The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, gentle and affectionate dog, usually 5 to 8 kg, with silky ears and a loving expression. Cavaliers like everyone, get along with children and other pets, and hate being left alone for long. They enjoy a walk but are just as happy on the sofa, which makes them a good apartment dog.

The silky coat and long ears need brushing a few times a week, and the ears should be kept clean and dry. In UAE summers, walk early or late, keep the dog in air conditioning and never leave it in a car. Cavaliers have slightly short noses, so take heat seriously. The breed is known for heart and neck problems, so ask the seller for the parents’ heart check records, and before you buy, ask your vet.

See the puppy in person (and its mother, if you buy from a breeder) and check the vaccination card and microchip number. Your dog should be microchipped, have its rabies and core vaccinations and be registered with your municipality or emirate. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000. Adoption is also an option, and adoption fees should be modest.