Can Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Run?

These perfect lapdogs are surprisingly sporty and fond of sprinting and other fun physical activities. However, do Cavaliers do well with distance running and jogging?

A healthy grown-up Cavalier King Charles Spaniel tolerates running or jogging in moderation. However, regular long-distance running is not recommended for Cavaliers due to their narrow airways, poor tolerance of hot weather, and susceptibility to joint problems.

BREED TRAITS TO CONSIDER

Flat Shape Of The Nose

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a brachycephalic breed. Having a flat face and typically narrow airways is one of the factors that put them at risk for overheating and poor tolerance of high endurance activities, such as running.

The following features make it more difficult to breathe for these dogs:

Narrow nostrils impair air circulation and any congestion, which is common for these dogs, exacerbates the problem
A narrow trachea makes panting less efficient

The long palate leads to respiratory problems
Pouches of laryngeal tissue often obstruct the airway

The brachycephalic airway syndrome is not as pronounced in Cavaliers as in some other flat-faced breeds but it still affects these dogs’ ability to breathe, regulate temperature, and, therefore, tolerate activity.

Hip Dysplasia And Joint Problems

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a predisposition for joint problems and hip dysplasia, so appropriate screening by a veterinarian is important.

Many dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive weight gain, which is a common problem for household pets in general.

Obesity is an issue on its own, of course, because it affects the dog’s overall health and tolerance to physical activity. It is also hard on joints and hips in particular, especially if a dog has hip dysplasia.

Intolerance Of Weather Extremes

A significant factor in these dogs’ ability to tolerate outdoor activities, especially jogging, and hiking, is their vulnerability to both heatstroke and hypothermia. Cavaliers tolerate hot weather poorly and they are also among the breeds that get cold easily on a chilly day.

A cooling vest and warm windproof clothes, as well as dog booties, provide some protection. However, the ideal solution is to avoid running with your Cavalier on hot days or at least during the hottest part of the day.

Can A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Go On A Long Walk (10 Miles or Longer)?

Walking up to 3 miles is generally alright for healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavaliers are small dogs and a significant distance can be a challenge for them. Most dogs of this breed get tired from walking over 5 miles, and many will struggle with shorter distances.

Certainly, a fit, young Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is likely to do well with a long walk, as long as it is not too warm outside, and the dog is well-hydrated. However, you should watch your pet’s cues carefully. Any sign of fatigue or breathing issues should be taken seriously.

I strongly suggest pacing exercise with your Cavalier and increasing the length of the walk gradually, even if you and your pet walk at a leisurely pace.

Can A Puppy Cavalier Jog Beside Me?

Avoid jogging or running with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel that is younger than a year old. Puppies are active and get plenty of activity but running and jogging regularly are not safe activities for a puppy’s joints.

A puppy’s bones and joints grow and develop rapidly, which is why they are particularly vulnerable to injury. This is true for all breeds of dogs, especially for those that are prone to joint issues, and Cavaliers are certainly at risk.

MAKE RUNNING SAFE FOR A CAVALIER

Condition Your Dog

Avoid starting with a long and strenuous running trail. Start with a light jogging exercise or some sprinting if your Cavalier enjoys that. Help your dog build up strength and stamina, and increase intensity as she tolerates it.

If the dog looks energetic and happy afterward, then she does fine with the exercise. Looking a little tired is okay but if your dog is panting heavily and appears exhausted, let her rest, offer some water, and consider reducing the intensity of the exercise.

Jogging a short distance is going to be easier for your Cavalier than running at a relatively fast pace. However, even slow jogging poses similar risks, to the joints, in particular.

As with most things, an individual dog may have characteristics that are not typical for the breed in general. You know your dog best, and you should always evaluate how your pet responds to any new activity or changes.

Screen Your Dog For Hip Dysplasia

It is also important to screen dogs of this breed for hip dysplasia. There are several kinds of screening tests for hip dysplasia. Some of them can be done when the dog is only a few months old, others require the animal to be about one and a half years.

Often a basic x-ray, especially if the dog is showing any signs of pain and abnormal hip development, such as limping, difficulty rising, and reluctance to move, is sufficient to diagnose the problem.

Given the Cavalier’s predisposition for joint issues, any high-impact activity should be moderated. Jumping and running certainly qualify as high impact. If your dog is healthy and does not seem to be uncomfortable during and after running, then let her enjoy this activity as tolerated. However, if you notice that your pup is unwilling to move and uncomfortable in other ways you can tell, consider joint pain as a potential culprit.

Promote A Healthy Weight

The stress on the joints is just one of the issues that come from being overweight. It also complicates any breathing problems and activity tolerance in general. Help your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel maintain its weight in the healthy range and you will prevent several health issues.

Provide some variety and high-quality foods for your pup, and avoid overfeeding. Many dog owners do not realize that treats can be very high in calories, so keep an eye on how many calories your dog is getting in treats, especially if they are not particularly nutritious otherwise.

Physical activity is very important for weight loss, of course, but it is important to start with lighter exercise if your pet is overweight and deconditioned. A long walk or an easy hike would be great options. Increase the intensity and try running with the dog, if your pet tolerates the activity well.

Provide Plenty Of Water

Always make sure your Cavalier has access to plenty of water, especially when running or going on some other demanding adventure. Dogs can forget to hydrate if they are really into a game or other activity outdoors or if they want to please the owner and just keep going. Bring along a water bottle for your pup and offer it often.

Run And Walk On Grassy Or Ground Trails

Compared to asphalt, ground trails or grass are much more comfortable for dogs (and people) to run on for a couple of reasons:

Ground and grass absorb shock better and are easier on your dog’s joints (your joints, too);
Both ground and grass protect from excessive heat and cold, so your dog does not develop a contact burn or frostbite.

If you and your dog go running or hiking frequently, dog boots or paw balm can be helpful, because a dog’s paws are vulnerable to injury. Paw wax or paw balm are also great options to protect your pet’s paws.

Jog In The Right Weather

A significant factor and a safety concern for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is their intolerance of hot weather. Always take precautions on a warm day, even if your pup is not engaging in too much physical activity.

When you do take your pup on a run with you, a day not warmer than 70°F (21°C) would be ideal. A shaded trail is an option if the ambient air is warm. You could also use a cooling vest for lengthy walks or a casual cooling collar to keep your Cavalier comfortable on hot days. It is important to check the size chart provided by the seller.