when you need to transport your Cav. The purchase price of a durable one in a pet store can be around $30 to $200, but it will already last until your Cav grows into an adult dog.
• Grooming Essentials: To be able to do basic grooming at home for these small yet long-haired dogs, you need to buy a grooming kit, which usually includes a brush, a comb, a tooth brushing kit, clippers and blades, and dog shampoo. Set aside $50 to $150 to keep your dog clean and healthy.
• Initial Vet Visits: Part of the first-year expenses of owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is to ensure that it has its routine visits to the vet. Since this breed is prone to certain health problems, expect to spend around $100 to $500 for the usual check-up and health tests to spot issues early and keep your dog healthy.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: To safeguard your Cavalier puppy from the most common yet lethal illnesses, completing its initial vaccine shots is important. You can get this done for about $50 to $300, which will give it protection until it becomes an adult CKCS dog.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: One of the enemies of even experienced dog owners is parasites. To keep your dog free from worms, fleas, ticks, and mites, you need to purchase preventive medications, which will cost around $40 to $300.
• Neutering or Spaying: If you do not have plans to breed these purebred dogs, you can take advantage of the health benefits that come with the procedure of spaying or neutering. The cost range for these surgeries is from $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: Microchipping is usually included in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price as you get one from a reputable breeder. In the instance that it has not been done yet, you can get this completed for about $40 to $60.
• Dog License: A dog license is required in most states in North America. This helps in the proper identification and retrieval of your dog from the pound in case it gets lost. Prepare $10 to $20 to get your dog licensed.
• Other Essentials: Other essentials mostly refer to items you need to ensure a clean and sanitized environment with your dog. These would include sanitizers, odor neutralizers, poop bags, scoopers, and training pads. Set aside $20 to $50 for these hygiene materials.

The table below is an easy reference to the discussion on the initial expenses of owning Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

As a tip, you can save a lot on these costs by looking for reputable breeders of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who offer many of these items as freebies along with the puppy’s purchase. 

Annual Cost of Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

After surviving the financial needs of your dog for its first year of life, you now have to plan for its annual expenses for the next 12 to 15 years, which is the average life expectancy of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

To effectively manage this and not get overwhelmed, it is best to break these into monthly expenses. Some of these items should also protect you from incurring unexpected costs, especially health-related ones.

The following table illustrates the yearly cost of owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

As an owner of four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, I would also like to stress the importance of getting pet insurance and having routine veterinary care for these dogs.

They are prone to many health problems, such as heart issues and conditions with their eyes, bones, and joints. I have already lost track of how many vet visits I had for them, so pet insurance can really help with medical expenses.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

Aside from the predicted first-time and annual costs of dog ownership, there are also other potential expenses that may throw you off your budget. These are mostly optional or unexpected, so it is wise to allocate for these.

Below are some of these unexpected circumstances that you can include in your dog’s overall budget:

• Emergency Medical Costs: One can not predict exactly when a potential health issue may occur. Emergencies can also be very expensive to treat, especially for issues like hip dysplasia and heart ailments. It is best to set aside $1,000 to $5,000 for unexpected vet bills to keep your budget stable.
• Daycare Services: If you are busy at work and can’t attend to your Cavalier’s needs, hiring daycare services might be a good option instead of leaving your dog alone at home. For a daily cost of about $10 to $25, you can have peace of mind that their needs are taken care of.
• Professional Training Services: Though Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are non-aggressive dogs, some owners may want to enroll their pooches in a few group classes that cover basic obedience and housebreaking training. Training classes are usually done in five weekly one-hour sessions with a professional dog trainer and may cost around $150 to $200 each day.
• Pet fees, deposits, or rent: If you are a dog owner living in a rented space, you may be required to pay an admission fee for your pet to live in your apartment. Meanwhile, to cover any damages that may potentially be caused by your dog, pet deposits are enforced by some landlords. These fees usually range between $100 and $500. On the other hand, some rented spaces also require a pet rent of $10 to $100 for your dog to continue to stay in your area on a monthly basis.
• Kennel Club Registrations: If you plan on having your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel join dog shows and sporting events, getting them kennel club papers is your ticket for these. Registration fees for these prestigious kennel clubs may range from $80 to $200.

Note that the potential costs listed above are just mere examples. There could be more you can discover as you go through your day-to-day routine with this ideal house pet.

However, the more knowledgeable you get about these incidents, the more adept you can get at financially planning for these in the future. Setting something aside ahead of these expenses will keep your budget stable.

Best Places to Find Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Now that you are aware of all the financial considerations of owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the next step is to find the best places to buy or adopt healthy and quality dogs.

Regardless of your source, ensure to conduct your own research about the background of the breeder and the puppy. There is always a puppy that is the best fit for every potential dog owner’s lifestyle and preferences. 

Here are some of the most reliable sources of reputable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeders:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace advertises Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies only from the American Kennel Club’s registered breeders. Hence, you can be assured that you are only dealing with breeders who uphold the breed’s standards and who exercise ethical breeding practices.
• American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, Inc (ACKCSC) – The ACKCSC is the AKC’s parent club for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the United States. The breeders in this list mostly breed to preserve the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel heritage and the breed’s standards.
• Good Dog – Good Dog implements its own set of high standards and screening for breeders to ensure that the health and behavior of their puppies come first. Each puppy advertised on their site comes with detailed info not just about the pup but its breeder as well, helping you reach a better decision. 

Sometimes, the downside with reputable breeders is the long wait time since these breeders sell mostly for quality and not quantity. Hence, you need to be very patient if you wish to obtain a puppy from them. 

Another option to consider is adopting through animal shelters and rescue organizations. There is a large price difference between buying from a breeder and adopting from a rescue, so if you wish to go for cheaper puppies, adopt!

The list below gives you some of the most credible rescue organizations where you can source a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for adoption:

• Cavalier Rescue USA – Cavalier Rescue USA is a non-profit, foster-based organization that focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abandoned Cavaliers. They take pride in being the longest-standing rescue organization in the country for the breed. Their adoption fees range from $150 for seniors and special needs dogs to $800 for young dogs and puppies.
• American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (ACKCS) Rescue Trust – The ACKCS Rescue Trust CFBR is the rescue arm of the ACKCSC, the parent club of the AKC for the Cavalier breed. Most of the Cavaliers surrendered to the organization are not well-socialized, so these are corrected first in the foster homes before they are placed for adoption. 
• The Cavalier Rescue of Alabama – This non-profit organization is based in Alabama but has teams across the United States. Aside from rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the group also tries to reunite lost Cavaliers with their owners.

Adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not only a more affordable option, but it is also a noble deed since you give a chance for abandoned Cavaliers a chance for a better life.

Money-Saving Tips for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Owners

Given the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy’s price and its upkeep costs, owners of this breed would be happy to realize that there are practical ways to save money while providing the best life possible for their pets.

Here are some effective money-saving tips as you take care of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

• Invest in pet insurance. Remember that the average price of emergency vet bills is usually higher than regular ones. With the Cavalier being more prone to a lot of different health issues compared to other breeds, this makes getting pet insurance a necessity. This will protect your budget from unforeseen vet expenses and procedures. 
• Look for deals and discounts. Some pet stores offer lower prices and give extras or freebies when you buy dog food and other items in bulk. It is best to always check and compare prices of stores near your area to get the best deal.
• Train your own Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at home. Cavaliers are naturally obedient, sociable, and warm dogs. Hence, with the help of online instructional videos, you can also save up on dog behavior training costs. Further, the Cavalier is an affectionate breed, so there is nothing much to correct in terms of aggression.
• Learn how to groom your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at home. You can save hundreds of dollars in grooming costs by learning how to brush, trim, and bathe your Cavalier at home.

To help you get started with grooming your Cavalier at home, watch this video:

As you follow these tips, you are expected to save up on vet bills, training classes, food costs, and grooming expenses. This should help you set aside more for unpredicted expenses for this dog breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels So Expensive?

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s popularity with English royalty, along with its rarity and its high demand in the United States, all contribute to the high price of this dog.

Its beautiful appearance, smart and friendly behavior, and ability to excel in canine sports make the Cavalier even more marketable. 

What Is the Most Expensive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Color?

Out of this dog’s coat colors, the rarest and hardest to breed, and therefore the most expensive, is the black and tan. Expect the prices of the black and tan Cavalier puppy to be in the upper spectrum of the price range indicated in this article.

On the other hand, blenheim is the most common, yet it also has a high demand due to it being the traditional color of the CKCS. Hence, even if it falls in the lower range of a Cav’s price, it is still more costly than other breeds.

What Is the Cheapest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

The lowest puppy prices of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from legitimate sources would be somewhere around $1,500 and maybe a bit lower or higher, depending on the breeder.

If this seems a bit high, you may consider adopting a Cavalier from a credible rescue organization for only about $100 to $850. For a much lower adoption cost, you may consider going for adult dogs compared to puppies. 

Final Thoughts

As you have learned from this article, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that you need to save up for. Not only is it an expensive breed, but its cost of maintenance, especially in taking care of its health, is quite costly, too. 

However, just like with any other breed, if you really want to acquire a Cavalier, researching all the budgetary aspects of owning one should give you an advantage in terms of your financial preparation for getting the dog.

Following the money-saving tips in this article should also make you realize that keeping your Cavalier healthy and happy does not need to be too expensive. Being practical in terms of spending should always be considered. 

Do you think the cost and the expenses involved in owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are worth it? We would be happy to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!