Temperament
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly affectionate. Some have called the Cavalier, "the ultimate lap dog" or the "love sponge" of dogs. Most dogs of the breed are playful, extremely patient and eager to please.
Cavaliers are usually good with children and other dogs. A well-socialized Cavalier will not be shy about socializing with much larger dogs. On occasion, this tendency can be dangerous, as many cavaliers will presume all other dogs to be equally friendly, and may attempt to greet and play with aggressive dogs.
Cavaliers will adapt quickly to almost any environment, family and location. Their ability to bond with larger and smaller dogs make them ideal in houses with more than one breed of dog. Cavaliers are great with all people, from children to seniors, making them a very versatile dog. The breed is most comfortable in areas with a temperature range of 30 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cavaliers as Pets
The extremely social nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel means that they require almost constant companionship from humans or other dogs and are not suited to spending long periods of time on their own. Cavaliers are the friendliest of the toy group.
Do to their earlier use as a hunting dog, some cavaliers can develop habits that predispose them to chase small animals such as chipmunks and squirrels. Because of this, it is recommended that care should be taken when walking a Cavalier off-leash, as they can chase a butterfly or squirrel onto a busy road or other dangerous situation without regard for their own safety.