What size crate does a Cavalier King Charles spaniel need?

Cavaliers are 13–18 lb toy spaniels — sweet-tempered, people-oriented, easy to crate train. The 22" crate suits most adults. What matters for this breed is health, not sizing: Cavaliers have one of the highest prevalence rates of mitral valve disease (heart murmurs and heart failure) of any breed, and many carry syringomyelia (a painful neurological condition from skull-brain mismatch).

For crating, the practical impact is that older Cavaliers may cough more when lying down, may need to shift position often, and may not tolerate long crate sessions well. Watch for changes in crate behavior in a Cavalier over 5 years old — increased restlessness or coughing at night warrants a cardiac workup.

Long feathered ears trap moisture and get infected. Same routine as Cockers: clip back during crate meals, wipe out after, watch for head-shaking. Prominent eyes are prone to injury; keep the crate free of anything sharp at head height.

Cavaliers are one of the most people-attached breeds on this list. They should not be crated for long solo periods — separation anxiety is common and difficult to manage once established. Central crate placement, short duration, and human company are the pattern that works.