Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A loyal companion pet, an affectionate fur baby, and a friend to all, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel will show you the true meaning of puppy love. Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies are happy little fur babies that crave attention and cuddles. They are highly intelligent, obedient, and easy to care for. Because their nature is kind and their disposition always happy, these puppies thrive with any type of owner. They make excellent playmates for young children, sweet fur babies for single folks, and magnificent companions for senior citizens and retirees. Â
Characteristics
- The Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed is a member of the Toy Group within the American Kennel ClubÂ
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel puppies are very bright and easy to train. They pick up on tricks quickly and are fond of games and puzzles that stimulate their brilliant mindsÂ
- Although they donât have high energy levels, Cavalier spaniels can adapt to a more active lifestyleÂ
- Kind, gentle, and playful, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an excellent puppy for kidsÂ
- Thanks to their attentive nature and receptiveness during training, Cavalier puppies can be trained for therapy workÂ
- Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs get along well with other petsÂ
- Despite their occasional shedding, Cavalier Spaniels are not a high maintenance breedÂ
- The Cavalier King Charles spaniel dog was named after King Charles I of EnglandÂ
- Cavalier spaniels are among the most popular purebred puppies in Europe, the United States, and AustraliaÂ
Appearance
Cavalier King Charles spaniels have a very distinct and recognizable appearance. Their long beautiful ears, large heart-melting eyes, and overall elegance, make it hard to confuse them with another dog breed. As a member of the Toy Group, the Cavalier King Charles size does not exceed 12 to 13 inches. A full-grown Cavalier King Charles spaniel should weigh an average of 12 to 18 pounds.
Their build is sturdy and athletic with a flat back and a long, feathered, and slightly curled tail. Their face is slightly rounded with a conical, medium length muzzle. Their eyes are large, round, and expressive, with dark shades of brown or black. The Cavalierâs hair is long, silky, with a straight or wavy texture. Cavalier King Charles spaniel colors are black, red, white, gray, and shades of brown. The most popular Cavalier spaniels are:Â
- The Blenheim Cavalier King Charles spaniel â coloring includes a white background with brown or red spots on itÂ
- The Tricolor Cavalier King Charles spaniel â coloring includes a white background with brown or black spots on itÂ
- The Black and Tan Cavalier King Charles spaniel Â
- The Ruby Cavalier King Charles spaniel â solid-colored coat of ruby redÂ
Photos
Temperament
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are calm-tempered and well-behaved dogs. Although they are alert and aware of everything that moves around them, these gentle pooches donât make the best guard dogs. They are friendly and open towards strangers, so a possible intruder will be seen as another friend. Cavalier spaniels are also docile and quiet. They donât bark for endless hours and are not particularly prone to destructive behaviors. Â
What these dogs love most is to be around their human family and friends. They donât care for being alone in an empty home and are quite keen on participating in all of their humanâs activities. Although they can get overly attached to their people and show signs of anxiety when left alone, their intelligence allows them to be easily trained out of this behavior. Â
Because their ancestors were raised in palaces and luxury, Cavalier King Charles spaniels still hold on to their need for pampering and attention. They love belly rubs, cuddles, grooming, and bonding moments. Â
Although they are a moderately active breed, Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs enjoy going on hikes, long walks, bike runs, and swims. They can adapt to a more active lifestyle as well as to a laid-back one. Â
Care
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Grooming
Cavalier King Charles spaniels shed a bit and require regular grooming. Although they are not heavy shedders like other dog breeds, they do require a quick daily brushing to keep their coats matt-free. Baths are recommended every month or every other month, depending on the dogâs lifestyle. Their nails should be trimmed after every bath or sooner if they are not naturally filed down. Their long, beautiful ears should be checked for debris and possible infection (which are common in all dog breeds) and cleaned regularly. To keep up with their dental hygiene, it is recommended to brush their teeth as often as possible. Â
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Exercise Needs
Although their size and general appearance might say otherwise, Cavalier King Charles spaniels are quite athletic and ready to join in on jogs, runs, and hikes. These little dogs enjoy a moderate exercise regimen with one or two daily walks and plenty of games indoors. It is recommended to avoid over exercising or going on long walks in extreme weather. Â
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health
As with all dog breeds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may be prone to certain conditions. Although generally healthy, some Cavaliers might develop ailments while others might live a full life without any hint of illness. Conditions that are seen in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed include dental issues, ear infections, allergies, cataracts, and excessive weight gain. Â Â
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Life Span
The Cavalier spaniel lifespan is on average 9 to 14 years. Although most dogs live well past this age, it is always best to provide a loving environment, healthy diets and exercise regimens that can increase the Cavalier King Charles spaniel life expectancy. The oldest living Cavalier spaniel on record is 19 years old as of 2021. Â Â
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Training
Cavalier puppies are intelligent little dogs that train very easily. Attention, praise, treats, and everything else that comes with training, makes these puppies obedient students that are ready and happy to learn. Because they are eager to please and impress their trainer, Cavalier puppies keep excellent focus during lessons. They respond best to sessions that are kept short and entertaining, while their favorite rewards include chew toys and delicious treats. Â
Socializing these puppies should come easy although it is necessary to begin as early as possible as they may hold on to some prey drive. Cavalier King Charles spaniels should be introduced to smaller dogs and pets/animals when they are very young. Although they are not aggressive and will most likely not harm smaller animals, it is always best to keep them on leash until they are properly socialized. Â
Because they tend to get overly attached to their owners, Cavalier spaniels need extra training during puppyhood to teach them how to be independent. These sweet dogs are sensitive to harsh tones and punishments and should not be subjected to either. Â
History
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an ancient breed with many centuries worth of history. Although toy spaniels have been popular throughout their history, they only received their name and breed distinction after a monarch took a great interest in them. King Charles I, who was ruler of England during the 17th century, was fascinated with toy-sized spaniels, raising quite a few himself. Many claim that during his time as king, the monarch was hardly ever seen without his small dogs. After the kingâs demise, the once so precious spaniels almost went extinct. The new king was adamant about getting rid of the dogs that were associated with his fallen enemy. Luckily, a few noble houses that remained loyal to King Charles I kept a few toy spaniels and perpetuated the breed in their former kingâs honor. Â
After their turbulent times in England, Cavalier spaniels spread out to the rest of Europe and later to the United States where they were met with great admiration. Today, Cavalier King Charles spaniels are cinematic stars, champions in obedience and agility dog sports, and happy little companions for many lucky families. The breed received its official recognition with the American Kennel Club in 1995 and has since climbed the latter to popularity to the top spots. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are the most popular dog breed in the United Kingdom and the 18th most popular dog breed in the United States. Â