Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Swimming Tips

cavalier king charles spaniel swimming in the lake

Some breeds are good at running, and others are good at swimming. Which kind of breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and what is it good at? Do these dogs make good pets? Will they get out on the water with you or even in the water with you? Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love water, but that’s not all there is to it. Keep reading to find out the answers to a few of your questions. We’ll tell you all there is to know about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, how they feel about water, how well they do with it, and much more.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Like Water?

While this differs from dog to dog, many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love water. Most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels will know how to swim, and due to their desire to please their owners, it’s generally very easy to train them to be better swimmers. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a well-known lapdog; because of this, they feel comfortable around large crowds. So, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel generally won’t feel scared at the beach or a pool.

It is important to know that preference for water is quite individual and some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be perfect swimmers, while others may even be afraid or reluctant around water, depending on their personality and previous experiences. Luckily, it is usually pretty easy to teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel new skills.

How to Teach a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Swim

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be taught to be a better swimmer. The best first step to teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to swim is to choose a nice, non-distracting place to teach them, like a lake.

It’s essential to begin teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to swim in shallow water, like a kiddie pool, but if you don’t have a kiddie pool, the shallow end of a lake will do. Your pet’s safety is first and foremost, so you’ll need a lifejacket for them. Make sure you never let your Spaniel into the water without a life jacket; you never know what could happen.

The best way to get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to enjoy the water is to play with them in it. When your Spaniel plays with you in the water, they will adapt faster and turn the experience into a fun one. You should always use a reward system with positive reinforcement, because punishing your dog for not swimming will only make them avoid the water and develop a lack of trust in you. Hold your dog with your hands under their belly when they try to swim to help them float, and whenever they try to swim or successfully swim, praise them and give them a treat.

cavalier king charles spaniel swimming in the pool
Image Credit: guigaamartins, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog perfectly capable of swimming. Some have an affinity for it, and most adore the water. They also enjoy being around large groups of people, making beaches a perfect place for them. On top of all that, it is easy to train a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be a better swimmer.

But not all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels adore the water. Some are afraid of water and panic when near it. If your Spaniel is like that, be patient when teaching them. Whether your Spaniel adores the water or is terrified, they can become an incredible swimmer and find fun in the water with enough training focused on a reward system and positive reinforcement.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Duba DP, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

6 Sounds That Scare Dogs & Vet-Reviewed Ways to Help Them

Canine noise aversion or phobia is a serious medical condition affecting approximately between a quarter and half of the dogs in the United...

Jelly vs the Brush: A 13-Year Battle

Hi, I’m Allison. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. If...

Why Is My French Bulldog Shaking? 8 Vet-Approved Reasons

As a dog owner, one of your responsibilities is to observe your dog’s body language and behavior regularly. If you have noticed your...

300 Dog Names Starting With G for Your Adorable Pup

Getting to name your dog is one of the best parts about preparing to welcome them into your home. There are so many...

More related

6 Best Dog Foods to Prevent Lawn Burn in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

After spending all day Saturday tending to the yard, the last thing you want is your dog to walk outside Sunday morning and...

Worms in Dog Poop: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatment

Seeing little white worms in your dog’s poop can be alarming, but it’s important to know that intestinal worms are common in canines....

8 Confidence-Building Games for Dogs: Vet-Approved Activities

If you’ve noticed your dog becoming anxious around other people, sticking close by you wherever you go, or becoming uncomfortable in certain situations,...

Do Huskies Make Good Pets? Pros, Cons & Care Tips

Adopting a dog is a huge decision for anyone. Whether you have a large family, are part of a couple, or enjoy what...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Goji Berries? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

If there’s one so-called superfood that’s made a big splash in the last few years, it’s goji berries. Known for their sour flavor and bright red color, goji berries are a popular addition to salads, smoothies, or a super snack...

Can Dogs Eat_goji berries

Pedigree Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Pedigree is a well-known dog food brand that’s been around for decades. You can find recipes for dogs of all life stages sold by Pedigree. The main appeal of Pedigree dog food is its affordability and accessibility, as...

Dogster_Pedigree Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & FAQ

If there’s an aroma guaranteed to get dogs drooling and gazing up at you with big, pleading eyes, it’s the smell of bacon cooking. As much as you may want to indulge your pooch, it’s wise to hold off on...

Can Dogs Eat Bacon

Nom Nom Sampler Pack Dog Food Review 2026: An Expert’s Breakdown

* Nom Nom now offers a free Storage Tub with any subscription purchase If you are used to feeding your dog dry kibble but are curious about a switch in their diet, you might be interested in fresh food. However,...

DOG_SAPR_Nom Nom Dog Food

Orijen Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo Dog Food: 2026 Comparison, Pros & Cons

With so many dog food options on the market, it’s easy to walk away with your hands empty and your head buzzing. If you’ve been buying dog food for some time or have recently adopted a puppy and have been...

Dogster_Dog Food Orijen VS Blue Buffalo

Nom Nom Dog Food Subscription Review 2026: Our Expert’s Breakdown

* Nom Nom now offers a free Storage Tub with any subscription purchase It used to be that if you wanted to feed your dog fresh, real food, you had to put the work in. You had to get the...

DOG_SAPR_Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

Can I Buy Dog Food Using Food Stamps (SNAP)? 2026 Guide

As the economy continues to struggle, many families are finding it difficult to make ends meet. One way that some people are able to save money is by shopping for groceries using food stamps. However, is it possible to buy...

woman buying dog food

10 Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

You love giving your dog tasty treats every now and then, whether for a job well-done, as part of a puzzle toy, or just to spoil them. But not all dog treats are created equal. What might be excellent for...

dog eating appetizing treat