Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
(Toy Dog Group)

The Cavalier is a happy, gentle, cheerful, sweet-tempered and playful small dog breed. Cavaliers make great family dogs who even like to play with small children (always under supervision of course). The Cavalier finds most humans delightful and loves to cuddle in their laps and snuggle in their beds. These comfort-loving Spaniels have retained some of the characteristics of the sporting dog breeds. They love to run in the yard and chase squirrels, chipmunks and birds. Cavaliers are easy to train but require early socialisation while a puppy to overcome their natural timidity. This breed also seems to do fine with novice dog owners and will make a good family dog.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a graceful toy spaniel that is larger than the King Charles Spaniel, its closest relative. The Cavalier Spaniel has long ears and a gentle expression with soft round eves. The Cavalier Spaniel retains some of the sporting dog breed characteristics and has a good nose and loves to go on walks. The well-feathered tail, which may or may not be docked, is constantly wagging. Cavalier Spaniels have a long silky and glossy coat with lots of feathering on the neck and chest. Colours seem to differ between four varieties of Cavaliers: Prince Charles is a tricolour dog with a white coat and black and tan markings; the Bleinham King Charles has the same white coat with chestnut-red markings; the third variety is the original Black and Tan; and the fourth variety is Ruby which is a solid red colour. Cavaliers are about 11 to 14 inches tall at the withers height and weigh from 11 to 18 pounds. Cavaliers are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Dog Group.

The Cavalier Spaniel was developed in 16th century England and became popular with European high society when King Charles II kept a large pack of these animals. Cavaliers frequently appeared in portraits of European aristocracy by famous artists like Rembrandt, Gainsborough and Rubens. During this time, the Cavaliers role was to warm laps in chilly castles and on carriage rides. The Cavalier Spaniel was ranked 31st in 2005 AKC registrations.

Cavaliers don’t require a lot of exercise but they love to go on walks. If they get walked regularly and get lots of attention in the morning and evening, the Cavalier Spaniel can adapt to apartment living and can even adapt to being left alone during the day. Cavalier Spaniels require brushing and combing twice a week and when shedding more often as needed. The Cavaliers’ bottom should be kept trimmed for cleanliness. The average life expectancy for Cavaliers ranges from 8 to 12 years. The Cavalier Spaniel has a number of common health problems including hip dysplasia, heart disease and eye problems. The most serious problem is mitral valve disease (MVD) and parents should be certified clear of MVD before you buy their puppies.

 

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