There are no Cavalier King Charles Spaniels currently listed with Calgary-area rescues. New dogs arrive regularly through Calgary shelters and southern-Alberta intake — this page refreshes automatically as they do.
Browse all available Calgary dogs →About Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in Calgary
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the gentlest, most family-friendly small breeds in Calgary. Adult Cavaliers typically weigh 13-18 lbs, stand 12-13 inches tall, and live 9-14 years. They are calm, affectionate, devoted lap dogs that bond intensely with their family while remaining friendly with strangers, other dogs, and children. The breed dates back to 17th-century England (named after King Charles II) and has been a beloved royal companion breed for centuries. Cavaliers are widely considered one of the best small breeds for first-time owners and families with children.
Cavaliers end up in Calgary rescues for predictable reasons that are unfortunately concentrated in health-related surrenders: mitral valve disease (MVD) management costs (Cavaliers are the worst-affected breed — ~98% have heart murmurs by age 10), syringomyelia (a Cavalier-specific neurological condition), elderly owner downsizing or passing, "puppy was a gift" mismatches. Cavalier adoption fees in Calgary typically range $300-$800 — far less than the $2,500-$4,500 breeder price (Cavaliers are among the most expensive purebred small dogs).
Cavalier mixes are common in Calgary rescues. Cavapoo (Cavalier + Poodle) is the most popular cross — typically 12-25 lbs, lower-shedding, low-allergen-friendly, gentle temperament. Cavachon (Cavalier + Bichon Frise) is another small companion mix — typically 12-20 lbs. Cava-Tzu (Cavalier + Shih Tzu) appears occasionally. Read each rescue's temperament notes carefully — mix dogs vary widely depending on which parent they take after.
A note on "Unwanted Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for sale" searches: this typically reflects owner-rehoming where the family can no longer afford ongoing Cavalier health care (MVD medication, cardiac monitoring, syringomyelia management). These are often well-loved adult dogs needing experienced homes that understand the breed's health profile. All Cavaliers and Cavalier mixes listed below are from 15+ Calgary-area rescues, updated regularly.
Looking at all small dogs in Calgary?
Browse every available small dog from 15+ Calgary rescues — including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Cavaliers, Boston Terriers, and small mixes — in one place. Listings refresh regularly.
Browse all Calgary small dogs → Read the small dog adoption guide →Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adoption FAQ
Where can I adopt a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in Calgary?
Cavaliers appear regularly in Calgary rescues. Best places to check: Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, Pawsitive Match, Calgary Animal Rescue. Senior-focused rescues like Happy's Place also occasionally take Cavaliers. The listings on this page aggregate all currently available Cavaliers and Cavalier mixes (Cavapoo, Cavachon, Cava-Tzu) — updates regularly. Most common Calgary Cavalier surrender reasons: MVD/cardiac care cost overwhelm, syringomyelia diagnosis, elderly owner downsizing/passing, gift-puppy mismatches. See our Cavalier adoption guide for the full Calgary playbook.
How long do Cavaliers live?
Cavaliers typically live 9-14 years — shorter than most small breeds (Maltese 12-15, Yorkies 13-16, Pomeranians 12-16) due to high mitral valve disease prevalence. Mitral valve disease (MVD) is the leading cause of death in Cavaliers — approximately 98% of Cavaliers have heart murmurs by age 10. Syringomyelia is the second major Cavalier health concern (Cavalier-specific neurological condition affecting ~70%). With excellent care (early MVD detection, lifelong cardiac management, weight management, dental care, pet insurance enrolled before symptoms), some Cavaliers reach 14-16. See our Cavalier health issues guide for breed-specific conditions and Calgary cardiology costs.
Are Cavaliers good with kids?
Yes — Cavaliers are one of the BEST small breeds for households with children, including young kids. Patient, gentle, tolerant temperament. Sturdy enough to handle gentle child interaction (less fragile than Yorkies/Maltese/Pomeranians). Calm enough not to overstimulate kids. Naturally affectionate without being overly velcro. Always supervise initial interactions and teach kids to respect the dog's space. Calgary rescues often consider Cavaliers ideal "first family dog" candidates. Note: Cavaliers can be sensitive to harsh handling (snap defensively if poked or grabbed roughly), so age-appropriate kid-dog rules still apply.
What are the four Cavalier color varieties?
CKC-recognized Cavalier colors: (1) Blenheim — chestnut/red markings on white background, the most common Cavalier color. (2) Tricolor — black, white, and tan markings. (3) Ruby — solid rich red. (4) Black and Tan — solid black with tan markings (eyebrows, cheeks, chest, legs). Some Cavaliers also display the "Blenheim spot" — a small chestnut mark on top of the head, considered desirable in show lines. All four colors share identical temperament and breed standard — color is purely aesthetic. Calgary rescues see all four varieties; Blenheim and Tricolor are most common locally.
How much do Cavaliers cost to adopt in Calgary?
Calgary Cavalier adoption fees typically range $300-$800 — well under the $2,500-$4,500 breeder price (Cavaliers are among the most expensive purebred small dogs due to small litter sizes and high breeding costs). Calgary Humane Society: $135-$400. AARCS, BARCS, Pawsitive Match: $400-$800 (sometimes higher for Cavaliers due to expected medical history). Calgary Animal Services: $225 + GST. Senior Cavaliers (8+ years): $250-$400. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, basic medical workup. Annual care costs for a Cavalier: $1,800-$3,500/year (significantly higher than other small breeds due to MVD monitoring + medication starting at first murmur detection). Pet insurance is essential — verify MVD coverage specifically before enrolling.
Need to rehome a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
If you can no longer keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you can list them for free on LocalPetFinder. Your dog stays in your home until you find the right family, you screen who applies, and there is no surrender fee. Not sure yet? Our guide to surrendering a dog in Canada walks through every option first.
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