The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the smallest breeds in the world. However, this pocket-sized pooch comes with a hefty price tag. But, how much does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel actually cost?
Knowing the price of this breed, along with the expenses of raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, helps you plan your finances in advance.
In this guide, we will cover all the costs, from buying puppies to raising your own adult CKCS dog. Let’s get started!
The Average Cost of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy
The average price of a Cavalier puppy from a reputable breeder ranges between $1,800 and $3,500, depending on their bloodline, quality, and breeder. If you want a show-quality puppy from a champion bloodline, it costs around $4,000.
Puppies with a champion bloodline are generally more expensive. Although the price might seem unreasonable, buying these quality dogs will save you from possible medical costs and vet bills.
A Cavalier puppy is expensive because it is a rare breed. And there are only a handful of dog owners who choose to raise this pooch.
Luckily, there are cheaper options to consider if you wish to own a Cavalier puppy on a tight budget.
You can buy a mixed breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels since they are generally cheaper. However, avoid buying from a puppy mill at all costs.
Although the puppy price is lower, puppy mills exploit their dogs for profit and neglect their welfare.
Buying a puppy online is the most convenient option, but you should be mindful of scammers.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price greatly varies because there are a lot of factors to consider.
It is important to note that breeders do not control the market price. Pricing generally considers the bloodline, quality, appearance, kennel club papers, and many more.
Here is a detailed list of factors that affect the price of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Pedigree or Bloodline: As mentioned, show quality dogs are more expensive. The litter that champion dogs produce dictates a higher than average cost. Thus, Cavalier puppies born from superior pedigrees or pups whose parents have won competitions incur higher prices.
Coat Color: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a variety of coat colors. For instance, the CKCS may inherit a Blenheim, ruby, tri-color, or black and tan color of coats. The dog’s coat colors have different prices, depending on how rare or common it is.
Location: The distance between you and the breeder may result in additional charges. Depending on your arrangement, delivering the puppies to your doorstep would generate added costs on the breeder’s end. You may choose to meet halfway or negotiate instead.
Kennel Club Papers: Breeders often shell out extra money to register their dogs in kennel clubs. This is done to certify that the dog is a true purebred. Thus, the additional expenses on these documents raise the value of the puppy.
Vaccines: Vaccines offer immunity protection to ensure the puppies’ survival. However, these injections are additional costs to breeders. This means that puppies with complete vaccine shots are more expensive, while cheaper puppies generally have fewer injections. As a buyer, you must choose puppies with complete vaccines despite the higher price to prevent health problems.
More factors such as breeder reputation, gender, and medical tests, affect the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price.
Try to ask other reputable breeders so you can have general information regarding the market and assess whether the price is reasonable.
Also, the size of the dog dictates its price as well. For example, teacup Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally more expensive than regular-sized ones.
Since you are at this point, check out this video to learn more about them:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Top 10 Facts<a href="https://youtu.be/ntoB83EzmSM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FntoB83EzmSM%2F0.jpg" alt="Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Top 10 Facts" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel From a Rescue?
The average cost of adopting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from a rescue is $150 to $600. However, most animal shelters offer adult dogs.
So, depending on your budget, you need to choose between raising puppies sold at a higher price or adopting an adult dog at a lesser cost.
While adoption is significantly cheaper and charitable, Cavalier puppies are rare in animal shelters. You will have a higher chance of spotting Cavalier puppies from breeders who offer adoption.
Also, dogs in animal shelters receive proper veterinary care. Thus, adopting a Charles Spaniel saves you from vet bills like vaccines and other necessary health tests.
Initial Cost of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Ownership
Puppy prices alone are insufficient to account for all the costs. Instead, it is only the beginning of future expenditures as you provide a happy and healthy home for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Some experienced dog owners already know the initial costs of raising a pet. However, new dog owners should conduct research first to prepare the basic needs of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or even other breeds.
To help every pet parent, here is the rundown of the basic items that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need:
Food and Treats: Unlike a large guard dog, a regular-sized or toy spaniel like Cavalier does not require a considerable amount of dog food. Dog food prices range from around $50 to $80. It is best to invest in high-quality dog food to ensure the safety and increase the lifespan of your wonderful family dog.
Food and Water Bowls: Since the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed, it is best to buy small-sized feeding bowls. It helps your dog to eat more comfortably. You can buy a pair of food and water bowls for only around $10 to $25.
Bed: Some pet owners dismiss the importance of buying a bed for their dogs. Choosing the perfect bed for a small dog like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel not only provides comfort but prevents the development of hip dysplasia. A bed for a small dog ranges between $30 and $150.
Crate: An active Charles Spaniel needs a sturdy crate. Stainless steel is much preferred because it prevents even aggressive dogs from ingesting rust when they chew on their crates. A strong crate for a small dog ranges from $30 to $200.
Leash and Collars: A strong leash and collar is a good investment for pet parents who love outdoor activities. You can bring your fur baby to one of your jogging sessions or have a short walk every morning. A pair of leash and collar is available at your local pet store for $15 to $50.
Toys: Toys are necessary for dog behavior and physical development. It helps release their pent-up energy and relieves stress, boredom, and agitation. These toys can cost you $20 to $30.
Grooming Essentials: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels moderately shed and require regular grooming to maintain their long silky hair. Grooming tools, including a set of brushes, tooth brushing kit, shampoo, and others, cost around $30 to $150.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Since Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have long silky hair, they are susceptible to flea and ticks. They also need to be dewormed regularly as puppies. For flea and tick medication and deworming, the expected costs are around $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits: Vet visits are essential within the first few months of your dog. These consultations involve full check-ups, health assessments, and recommendations. The initial vet expenses for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cost between $100 and $300.
Initial Vaccine Shots: Even though breeders and rescue shelters ensure the health of puppies before releasing them, it is best to allot money for additional vaccine shots worth $75 to $200.
Neutering or Spaying: As a pet owner, you are doing your dog a favor when you get them neutered or spayed. It increases their average life expectancy and prevents any reproductive-related diseases. The surgical procedure for a small breed like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel costs around $50 to $500.
Dog License: Some states require owners to get a dog license. You will be given a unique identification number along with your contact details in case of any dog emergency. You need to allot $10 to $20 to get your dog licensed.
Microchip: Implanting a microchip in your dog increases the chance of getting it back in case it gets lost. The chip stores your data as the owner as well as other important information about your dog. Microchipping is a bit more expensive than licensing, which amounts to $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: You should also dedicate $15 to $30 for supplies that will help you deal with your dog’s dirty business. You can bring a poop cleaner next time you take your pet on one of your trips or a poop bag when strolling at the dog park.
The table below shows the breakdown of initial expenses of owning a Cavalier puppy:
These initial expenses are essential for your dog’s health. Preparing these items beforehand helps your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy adjust to its new environment and reduce stress.
Annual Cost of Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires regular grooming, medical care, and even training classes.
These costs might mount up to a considerable financial responsibility. Make sure to allocate funds for your pet’s maintenance to keep them in healthy condition.
The annual cost may vary between King Charles Spaniels and other dog breeds. Usually, smaller breeds incur lesser costs because they have lower food costs and smaller crates.
The table below shows the breakdown of the yearly cost for a CKCS:
Allocating funds for regular check-ups aids in the physical development of your puppy.
For a newborn, it is recommended to visit a vet clinic once every 3 to 4 weeks until they are four months old. Routine vet bills usually amount to $200 to $400 annually.
For a practical piece of advice, investing in pet insurance saves you from costly pet diseases like parvovirus, ringworms, and other infections.
A $500 to $600 pet insurance is better than thousands of dollars spent on surgeries and treatment.
Prepare to spend $1,405 to $3,010 for the first-year expenses. Depending on your care and frequency of use, some items may last more than a year.
Other Potential Expenses
Aside from the general needs of every dog, King Charles Spaniel has special concerns. These breed-specific concerns make up your potential expenses, so this section is tailored-fit for your Cavalier puppy.
For instance, these dogs might require extra clothing, a few group classes, or extra medications for their health problems. Also, one-hour sessions of training that cover basic obedience should be done weekly.
Here is a list of other potential expenses for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Training Classes: Charles Spaniel ranks as ‘average’ in terms of intelligence. According to statistics, this affectionate breed ranks 44th out of the 131 tested breeds. They can learn basic obedience under the proper guidance of a professional dog trainer. Training sessions cost around $100 to $300.
Extra Clothing: Unlike other dogs, the CKCS is single-coated and cannot tolerate cold weather conditions. Thus, buying an extra pair of winter clothes protects them from the chilly temperature. Also, it is advisable to regularly wash and change their clothes to prevent irritability and skin infections.
Emergency Treatment: Because of the genetic makeup of purebred dogs, they are susceptible to certain health problems. The spaniel heritage is prone to mitral valve disease (MVD), and about 50 percent of this breed develops it by the age of five. Treatment for this and other health conditions can cost between $1,000 and $5,000.
Vitamins and Supplements: Even though your dog does not show signs of weakness, vitamins and medicinal supplements are essential to prevent sickness and diseases. Before buying, make sure to read the label and description carefully to know the dosage and the appropriate age. It’s also advisable to consult a licensed veterinarian. Prepare at least $200 to $600 for your dog’s supplements annually.
Kennel Club Registration: If your puppy does not have a club registration, you can register them in the American Kennel Club or other major kennel clubs. It comes with a certificate and eligibility to participate in any of their events. The registration process costs around $35 to $70.
These potential expenses are necessary for providing a loving and caring environment for your puppy. Professional training for your pet is highly recommended.
Places to Find Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you are thinking of buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, consider buying from well-known breeders. Choosing an established breeder ensures that puppies are raised in a perfect environment.
Again, beware of puppy mills. They do not consider the dog’s welfare, and most puppies live in unsanitary conditions.
Here are some recommended breeders that guarantee healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies:
Robin Creek Cavaliers – Located in Utah, it is evident that Robin Creek nourishes their Cavalier puppies because they only breed once or twice a year. It shows that they do not exploit their dogs and value welfare over profit.
Cavaliers by Crumley – Situated at the foothills of Georgia, you can be sure that their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are raised closer to the natural environment. This Cavalier breeder also won merits from the American Kennel Club.
Chadwick Cavaliers – Established in 1976, Chadwick Cavaliers is a household name in the breeding industry. The kennel has also frequently appeared in the CKCS Health Registry, so you can be sure that their Cavalier puppies are of high quality and healthy.
If you’re debating whether to get a male or female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from these breeders, you should first do your research.
On the other hand, you can choose a more economical and humanitarian option to own a Cavalier Spaniel.
Here are some reputable rescues where you can find Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs for adoption:
Cavalier Rescue USA – This rescue organization features an updated list of Cavalier Spaniels for adoption. But first, you need to fill out an online application form to assess your parental skills for the dog. Their adoption fees cost $100 for senior dogs and those with special needs. While for puppies and other adult dogs, it can go as high as $750.
Cavalier Rescue Trust – This organization is dedicated to pet owners who have decided to surrender their Cavalier Spaniels. Usually, dogs under their care undergo therapy sessions for socialization until they are ready for adoption. Thus, they do not post all the available dogs on their website until they feel that the dogs are ready. The organization also requires adopters to have a fenced property and, if possible, families with minimal small children.
Cavalier Rescue Florida – If you happen to live around Florida or elsewhere, consider adopting from the Cavalier Rescue Florida. Like the others, the rescue requires you to submit an online application, and they will assess your lifestyle, family demographics, and other aspects. After the evaluation, they will choose the best dog that matches your lifestyle, but you won’t have the liberty to choose which dog you might like.
The rescue organizations mentioned above are only a handful of the animal shelters dedicated to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. For more adoption options, check out our top 10 picks for Cavalier rescues.
Money-Saving Tips for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Owners
While raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be a bit expensive, there are ways to minimize your pet expenditures. You can allot these funds to more meaningful expenses, or you can save them for emergency purposes.
Here are some money-saving tips that you should follow when owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Buy dog food in bulk. Instead of buying a pound or two, a sack of dog food is more practical. Suppliers often mark up the prices of dog food if you buy them in retail. It will also let you save on transportation fees.
Provide daily exercise for your Cavalier puppy. Like humans, your dog’s daily exercise helps develop your dog’s muscles, strengthen their bones, and enhance their cardio-vascular system. Regular walking every day keeps the dog’s weight in optimal condition. You can also engage them in canine sports.
Groom your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at home. Although a professional is more efficient, learning how to groom your pet can save you time and money. Just make sure that you do not overdo it to maintain your pet’s coat and appearance.
Prepare homemade dog food. Homemade dog food is cheaper because it only takes a chunk of your table food. You can mix the dog food with rice, veggies, and other meats. Still, you need to be careful with the foods you serve because some are harmful to dogs.
Saving money is always great. However, you should always prioritize your dog’s health. Give your dogs the best dog food if possible and take them to the veterinary clinic when necessary.
Final Thoughts
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ideal housepet because it is cute, fun, and loving. If you catch a glimpse of this wonderful dog, you will understand the devotion of royalties like King Charles II to them.
As a pet owner, you should know everything about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel price so you won’t be fooled by places advertising cheaper puppies.
They are most likely from puppy mills or backyard breeders, so it’s best to avoid them and only adopt or buy from established breeders.
Aside from the cost of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, make sure to prepare the initial expenses and the basic items first, so you and your house are dog-ready for the new addition to the family.
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