Temperament
Affectionate, Sociable, Playful, Intelligent.
Health problems to know about
- Mitral valve disease (from the Cavalier side)
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
- Ear infections
Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.
Daily care
Daily walks and training games; they are brighter and busier than they look. Coats range from wavy to tight curls, and most need brushing several times a week plus a clip every 6 to 8 weeks. Ask to see heart, eye and knee results for both parents.
A good fit for
Families, first-time owners, flats, people who want a small, people-focused dog and will pay for grooming.
Probably not ideal for
Anyone expecting a guaranteed non-shedding coat or a predictable size, people out all day, owners unwilling to check the parents' health testing.
Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.
