Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Height — How Big Are Cavs Really?

If you’re trying to picture a full-grown Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, here’s the quick answer: most adult Cavaliers stand about 12–13 inches (30–33 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh 13–18 pounds (around 6–8 kg).

That puts Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height firmly in the “small dog” range—but they’re actually on the larger side of toy breeds.

Let’s unpack what that really looks like in everyday life.

What the Breed Standard Says — Typical Adult Height & Weight

Several major breed authorities agree on the same basic size for an adult Cavalier:

• Height (at withers/shoulder):
  12–13 inches (about 30–33 cm)

• Weight:
  13–18 pounds (about 6–8 kg)

These numbers come from official breed standards and reference sources, including the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (CKCSC), AKC, and Encyclopedia Britannica.

Great Pet Care and other veterinary/breed overviews use the same standard range when they talk about Cavalier weight and height.

So when people ask “how tall is a Cavalier?” or search for “Cavalier size in cm”, that 30–33 cm height and 6–8 kg weight is what they’re looking for.

What “Height at Withers” Means

Dog height is almost always measured “at the withers”. That can sound technical, but it’s simple:

• The withers are the highest point of the shoulders, where the neck meets the back.

• To measure Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height, you measure straight up from the ground to that top shoulder point while the dog is standing naturally.

This method is used for all breeds so a “12-inch Cavalier” and a “15-inch Beagle” can be compared accurately.

How Cavs Compare to Humans & Other Animals (Size Perspective)

Numbers are nice, but what does a 12–13 inch small dog breed height look like in real life?

Compared to a Human

• The average adult human knee is roughly 18–22 inches (46–56 cm) off the ground.

• A Cavalier at 12–13 inches will usually stand a bit below your knee, somewhere around mid-shin to just under kneecap height.

So when your Cavalier stands next to you, you’ll feel like you’re looking down at a compact, knee-height companion.

Compared to Other Dogs

Chihuahua (tiny toy breed):

• Chihuahuas are usually 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) tall at the shoulder and under 6 pounds.

• That means a Cavalier is roughly 50–100% taller and easily twice to three times heavier than a typical Chihuahua.

Beagle (small/medium hound):

• Beagles are typically 13–15 inches (33–38 cm) at the shoulder.

• A Cavalier is just slightly shorter than a standard Beagle—think of a Beagle that’s been shrunk down a tiny bit and given silky ears and feathering.

Average “small” vs “medium” dog:

• Many guides class small dogs as around 8–12 inches tall and under 20 lb.

• Medium dogs are often 15–25 inches tall and 22–55 lb.

At 12–13 inches and 13–18 lb, Cavaliers sit right at the top end of small toy breeds, brushing up against the low end of medium.

Compared to Cats, Maine Coons & a Moose (just for fun)

Average domestic cat:

• Most pet cats stand about 9–10 inches (23–25 cm) at the shoulder.

• A Cavalier is usually a couple of inches taller than the average cat.

Maine Coon cat:

• Maine Coons, one of the largest cat breeds, can be 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) tall.

• So a big Maine Coon can actually be similar in height to a Cavalier, though longer and more cat-shaped, obviously.

Moose (because why not):

• A male moose can stand up to 7 feet (about 213 cm) at the shoulder.

• That’s more than 7 times taller than your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s height. Your Cav is basically moose-ankle level.

Why Some Cavaliers Are Slightly Bigger or Smaller

Even with a clear breed standard, individual Cavaliers can fall a bit above or below the ideal.

Common reasons include:

• Genetics & breeding lines
  Some lines produce slightly heavier-boned or leggier dogs. The CKCSC standard even notes that slight variations from 12–13 inches and 13–18 lb are permissible, as long as the dog is still well-balanced and typical in appearance.

• Gender
  On average, male Cavaliers tend to be on the upper end of the height and weight range, while females are often a bit lighter and sometimes fractionally shorter—though both sexes are usually still within the official standard.

• Diet & body condition
  Cavaliers are prone to weight gain if overfed or under-exercised. A dog that should weigh 18 pounds might creep into the 20s if free-fed or gets lots of table scraps.

• Health issues
  Certain medical conditions (like hypothyroidism or joint issues) can affect weight and body shape. Any Cavalier significantly above the 13–18 lb guideline should be checked by a vet.

“Standard size” basically means the height and weight that breeders aim for to match the written ideal for the breed. A Cavalier slightly outside that range isn’t “wrong,” but for show and breeding, dogs closest to the standard are preferred.

Living With a Cavalier — Size, Space & Lifestyle Considerations

Because Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height and weight sit in that small-but-sturdy sweet spot, they’re very flexible for different homes.

Apartment & Small-Space Living

Cavaliers were literally bred to be lapdogs and companions, and multiple sources point out that they’re excellent apartment-friendly dogs as long as they get daily walks and human company.

Their size means:

• They don’t need a big yard.

• They can be comfortably carried, crated, and transported.

• They fit easily on sofas, beds, and in small dog beds.

But they’re not just decorative:

• They still need daily exercise—typically a couple of 20–30 minute walks plus playtime.

• Their spaniel heritage gives them a sporty, playful side once you step outside

Grooming & Care Implications of Their Size

Small dog, big coat:

• Cavaliers have a medium-length, silky coat with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail.

• You’ll want to:

  • Brush 3–4 times per week to prevent tangles and mats.

  • Check and clean ears regularly (those floppy, feathered ears can trap moisture).

  • Bathe roughly every 4–6 weeks, or as needed.

Their compact size makes grooming easy to manage at home—you can brush them on your lap or on a small table. But don’t confuse “small” with “low maintenance”: that long hair does require consistent care.

Quick Facts Table — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Size & Appearance

FAQ — Common Questions About Cavalier Size

How tall is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in cm?

Most adult Cavaliers are 30–33 cm tall at the withers (12–13 inches).

How heavy should an adult Cavalier be?

The ideal weight is 13–18 pounds (about 6–8 kg), proportionate to their height. Dogs slightly outside this range can be perfectly healthy, but if your Cavalier is much heavier than 18 lb, talk to your vet about body condition and diet.

Are male Cavaliers bigger than females?

Typically, males run toward the top of the range (closer to 13 in / 18 lb), and females toward the middle or lower end, but both sexes are usually within the same official standard.

Is a Cavalier a good size for apartment living?

Yes. Their small dog breed height and moderate exercise needs make them excellent for apartments and small flats. They’re quiet, people-oriented, and happy with daily walks plus couch time.

How does a Cavalier’s size compare to an average dog?

A “typical” medium dog often stands 15–25 inches tall and weighs 22–55 lb.
A Cavalier at 12–13 inches and 13–18 lb is smaller than the average dog, but noticeably bigger than the tiniest toy breeds (like Chihuahuas).

How does a Cavalier compare to a cat or Maine Coon in height?

• Average cat: 9–10 in at the shoulder.

• Maine Coon: 10–16 in at the shoulder.

So most Cavaliers are a bit taller than a regular cat, and similar in height to many Maine Coons, though Cavaliers usually weigh a little more than most cats.

When is a Cavalier fully grown?

Most Cavaliers reach their adult height by about 10–12 months, but they can continue to fill out and gain muscle until around 18 months. Growth charts and vet visits can help you confirm they’re tracking appropriately for their age.

Conclusion — Is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the Right Size for You?

If you want:

• A dog small enough to carry, cuddle, and live comfortably in an apartment…

• But big enough to feel sturdy, play with kids, and go on proper walks…

…the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel height and weight range hits a very comfortable middle ground.

At 12–13 inches tall and 13–18 pounds, Cavaliers are among the larger toy breeds, yet still easy to manage, groom, and house in small spaces. Combine that with their famously loving temperament and beautiful, silky coat, and you get a companion whose size suits everything from city studios to suburban family homes.

If that “just-below-the-knee, lap-friendly” size sounds perfect, a Cavalier might be exactly the right fit—for both your home and your heart.